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Stamp Act
On March 22nd, 1765 British parliament placed a stamp tax on the 13 Colonies. The Stamp Act enraged the colonists and led to many protests. Any official document/published goods needed a stamp as proof of payment. The Stamp Act was one of the first movements that fueled the early stages for revolution in the colonies. -
Townshend Acts
Issued on June 6th, 1767, the Townshend Acts were a series of taxes passed by British parliament on the colonies. The Townshend Acts were named after Charles Townshend, who was the British Eschequer at the time. These acts imposed taxes on goods such as glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. Similar to the Stamp Act, these acts enraged the colonists and were met with opposition. -
Boston Massacre
On March 5th, 1770, on King Street in Boston, colonists threw snowballs with rocks and sticks at British soldiers while insulting them in protest. Eventually the British soldiers fired on the crowd. Five American colonists, including Crispus Attucks, who is now known as one of the first martyrs for the American cause and African-American equality, were killed. The slaughter of colonists created a large uproar. -
Boston Tea Party
On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships docked in the Boston Harbor. On the ships the patriots dumped 342 boxes of tea into the harbor in resistance to the oppression from Britain. Britain took a large financial loss from the Boston Tea Party, and it was a major lead up to the revolution. -
Battles of Lexington and Concorde
The Battles of Lexington and Concorde broke out on April 19th, 1775 when a shot was fired, still unknown from which side to this day. The Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island militias teamed up against the British army. The battle resulted in American victory, which led to more support for the American cause by colonists. The battle was seen as a disaster for the British army. -
Declaration Of Independence
On July 4th, 1776 the colonies had declared Independence from Britain. The written document was drafted by Thomas Jefferson where he outlined the beliefs of the colonies and the tyranny of Britain. This was a bold event in history that founded our Nation. -
Battle of Saratoga
The fighting at Saratoga broke out on September 19th, 1777. The British sent two armies to flank the Americans; however the British got stuck in the swamp and the Americans could easily pick them off. Ultimately, the fighting ended a few weeks later on October 7, 1777, when the British surrendered. This American victory was vital, as a whole British army was captured and their supplies, alongside earning trust from the French as an ally. -
Siege of Yorktown
On September 28th, 1781, the American army took siege of Yorktown where Cornwallis' army was pushed back by Washington. However when Cornwallis made it to Yorktown he was surrounded by the American army and the French fleet. Three weeks later, the Americans took a total siege, and the last major battle of the war was over with a surrender from Cornwallis. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was officially signed on September 3, 1783; this marked the end of the Revolutionary War. Under this treaty, Great Britain had to recognize U.S.A. as an independent nation. It established the U.S. boundaries. The British would also have to withdraw troops from the U.S. territory. British Loyalists would be granted their property and rights back in return. The treaty ultimately solidified the U.S. as an official nation. -
Constitution is Ratified
The Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788 after New Hampshire was the last state to approve it. The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation and balanced the government with separate branches and a more solid cornerstone of government. Ultimately the Constitution was put into full affect on March 4, 1789. The Constitution is still the foundation of the government today and helps balance our government and provide stability. -
George Washington becomes the first President
George Washington became the first President of the United States when he was inaugurated on April 30th, 1789. Washington helped shape the role of president for future presidents by setting up precedents, such as term limits and a cabinet. Washington signed a bill establishing the first National Bank and nominated John Jay as the first chief justice; he also established Washington D.C. as the capital. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan
As Washington's Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton wanted to create a strong financial plan for the U.S. Hamilton's plan had 3 main components : The federal assumption of state debts, the creation of a national bank, and protective tariffs to encourage American industry. Under Hamilton's plan, debts were paid off and the protective tariffs were passed. The American economy grew and attracted foreign investors. The National Bank was established on February 25th, 1791. -
Bill of Rights is ratified
On December 15th, 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified. The Bill of Rights guaranteed individual rights and freedoms. The first 10 amendments were added to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was written by James Madison. -
John Adams becomes second President
