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FDA approves birth control pill
The birth control pill kickstarted a sexual revolution that swept throught the nation. -
Period: to
1960s
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Cuban Missile Crisis
When the US found out there were nuclear missiles in Cuba, President John F. Kennedy ordered a blockade around it. But, the US was able to come to an agreement with the Soviet Union to move the bombs away from the Western Hemisphere. -
JFK's Assassination
A young and charismatic leader, JFK seemed to be the perfect president to lead America through the 60s. These hopes were shattered when he was shot down by a sniper in 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested, but he was murdered before going to trial. Nevertheless, his assassination shook the country and was an omen for the chaos to ensue. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Throughout the late 50s and early 60s, the civil rights movement grew through non-violent protests and civil disobedience with events like the March on Washington taking center stage. African-Americans were finally rewarded with equal rights. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Allowed American soldiers to participate in the Vietnam War -
The Tet Offensive
The Vietnam War seemed to be a certain success for America, but this illusion was quickly destroyed. Viet cong soldiers invaded Saigon during a ceasefire. -
Assassinations of Civil Rights Leaders
The assassinations of both Malcolm X and MLK Jr. hurt the civil rights movement and stinted its growth; it was difficult and took some time for any to follow their legacies. -
Democratic National Convention
Anti-war protestors rushed to Chicago only to be greeted by the club and mace of aggressive police officers. -
Apollo 11 lands on the moon
The first ever humans to land on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin will forever be known in this hallmark of humanity. It also put an end to the Space Race. -
Woodstock
Combined the liberal ideals of communal living, free love, and open drug use with the innovative rock and soul music of the time.