-
Korean War from 1950 to 1953 (Period 8 Key Concepts)
This was a conflict between communists and non communist forces on the Korean peninsula. North Korea invaded South Korean thanks to the Russia's influence, which was to lead a movement to conquer as many lands as possible in the name of communism in Asia. This caught the attention of the US and without Congress's approval, the US rushed to South Korea's defense, led by president Truman. Later the war ended in 1953 through the Armistice agreement. -
Preparation of Vietnam War (Period 8 Key Concepts)
Vietnam War was a prolonged conflict between Communist forces of North Vietnam, backed by China and the USSR. Non-Communist forces of South Vietnam, backed by the United States try to fight back. President Truman authorizes $15 million in economic and military aid to the French, who are fighting to retain control of French Indochina, including Vietnam. As part of the aid package, Truman also sends 35 military advisers. -
Birth of Civil Rights movement (Period 8 Key Concepts)
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kans.: Landmark Supreme Court decision declares that racial segregation in schools is unconstitutional on May 17, upon Eisenhower's second inauguration later that year. On September 24th, President sends federal troops to Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., to enforce integration of black students. -
Kennedy down! LBJ up! shhhh MLK has a dream lets hear it ( Period 8 Key Concepts )
To add fuel to the new world of racial equality, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech before a crowd of 200,000 during the civil rights march on Washington, DC. on November 22. Meanwhile during his ride on the streets,President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Tex. He is later succeeded in office by his vice president, Lyndon B. Johnson. July 2
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act. ( President Kennedy's parting gift). -
North Vietnamese attack! August 2nd & 7th ( Period 8 Key Concepts )
North Vietnamese torpedo boats allegedly attack U.S. destroyer in Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam. Congress then approves Gulf of Tonkin resolution, authorizing President Johnson to take any measures necessary to defend U.S. forces and prevent further aggression. -
Protests are catching Federal attention ( Period 8 Key Concepts )
In six days of rioting in Watts, a black section of Los Angeles, 35 people are killed and 883 injured. State troopers attack peaceful demonstrators led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., as they try to cross the bridge in Selma, Ala. on August 6. A week later, President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discriminatory voting practices. However many Americans were still hostile against African Americans. -
Tet Offensive is launched and US clap back
North Vietnamese army and Viet Cong launch Tet Offensive, attacking Saigon and other key cities in South Vietnam. U.S. planes begin bombing raids of North Vietnam. First U.S. combat troops arrive in South Vietnam. American soldiers kill 300 Vietnamese villagers in My Lai massacre. -
Watergate W-A-T-E-R-G-A-T-E!? Nixon during his time in office ( Period 9 Key Concepts )
Nixon makes historic visit to Communist China on May 26 meanwhile the U.S. and Soviet Union sign strategic arms control agreement known as SALT I. on June 17. However quietly, Five men, all employees of Nixon's reelection campaign, are caught breaking into rival Democratic headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, DC. -
Paris Treaty end of Vietnam War ( Period 8 Key Concepts )
Representatives of North and South Vietnam, the Viet Cong, and the U.S. sign a cease-fire agreement in Paris. Last U.S. troops leave Vietnam and South Vietnamese government surrenders to North Vietnam; U.S. embassy Marine guards and last U.S. civilians are evacuated. -
Trouble in the Middle East and foreign waters ( Period 9 Key Concepts )
After the US make peace between Egypt and Israel and healing diplomatic ties, Iranian students storm U.S. embassy in Teheran and hold 66 people hostage only releasing 13 of the hostages.
President Carter announces that U.S. athletes will not attend Summer Olympics in Moscow unless Soviet Union withdraws from Afghanistan. U.S. mission to rescue hostages in Iran is aborted after a helicopter and cargo plane collide at the staging site in a remote part of Iran and 8 servicemen are killed. -
The secret is out! Wall finally collapses!? ( Period 9 Key Concepts )
Iran-Contra scandal breaks when White House is forced to reveal secret arms-for-hostages deals. May 5 – August 3
Congress holds public hearings for Iran-Contra investigation. In a speech in Berlin, President Reagan challenges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” and open Eastern Europe to political and economic reform. Challenge accepted, December 8 Reagan and Gorbachev sign INF treaty, the first arms-control agreement to reduce the superpowers' nuclear weapons. -
Oil spill in the US!? US knock on Panama's door ( Period 9 Key Concepts )
Oil tanker Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound, spilling more than 10 million gallons of oil. It is the largest oil spill in U.S. history. On the flip side, President Bush signs legislation to provide for federal bailout of nearly 800 insolvent savings and loan institutions. In addition, U.S. forces invade Panama in an attempt to capture Gen. Manuel Noriega, who previously had been indicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges.