On March 4th, 1797, John Adams became the second U.S. president. John Adams successfully avoided war with France through strong diplomacy; however he did sign the Alien and Sedition Acts which were controversial. He had also appointed John Marshall as the Chief Justice, and he strengthened the military. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was signed on April 30th, 1803 by Thomas Jefferson. This purchase of land included lands west of the Mississippi and importantly, the city of New Orleans; however this did not contain Spanish and British territory further west. The U.S. doubled in size and the purchase came with a $15 million price tag. Jefferson later hired Lewis and Clark to explore the new land. -
War of 1812
On June 18th, 1812, war broke out between the U.S. and Britain and allied natives on both sides. War broke out due to impressment of American sailors and other trade interferences by Britain. The war was fought on U.S. soil, Canada, and waterways. The war ended a few years later in a draw after the Treaty of Ghent was signed and ratified by both sides on February 17, 1815. -
Washington D.C. Burns
On August 14, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces had invaded Washington D.C. The British forces captured the city with ease, burning down the White House and capitol building, along with other federal structures. When the White House was burned, First Lady Dolly Madison saved the famous portrait of George Washington on her escape, which she is known for her heroic save. After the city was burned, it was restored after the war. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24th, 1814 in Belgium. The Treaty ended the War of 1812 and restored peace between Britain and the U.S. The treaty ultimately restored pre-war boundaries and improve relations between the two nations; however not all issues were resolved. -
Missouri Compromise
On March 2nd, 1820, the Missouri Compromise was signed by President James Monroe. The Compromise drew a line east to west, dividing the nation into North (Free States) and South (Slave States). This compromise ultimately set up the boundaries of the Civil War decades before it started. -
Monroe Doctrine
In 1823, President James Monroe introduced the Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine declared no more European colonization/interference in the Americas would be tolerated by the U.S. This doctrine helped protect newly independent Latin-American countries and developed the U.S. as the dominant power in the Americas. -
John Quincy Adams Inauguration
On March 4th, 1825 John Quincy Adams was inaugurated as the 6th president. During his presidency he established a national university and a national observatory. Outside of pushing academic and scientific discovery, Quincy Adams had also pursued foreign policy and internal improvements. -
Andrew Jackson's Inauguration
On March 4th, 1829, Andrew Jackson was inaugurated as president. During his presidency, Jackson paid off the national debt, gained new lands, he shut down the corrupt national bank, and opened Canadian and Caribbean ports to U.S. trade. However, Jackson had issued the Indian Removal Act on May 28th, 1830, which had tarnished his reputation. -
Indian Removal Act
On May 28th, 1830, President Andrew Jackson had signed the Indian Removal Act. This act removed natives from eastern lands, and dumped them into the lands west of the Mississippi River. These natives did not know their new lands and often had conflict from tribes that were already there. Tribes such as the Cherokee resisted the act. -
Nullification Crisis
In 1831, John C. Calhoun of South Carolina was still upset over the Tariff of Abominations. Calhoun declared the tariff was unconstitutional and null and void. Jackson reduced the tariff, however South Carolina was still upset and threatened to secede. Jackson declared secession as treason and passed a force bill. The conflict was resolved by Henry Clay implementing a plan for over the course of 10 years. The tariff would be reduced each year. -
Andrew Jackson defeats the Second Bank of America
Andrew Jackson strongly opposed the Second National Bank as it gave the Federal government too much power. He also believed that the bank was corrupt, as it tended to favor rich investors, including rich foreign investors over the common American. In late 1833, Jackson withdrew all of the federal funds in the National Bank and deposited the funds into the state banks, actively destroying the Second National Bank. -
Texas Declares Independence from Mexico
On March 2nd, 1836, the Republic of Texas had declared independence from Mexico. One of the most famous battles in this war was the Alamo, which was fought on February 3rd, 1836. The resilience of the men who died at the Alamo, such as Davy Crockett, caught the U.S. army's attention. The U.S. would assist Texas as long as they would assimilate into statehood. This lead to the Mexican-American war. -
Trail Of Tears (Cherokee Removal)
In May of 1838, the Cherokee were removed from their eastern lands and were forced into Oklahoma. General Winfield Scott was assigned to remove the Cherokee by the Trail of Tears. The Trail of Tears was a grueling journey and many natives died. -
Mexican-American War
On April 25th, 1846, Mexican Soldiers attacked American troops in a disputed zone near the Rio Grande, which resulted in war. At the time, border disputes and the annexation of Texas led to tensions between the two nations. The American army won practically every battle of the war and eventually took capture of Mexico City. The war ended when the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed. -
Discovery of Gold in California
