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13th Amendment Ratified
Officially abolished slavery throughout the United States, marking a turning point in civil rights and freedom. -
Reconstruction Acts Passed
Established the process for Southern states to rejoin the Union and placed them under military rule during Reconstruction. -
Transcontinental Railroad Completed
The Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met in Utah, connecting the coasts and revolutionizing U.S. transportation. -
Sherman Antitrust Act
The first federal law to outlaw monopolies and promote fair business competition. -
Battle of Wounded Knee
A violent confrontation in South Dakota that ended Native American resistance to U.S. expansion. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Supreme Court ruling that upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine. -
Spanish-American War
A brief conflict that resulted in U.S. control over former Spanish territories and expanded American global influence. -
Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal
A series of reforms aimed at consumer protection, corporate regulation, and natural resource conservation. -
U.S. Enters World War I
The U.S. declared war on Germany, entering WWI and helping turn the tide in favor of the Allies. -
19th Amendment Ratified
Granted women the right to vote, a landmark moment in American democracy and women’s rights. -
Stock Market Crash
Triggered the Great Depression, the most severe economic downturn in U.S. history. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Begins
A set of government programs to provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
A surprise Japanese attack on a U.S. naval base that brought America into World War II. -
D-Day (Normandy Invasion)
Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in a major offensive against Nazi forces. -
Marshall Plan
A massive U.S. aid program to rebuild Western Europe after WWII and prevent the spread of communism. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. -
Civil Rights Act
Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public spaces and employment. -
Vietnam War Escalation
U.S. military involvement dramatically increased under President Johnson, deepening the controversial war. -
Watergate Scandal
A political scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation and eroded public trust in government. -
Iran Hostage Crisis
52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days at the U.S. Embassy in Iran, creating a major diplomatic crisis.