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1877: The Great Railroad Strike
In response to wage cuts, railroad workers initiated a strike in Martinsburg, West Virginia, which quickly spread nationwide, highlighting the growing tensions between labor and industry during America's rapid industrialization. -
1898: Spanish-American War
A conflict between the United States and Spain, resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a significant expansion of American influence overseas. -
1903: Wright Brothers' First Flight
Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, ushering in the era of aviation. -
1914-1918: World War I
A global conflict primarily centered in Europe, involving major world powers and resulting in significant political and social changes worldwide. -
1920: Women's Suffrage in the U.S.
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote and marking a pivotal moment in the women's rights movement. -
1929: The Great Depression Begins
The stock market crash led to a severe worldwide economic depression, profoundly impacting economies and societies across the globe. -
1939-1945: World War II
A global war involving most of the world's nations, resulting in significant loss of life and reshaping international relations and borders. -
1945: Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The United States dropped atomic bombs on these Japanese cities, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II, while ushering in the nuclear age. -
1955-1975: Vietnam War
A prolonged conflict between communist North Vietnam and South Vietnam, with heavy involvement from the United States, reflecting Cold War tensions. -
1963: March on Washington
Over 200,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., advocating for civil and economic rights for African Americans, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. -
1969: Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, marking a monumental achievement in space exploration. -
1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall, symbolizing the division between East and West Germany, was brought down, leading to German reunification and signaling the approaching end of the Cold War. -
1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union
The USSR dissolved into multiple independent republics, marking the end of the Cold War era and reshaping global political dynamics. -
2001: September 11 Attacks
Coordinated terrorist attacks in the United States led to significant loss of life and prompted the U.S. to initiate the War on Terror, impacting international relations and security policies. -
2008: Global Financial Crisis
A severe worldwide economic crisis led to significant downturns in global markets and prompted widespread financial reforms. -
2011: Arab Spring
A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa led to significant political changes in the region. -
2016: Brexit Referendum
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, initiating a complex and impactful political and economic process. -
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic
A global outbreak of COVID-19 led to widespread lockdowns, economic disruption, and a rapid vaccine rollout, transforming daily life worldwide. -
2021: U.S. Capitol Riot
On January 6, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, leading to widespread condemnation and security reforms. -
2022: Russia-Ukraine War Begins
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to significant global economic and political consequences, including widespread sanctions and international military aid to Ukraine.