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Reconstruction Begins
Reconstruction was the period after the Civil War in which the United States attempted to rebuild the South and reintegrate it into the Union. It also aimed to secure rights and opportunities for newly freed African Americans. -
The 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments (1865–1870)
These three amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship to everyone born in the U.S., and gave Black men the right to vote. They changed the laws to better protect civil rights. -
Transcontinental Railroad Completed
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad connected the east and west coasts, supporting settlement, expanding commerce, and transforming travel across the United States. -
The Dawes Act
The Dawes Act divided Native American lands into individual plots, forcing Native Americans to live like white settlers and taking millions of acres of their land. -
The Sherman Antitrust Act
This was the first federal law to stop monopolies and promote competition in the economy, showing that the government would start to control big business. -
The Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was a fight between the United States and Spain. After winning, the U.S. took control of former Spanish colonies such as Puerto Rico and the Philippines. This showed that the United States was becoming a powerful country with overseas territories. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
A deadly fire in a New York City factory killed 146 workers, which led to major labor reforms and improved fire safety laws. -
The 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution granted women the right to vote. This expanded American democracy after decades of activism. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor caused the U.S. to join World War II, ending its isolation and starting its fight in a worldwide war. -
Civil Rights Act
This law banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a major success for the civil rights movement.