On January 24th, 1848, James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The discovery of gold led to 300,000 settlers moving to California; however, very few got rich. Ultimately the Gold rush ended in the 1850's. It led to settlement and development in California. -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed on February 2nd, 1848 in Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Mexico. This treaty officially ended the Mexican-American War. The treaty established that Texas belongs to the U.S., the Rio Grande is the border, and Mexico had to give up all of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. This treaty overall ended a war and completed manifest destiny. -
Compromise of 1850 (California becomes a State)
California wanted to become a state; however, their territory was both above and below the Missouri Compromise Line. On January 29th, 1850, Henry Clay proposed the Compromise of 1850. The compromise stated California could enter the Union as a free state if slavery was abolished in Washington D.C., stricter fugitive slave laws would be enforced, and territories applying for statehood would be governed by popular sovereignty. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin is published
On March 20th, 1852, Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, was published. Ten thousand copies of the book were sold in the first week as its release was highly anticipated. Uncle Tom's Cabin highlighted the evils of slavery and the racial prejudice towards African Americans. The book came with controversy and southerners hated it. Abraham Lincoln credited Harriet Beecher Stowe to starting the Civil War with the book. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed on May 30th, 1854. The act repealed the Missouri Compromise and created the Kansas and Nebraska territories which would be ruled by popular sovereignty. Popular sovereignty in these two territories led to more debate and conflict around slavery. -
South Carolina cedes from the union
On December 20th, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to cede from the union. A month later Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas would cede. These states would join the Confederacy to protect their states rights and slavery. The secession of these states would lead ultimately to the Civil War. -
Lincoln's Inauguration
On March 4th, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as president. Abraham Lincoln was the first president from the Republican party. Lincoln had achieved almost all of his votes from the North as his Republican ideals did not appeal to most southerners. Lincoln's presidency had a large role on expansion, equality, and unity during his service. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attacked the U.S. military at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Two days after the battle started no casualties had been dealt yet. However, the fort surrendered,resulting in Confederate victory. This battle was the official start of the war. -
Homestead Act of 1862
On May 20th, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act of 1862. The homestead granted 160 acres of land to settlers who would work and improve their land for 5 years. This act ultimately led to 4 million homestead claims and was a major factor towards the development of the west. -
Battle of Antietam
On September 17, 1862, Union forces attacked General Lee's forces at Sharpsburg, Maryland. Antietam was an extremely bloody battle with 22,000 soldiers killed or injured. However, the Union victory gave Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. This battle also stopped the Confederate invasion of Maryland and boosted Union morale. -
Siege of Vicksburg
On July 4th of 1863, Ulysses S. Grant and the Union forces took control of Vicksburg after 47 days of siege. The capture of Vicksburg was a major turning point of the war as it gave control of the Mississippi to the Union. The victory also split the Confederacy into two halves, as the Mississippi was controlled by the Union. -
Gettysburg Address
On November 19th, 1863, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The address highlighted the Union soldiers' sacrifices and memorial to them. The address also highlighted the wound created by the Civil War on the nation. Where the speech was delivered is now the National Cemetery. -
Lincoln's 10% Plan
Abraham Lincoln created a plan for reconstruction after the Civil War in 1863. His plan was that when 10% of voters in a southern state pledged their allegiance to the Union and against slavery, the state could be readmitted into the Union. However, many saw his plan as too lenient towards the South. -
Surrender at Appomattox Court House
On April 9th, 1865, after the battle of Appomattox, General Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. Lee surrendered his sword to Grant; however, out of respect, Grant gave it back. The meeting between the two generals marked the end of the war; however the Confederate government had not surrendered. -
Lincoln's Assassination
On April 14th, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while he was watching a play at Ford's theater. Booth shot Lincoln due to his support of African American citizenship. Lincoln died the next morning. Andrew Johnson became president after Lincoln's death. -
13th Amendment is ratified
On December 6th, 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified. The 13th outlawed all slavery and involuntary servitude on U.S. territory. However, this is exempt from punishment for a crime. The federal banning of slavery was a major step towards achieving equality for all Americans. -
