Obama

Major Eras of U.S. History by Maia Riekstins

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    American Revolution

    The Revolutionary War was fought in the United States for colonial independence from Britain. George Washington led colonial forces during the war. Hostility had grown between American colonists and British leaders over the Stamp, Sugar, and Townshend Acts. During this time, the Northern states outlawed slavery and disease killed roughly 10K.
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    The New Nation

    Small and unorganized, the first ever political parties were established in America during this era. Thomas Jefferson was president for two terms. With the country in debt from the Revolutionary War, Alexander Hamilton coined the concept of a Bank of the United States. Native Indians conflict with colonists. The Bill of Rights is approved by Congress to strengthen support of the new and independent government.
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    Expansion and Reform

    George Washington's republic was the largest of its time. New opportunities were in the west were met with the disruption of native peoples. As the United States expanded, slavery became a greater conflict between Northerners and Southerners. Reforms for equality and establishment of public schools as well as for temperance were prioritized. Political party involvement gained popularity.
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    Civil War

    The Confederate States of America were established by the seven lower states when president Lincoln was elected, whom opposed slavery. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation tied slavery in with the Civil War. Income taxes were introduced during this era. While the 13th Amendment outlawed slavery in the U.S. in 1965, the Homestead Act gave free land in the West to settlers.
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    Reconstruction

    The 14th Amendment is drafted: giving citizenship to African Americans and calling for equal protection from the law for them. On the contrary, the 15th Amendment stated that blacks could not vote. The confederate states rejoin the union states and state-funded schools open in the South. A theme of racial relation development described this era. Democracy begins to rise in the South.
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    Western Expansion

    American settlers take over 430 million acres of the country's West. This migration fosters immigration for settlers. Migration to Western American only increases with gold, silver, and mineral discovery. Also, railroad network expanse aids this movement.
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    Gilded Age

    Author Mark Twain invented this name. A modern industrial economy is established in America and racial tension continues to grow, as well as the railroad network. Invention of the telephone and the radio among other techno-innovations came from this era. 250,000 Native Americans put in reservations to clear the Great Plains area for Western settlers. While cities and businesses expanded, reforms were made in areas of business and railroad shipment.
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    U.S. Imperialism

    The Monroe Doctrine's Roosevelt Corollary announced the U.S. intention to act as "international police power" in the Caribbean and Central America. In 88' and 89', The U.S. annexed Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, in addition to other islands. During the Scramble for land during this time, America had a reputation for adopting less-developed countries and territories. In the start of this era, the U.S. foreign policy was largely assertive.
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    Progressive Era

    A wide range of economical, political, and social reforms, as well as others, saw this time. American Women's literacy grew to be the most advanced in the world. In 1948, the 1st Women's Rights Convention is held in New York. The Great Migration was when many blacks moved northwards. Before this, 90% of African Americans lived in the South.
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    World War I

    The most expensive war of it's time, U.S.. President Wilson signed the Versailles Treaty which deprived Germany of territory and makes them pay reparations. In effect, American citizens felt a discouraged trust of moral crusades and reform. Also, prohibition enacted and women's suffrage escalates. Precursor to WWII and the Great Depression.
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    Roaring Twenties

    Economic growth and well being described America in this era. Also known as the Jazz Age, Music, dance, and entertainment gained popularity. Incomes increased, both for the rich and the poor, Underscored by cultural conflict, dress and hairstyles changed vastly. The country rejoiced in liberation from prior Victorian customs. Younger generations challenged gender roles and other taboos.
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    Great Depression

    A world-wide phenomena, worst in the United States. Unemployment rate of 25%, compared to the prior 3%. Federal involvement with everyday life increased and movies gained popularity for uplifting and maintaining hopes of improvement.
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    World War II

    After the Depression ended, WWII brought women into the work force in a new way. U.S.. bombs created anxiety within Americans. The U.S. defeated Japan, its rival, and engineered the first atomic bomb in the early '40's. The United States released two atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan, in a final attempt to end the war.
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    The Cold War

    Hostility between the Soviet Union (now Russia) and the United States. The American government stood for the elimination of communism at this time, a new form of government. Nuclear weaponry was a fear to civilians globally. Nuclear stockpiling stands as a huge threat to all life on earth.The Soviet Berlin Wall was controversial.
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    Civil Rights Movement

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination in public and employment. The 24th Amendment and Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed voting rights to African Americans. The Civil Rights movement began a chain reaction of efforts for equal rights in many other areas, including gay and women's rights. African Americans protested in many ways to win equality and end discrimination.
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    Vietnam War

    Longest war in American history, President Johnson made matters worse by attacking North Vietnam, in the midst of South Vietnamese chaos. Largely unpopular among Americans, Nixon attempted to end this war by gradually removing American troops from South Vietnam, called Vietnamization. However, a more direct approach did the job in 1973 and war ended in 1975. After the end of the war, the 1973 War Powers Act required the President to have Congressional approval before sending troops overseas.
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    Late 20th Century

    Especially in the '90's, this era saw major growth for the U.S. economy due to successes in areas of entertainment and globalization, among others. Detente was the American attempt by Presidents Carter, Ford, and Nixon, to strengthen the country's involvement in foreign affairs. Possessing the most productive economy and strongest military in the world, the '90's revealed the United States as the only superpower in the world.The rise of computer and communications technology took place.
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    U.S. in the 21st century

    Gay marriage is legalized throughout the country. Barack Obama's presidency marks first African American president of the United States. The 2000 Bush election was won by a longshot, after which Bush introduced standardized testing to public schools in attempts to improve them... The U.S. War in Iraq continues in retaliation to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.