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Alexis De Tocqueville
Traveled to the United States in 1831 to study its prisons and returned with a wealth of broader observations that he codified in “Democracy in America” (1835), one of the most influential books of the 19th century. -
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The Gilded Age Post Reconstruction
A period of expansion, industrialization, immigration and urbanization with significant effects on
Native Americans, workers, immigrants, and the rise of big business in the late 19th century. -
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Age of Imperialism and Reform
During the early 20th century the U.S. entered a new historical era: an Age of Expansionism
beyond our natural borders as the country moved from isolationism. U.S. imperialism led to
involvement in the Spanish-American War, changing policies in Latin America and Asia and
eventually to World War I. At home, reformers made efforts to correct economic and social
abuses of the Gilded Age. -
17th Amendment
Established direct election of United States Senators by popular vote -
16th Amendment
Gave Congress the power to tax personal income. -
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World War I
This was an era in which the global conflict of World War I and its effects had an impact on all
Americans. -
John J. Pershing
After U.S. entry into World War I, Pershing was appointed to head the American Expeditionary Force in France. His talent for organization was largely responsible for the molding of hastily trained American troops into well-integrated combat units. The Allied military leaders had hoped to use U.S. troops as replacements for the heavy French and British losses, but Pershing insisted that the Americans operate as a separate force under his command. -
18th Amendment
Banned the sale of alcohol -
19th Amendment
Established that no state could discriminate a citizen the right to vote based on gender -
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The Roaring 20s
This was also an era of significant prosperity and social change as Americans became more
isolationist and responded to significant change in social norms, consumerism, technological
advances and artistic achievement. -
Warren G. Harding
As a Republican, Harding was for increasing the protective tariff. Harding also enforced new immigration laws -
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Great Depression
Beginning with the Stock Market Crash in 1929, this era is marked by severe depression and
the increasing role of the Federal government to improve the economy. -
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Rise of Dictators and World War II
The rise of totalitarian governments in Europe and East Asia led to World War II and
involvement of the United States in that conflict. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Lead the United States during a time of worldwide economic depression and total war. Persistent optimism and activism contributed to a renewal of the national spirit. -
Chester W. Nimitz
In the wake of the destructive 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Nimitz was ordered to take over the Pacific Fleet. With the rank of Admiral, and Fleet Admiral after December 1944, he commanded American forces during their long advance across the Pacific to full victory in August 1945. -
Harry S. Truman
Served as President of The United States of America during part of World War II. His presidency began towards the end of the war. His decision to use nuclear weapons on Japan was very controversial, but brought a faster end to the war. -
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Cold War
This post-war era is marked by issues of communism vs. democracy in Europe and America
after World War II. It includes the United States and the Soviet Union as competing
superpowers in the balance of power. The escalation of the Cold War from containment to the
outbreak of the Korean War and foreign policies of the Kennedy / Johnson years including the
growing conflict in Vietnam as well as the ending of the Cold War in the 1980s. -
George Marshall
Traveled to Europe to determine the amount of money that was needed to help with the rebuilding of war-torn Europe. His plan later become to be known as the Marshall Plan. -
Martin Luther King Jr.
He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized nonviolent protests. -
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Civil Rights
This era highlights the issues of emerging rights for minorities and the leaders and critical
events of the modern 20th century civil rights movement. -
Rosa Parks
Refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. Parks' act of defiance became an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement and Parks became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. -
John F Kennedy
Created alliance for progress & peace corporation. Avoided nuclear showdown – Cuban Missile Crisis. -
Betty Friedan
Pushing for women to have a greater role in the political process, she co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966, subsequently serving as its first president. She also fought for abortion rights by establishing the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws -
Cesar Chavez
Chavez fought for the legal rights of farm workers, and for clean drinking water in the fields, as well as the right to have access to use bathrooms -
Sandra DayO'Connor
First woman justice in the court's history. The Democratic governor selected her as his first appointee to the Arizona Court of Appeals. Two years later, she replaced Justice Potter Stewart on the Supreme Court. -
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Late 20th Contemporary Issues
An era of change as the U.S. experienced the end of the Cold War, new conflicts in the Middle
East, the impeachment of a President and a controversial election to begin a new century. -
Hector P Garcia
Mexican American physician & surgeon during WWII. Human rights advocate and founder of American G.I. Forum. 1st Mexican American to serve on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom. -
Bill Clinton
Balanced federal budget-cut spending, raised taxes on rich and closed military bases. Supported NAFTA – gradually phased out tariffs. Stood against human rights abuse in Kosovo and China. -
Period: to
21st Century
Early in this century America dealt with a new threat of terrorism at home with the attacks on the
World Trade Center on 9/11 and a decade of the “War Against Terror”. This era also marked the
election of the first African-American President of the United States in 2008. -
Dwight Eisenhower
Created the Interstate Highway System in 1956. Extended U.S. containment of communism policy to Middle East.