14th Amendment is ratified
On June 8th, 1866, Senate passed the 14th Amendment. However, it was ratified later on July 9th, 1868. The 14th grants citizenship to all who were born in U.S. territory. The amendment also granted equal protection for all citizens, and also addressed issues such as Civil War debt. -
Andrew Johnson is Impeached
On February 24th, 1868, the impeachment process for Andrew Johnson had started. Andrew Johnson was charged for violating the Tenure of Office Act, because he removed the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, from office. Johnson became the first president to become impeached. -
Trans-Continental Railroad is Completed
On May 10th, 1869, the Trans-Continental Railroad was completed when Leland Stanford drove the last spike into the railroad. This project was finished 3 years early as the Union Pacific Company and the Central Pacific Company raced to get the most track laid to make more profit than the other. This project helped complete Manifest Destiny, as a new quick mode of transportation from coast to coast had been introduced. -
15th Amendment is ratified
On February 3rd, 1870 the 15th Amendment was ratified. The 15th granted African American men the right to vote and prohibited denial to voting based on color. The 15th Amendment was an important foundation towards suffrage and equality for all Americans. -
Yellowstone National Park is established
On March 1st, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed for the establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone became the world's first national park out of all of the nations. Today, Yellowstone attracts over 3 million visitors annually. -
Boss Tweed goes to Jail
On November 19th, 1873, Boss Tweed went to jail ending his corrupt political Machine of Tammany Hall in New York. He was convicted of corruption and fraud, his arrest and imprisonment led to the ultimate downfall of his political career. The lock up of Boss Tweed helped ensure fair American politics and elections. -
The Battle of Little Bighorn
On June 25th, 1876, a military engagement between General Custer and the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes over a land dispute broke out along the Little Bighorn River. The Native Americans were defending their reservation against Custer's men. The natives were successful in their defense in which the American forces, including General Custer, were killed. This battle is still symbolic for strength and courage to Native American tribes today. -
Great Railway Strike of 1877
Due to wage cuts and poor working conditions, railway workers went on strike in Martinsburg West Virginia. The strike spread rapidly and became violent quickly as well resulting in over 100 deaths. Ultimately State Militias had to be called in to address the strikes, but they did bring attention to the issues of American industrial labor at the time. -
The Haymarket Riot
On May 4th, 1886, a labor protest broke out in Haymarket Square in Chicago. The protest started out peaceful demanding for 8 hour work days and safe working conditions; however when a bomb was thrown into the crowd it became violent. The bombing put a bad image on labor unions and led to a crackdown on multiple labor organizations and executions of anarchists. -
The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York
On October 28th, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was placed in the New York harbor. The statue was a gift from France in honor of friendship and independence. The statue is also in honor for the emancipation of the slaves after the civil war. Today the Statue still stands representing democracy, freedom, and equality. -
Yosemite becomes the third National Park
On October 1st, 1890, Yosemite became the third National Park as an act in Congress. The act was passed as it was believed that the land would not be preserved unless protected. Yosemite now attracts 3.5 million tourists a year and is located in central California. -
The Panic of 1893
The Panic of 1893 was an economic crisis that broke out in May of 1893. The panic was triggered by the collapse of railroad companies, banks, and the fall of agricultural prices. The panic hit agricultural communities very hard, led to nationwide unemployment and financial troubles, and caused business failures. The panic lasted until 1897, when infrastructure projects, gold in Alaska, and the rise of both the steel and oil industries helped stimulate the government -
Plessy V. Ferguson
Homer Plessy was a black man who was arrested for not leaving a whites only train car. In his trial on April 13th, 1896, his lawyers argued that the Separate Car Act violates the 13th and 14th Amendments. In the final ruling, the Supreme Court voted 7-1 against Plessy; they also ruled that segregation was legal as long as facilities were separate but equal. The ruling ultimately led to the establishment of Jim Crow laws. -
U.S.S. Maine Explodes
On February 15th, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine mysteriously exploded in the Havana harbor. With tensions in the Caribbean, Spain took a lot of suspicion. After the explosion, the U.S. issued a naval blockade on Cuba. War was declared between Spain and the U.S. on April 21st, 1898. -
The Gold Standard Act
On March 14th, 1900, President McKinley signed the Gold Standard Act. The act established the U.S. Dollar in gold. The Gold Standard helps prevent inflation by preventing too much money from being prevented. The Gold Standard is no longer being used. -
The Great Coal Strike of 1902
The Great Coal Strike of 1902 broke out on May 12th, 1902; when Anthracite mine workers went on strike demanding for higher wages, shorter work days, and the recognition of their union. President Roosevelt resolved the strike by bringing the workers and the owners of the mine to a compromise. The compromise included a wage increase, decrease in hours, and the establishment of a commission to address future labor disputes. The compromise displayed Roosevelt's leadership skills and directness. -
Wright Brothers Take Flight
On December 17th, 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Wright Brothers were successful with their Kitty Hawk Flyer. The Kitty Hawk Flyer was the first powered flight of mankind. Their success came after 4 years and only 2 attempts. Their innovation has played a key role in world and American history. -
San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
On April 18th, 1906 a violent earthquake broke out in San Francisco, California. The earthquake was at a magnitude of 7.9 and instantly destroyed buildings. Wood fire stoves led to fires among the rubble. 80% of the city was destroyed and 3,000 Americans died, going down as one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history. -
The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906
On June 30th, 1906, President Roosevelt signed the Pure Food and Drug Act. The exposure of the unsanitary practices of the meat packing industry led to public outrage. Alongside the issues with the meat packing industry, over 100 patients died due to elixir sulfanilamide. Due to major issues relating to American Food and Drugs the At was a necessity in inspecting Food and Drugs for the American people. -
W.E.B Dubois founds the NACCP
W.E.B Dubois founded the NACCP on February 12th, 1909. He founded the organization to ensure social equality for all Americans and to end all racial prejudices and racial segregation. The creation of the NACCP ultimately helped achieve civil rights acts throughout the century. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
On March 25th, 1911 one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history broke out in New York City at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. All of the emergency exits in the building were locked, in which many workers jumped out of the building in last result. The fire led to 146 deaths and led to a further awareness of worker safety, and improving industrial life. -
17th Amendment is Ratified
The 17th Amendment was ratified on April 8th, 1913. The amendment allowed for the direct election of senators by U.S. citizens. Prior to this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislature. -
U.S. enters WWI
President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany on April 6th, 1917. His action was motivated by the German interference of non-war ships, and the Zimmerman telegram in which Germany incentivized Mexico to become their ally by offering help in conquering U.S. soil. Entering this bloody battle gave the Axis powers the edge to win the war. -
Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points
On January 8th, 1918, in Woodrow Wilson's speech on War Aims and Peace Terms, he listed 14 Points. The 14 Points addressed peace in Europe, worldwide peace after the war, and future peace negotiations. The list also aimed to rebuild after the war, and to introduce ideas such as free seas, freedom of trade, and national-self determination. -
The 18th Amendment is Ratified
The 18th Amendment made the sale, transportation, and production of alcohol a crime. The Amendment was met with heavy backlash as people wanted to be able to get a drink. This caused a large industry of bootlegging in the 20's; bootleggers got very rich and had large underground networks to sell their alcohol. Speak Easy bars emerged as disguised buildings with high security. The Amendment was ultimately repealed on December 5th, 1933 in hopes to generate tax revenue during the Great Depression. -
The 19th Amendment is Ratified
On August 18th, 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed. After decades of protests, and activism of women's rights, the right to vote was finally granted to women under the 19th Amendment. This moment ultimately was an important event in women achieving political equality in the U.S. -
Immigration Act of 1924
The Immigration Act of 1924 was signed on May 26th, 1924. This act limited immigrants to 2% of their nationality living inside of the U.S. from 1910 to enter. This act also excluded the Chinese from entering the U.S. This act was implemented to promote U.S. isolationism, preserving U.S. homogeneity, and to prevent the entrance of crime and poverty. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
In 1925, high school Johns Scopes was prosecuted for teaching evolution. Teaching evolution in schools was prohibited by the Butler Act. In the final ruling on July 21st, 1925 John Scopes was found guilty and fined $100. This event was a major event in the everlasting debate between modernist and fundamental ideas. -
Stock Market Crashes (Black Monday)
On October 28th, 1929, the stock market had declined by 13%, the next day it was down another 12% and by mid-November, the stock market had lost half of its value. This crash in the stock market would lead into an economic depression until WWII. The Smoot-Hawley tariff and the failure of banks were also prime contributors to the great depression. -
FDR's New Deal
FDR's New Deal started off when FDR sent the Emergency Banking Act to Congress on March 9th, 1933. The New Deal aimed to restore the American economy, and to create jobs for Americans. The New Deal created programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, the Farm Security Administration, the Nation Industrial Recovery Act, and the Social Security Administration. While the New Deal ultimately failed, it helped Americans find jobs and restored economic hope. -
Dust Bowl (Black Sunday)
On April 14th, 1935 the worst dust storm of the Dust Bowl broke out known as Black Sunday. The Dust Bowl was caused due to unsustainable tilling practices leading to erosion, removal of prairie grass, and extended drought. The dust storms ate up farms, homes, towns, injured and killed wildlife, destroyed farm equipment, and destroyed crops. The Dust Bowl lasted for about a decade sweeping across the Great Planes and further extended the economic depression of the era. -
Social Security Act
On August 14th, 1935 the Social Security Act was passed. The Act helped financially aid retired workers 65 years or older. However the act was based on a shorter lifespan and many older Americans ate up the social security money. The act also gave an incentive to retire. While having a few minor flaws it overall was helpful for older Americans. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7th, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the military base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. 350 Japanese aircraft destroyed 18 vessels 8 of which were battleships, 300 U.S. aircraft, and killed over 2,000 men. Luckily U.S. aircraft carriers were out at sea from storm. The attack led the U.S. into WWII and is now honored as many brave troops lost their lives or were left injured from this attack. -
Normandy Invasion
On June 6th, 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy France to create a new front, liberate France, and to turn the tide of the war. Once Allied forces stormed the beaches, the would have to cross the beach without getting shot, then crawl to the top of the hill and disarm the cannons. While the objective was difficult, the Allied forces successfully pushed the Nazi forces back beginning the shift of the war. -
The G.I. Bill gets passed
On June 22nd, 1944, the G.I. Bill was signed by FDR. The bill helped WWII veterans receive either free college or trade school education. The bill also helped them receive both business and home loans. Overall the bill helped veterans catch up on life after returning years later from war. -
Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American in the Major League
Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the Major League on April 15th, 1947. He was brought up into the Major League from the Negro League by Branch Rickey. He was often spiked, beaned, threatened, and other players refused to play with or against him. His story of success is one of the starting points of the Civil Rights Movement, and is a success story acknowledged to this day. -
Economic Recovery Act of 1948 (Marshall Plan)
On April 3rd of 1948, President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act of 1948. It is known as the Marshall Plan, as Secretary of State George Marshall proposed to assist Europe in post war reconstruction. The act was effective as it quickly rebuilt western Europe and restored their economy. The Marshall plan helped the U.S. gain stronger trade connections, and push back against Soviet Communist countries struggling with economic depression. -
NATO is formed
In May of 1948 Senator Arthur H. Vandenburg proposed a treaty of security and trade between the U.S. and Western Europe. On July 25th, 1949 President Truman signed for the creation of NATO ; Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the U.K. all joined that year. Ultimately the main purpose was for security against the USSR. -
The U.S. enters the Korean War
On June 27th, the U.S. entered the Korean War. The U.S. entered the war to prevent communist North Korea from taking control of South Korea, displaying the U.S.' containment policy of the 50's and 60's. Ultimately the U.S. pushed back the North Korean forces into China. After North Korean forces were pushed back so far, China got involved to support North Korea. After the war, the 38th Parallel got moved slightly further North, South Korea became a democratic state, and North remained communist. -
Brown V. Board of Education
Brown V Topeka Board of Education was a court case on May 17th 1954. The case came about as Linda Brown had to walk past four white schools, and had no bus; alongside this the black schools had worse teachers and supplies. Thurgood Marshall represented Linda Brown in her case to overturn Plessy V Ferguson. The case was successful in a ruling of 9-0. -
Rosa Parks (Montgomery Bus Boycott)
Due to Jim Crow Laws, blacks were required to sit on the back of the bus/give up their seats. On December 1st, 1955 a black woman named Rosa Parks planned to not give up her seat, but she refused and was arrested. Because of her refusal, 40,000 blacks in Montgomery Alabama boycotted the bus for 382 days. The bus companies ultimately stood alongside the blacks to end the bus laws to get business going again. -
National Highway Act
On June 29th, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the National Highway Act. This act would build highways for the ease of transportation in the U.S., and to be used for easy evacuation or emergency runways. The project costed $26 million, and was the largest public works project in U.S. history. -
The Little Rock Nine
In the South, integration was being blocked by local and state governments. In 1957 nine students in Little Rock Arkansas were the first to attempt to integrate into the schools. However these students were being denied access to the school by the National Guard. President Eisenhower ordered the 101st airborne division into Little Rock to protect the nine black students for entrance into the white school. -
Explorer 1 is sent to Space
On January 31st, in the heat of the Cold War, the U.S. sent the Explorer 1 satellite into space. This was the first satellite sent into space by the U.S. Two years prior in 1957, the USSR sent their first satellite into space; while the U.S. was behind this was a detrimental event in the U.S. catching up in the Space Race. Ultimately the Explorer 1 satellite is an important part of innovation in U.S. history. -
JFK Quarantines Cuba
In the heat of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the USSR was transporting ICBM missiles to Cuban launch sites. On October 22nd, 1962, JFK issued a quarantine (similar to blockade) on Cuba. The quarantine was effective as Russian ships stopped transporting ICBMs once met with U.S. pressure. The Crisis ended on October 29th, when Krushchev removed ICBMs out of Cuba, and launch sites were dismantled, however the U.S. was not allowed to take control of Cuba as it was to remain as a communist state. -
March On Washington
A March on Washington was planned by the SCLC for August 23rd, 1963, however it received support from the NAACP, SNCC, and CORE. The march was peaceful and well organized and drew in over 250,000 protestors. The March advocated for equal rights and opportunities for blacks. The march is best known for MLK Jr. delivering his famous "I Have A Dream" speech. The March was televised and was the point in which many white Americans finally sympathized with the Civil Rights Movement. -
JFK is Assassinated
On November 22nd, 1963, JFK was in Dallas to promote his campaign for re-election in 1964. JFK rode in a motorcade as crowds of people surrounded him on the street; however shortly after, gunfire could be heard, and bullets struck his neck and head. 30 minutes after the shooting, JFK was announced dead. Shortly after Henry Lee. Oswald was arrested for the shooting. -
Civil Rights Act
On July 2nd, 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. The Act prohibited the discrimination of race, color, sex, religion, and nationality. This helped African Americans achieve many goals of the Civil Rights Movement by eliminating segregation and discrimination. However in many southern states the Civil Rights Act was ignored. This Act was also part of Johnson's Great Society. -
Gulf of Tonkin
In August of 1964, two U.S. destroyers radioed that they had been fired up on by the North Vietnamese. This led to Lyndon B. Johnson increasing the military presence in the region as a further justification for war. This contributed to the controversy of President Johnson as he sent more American boys to the slaughterhouse of Vietnam after the incident. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed by Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6th, 1965. The Act was implemented to prevent discriminatory practices at the polls. Unfair practices typically consisted of literacy tests and difficult quizzes. The Act was extremely effective in ending post-civil war Jim Crow practices at the polls. -
Moon Landing
On July 20th, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon. Once landed, Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon. This was a great feat in the Space Race, as Russia was beating the U.S. in every aspect of space exploration until this point. This event was a major point in American pride, engineering, science, and innovation during the Cold War. -
Roe V. Wade
Jane Roe was a woman from Texas who wanted to have an abortion; however abortion was against Texas law. Her lawyers challenged Texas' abortion laws by claiming it was a violation of the right of privacy. The case ultimately made it to the Supreme Court on January 22nd, 1973. The Supreme Court issued a 7-2 decision in favor of Jane Roe. -
Paris Accords
The Paris Accords was a ceasefire signed on January 27th, 1973. The Agreement restored peace in Vietnam and Vietnam became a Communist Nation. While the loss of the war was a huge blow to American image and containment; it ended the controversial Vietnam War. -
Nixon Resigns
On the evening of August 8th, 1974, Richard Nixon delivered his resignation speech on live television. Nixon resigned from his presidency as he would have been impeached. Nixon's Watergate scandal consisted of break-ins of Democrat's offices, unauthorized investigations, and CREEP (committee to re-elect the president) all led to the impeachment of Nixon. However his resignation preventing impeachment protected him from other crimes being exposed. -
Ronald Reagan's Inauguration
On January 20th, 1981, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States. Due to failures of Jimmy Carter's presidency, and a movement of conservatism , Reagan won the election by a landslide. The same day of his Inauguration he freed the Americans held hostage in Iran as he promised he would. Reagan was a very popular president due to his strong will and character. -
Reagan meets with Gorbachev
On October 11th, 1986, in Reykjavik, Iceland Ronald Reagan and USSR General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met. The two discussed the disarmament of nuclear weapons as a turning point of the Cold War. They also discussed economic policies for the USSR. Ultimately Reagan's relations helped de-escalate tensions and help begin the end of the USSR.