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California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was a period in American History in which many people moved westward to make a fortune from gold mining. The West began to become more civilized as mining towns began to form from the large influx of people. Unfortunately, many of the Mexican-Americans who had been living on the land were pushed out by Anglo-Saxons. Despite gaining full citizenship as a result of the Mexican-American War, they were treated as second-class citizens. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted from the Mexican surrender during the Mexican-American War. The treaty ceded a large portion of Mexican territory over to the United States. Mexican citizens living in the territory were allowed to leave and stay Mexican citizens or to stay and become American citizens. -
Reconstruction Amendments (13 - 15)
The reconstruction amendments were the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments passed and ratified by the US Congress. These amendments abolished slavery, ensured equal rights for US-born citizens, and granted the right to vote for all male citizens. -
Beginning of Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was a period in American History during which there was rapid economic growth and industrialization. It is also characterized as a period of corruption and abuse by those in power. Those in power used their wealth to enforce class boundaries and protect their interests. They also used their wealth to hide the issues with the growing class disparity as something natural. -
Homestead Steel Strike
The Homestead Steel Strike was a union strike against Carnegie Steel over the denial of increased wages. Andrew Carnegie stayed firm in his denial and eventually attempted to replace the union workers with non-union workers. The protestors fought back and refused to let the new non-union workers enter. This escalated the situation, resulting in Carnegie hiring a sizeable personal security force to escort the new workers. When the force arrived, a firefight ensued, resulting in over 150 injured. -
Beginning of the Progressive Movement
The progressive movement helped usher in the country's political, social, and economic change. Progressives during this period believed that issues could be solved through a better education, work environment, and a more transparent government. -
The History of the Standard Oil Company Published
The History of the Standard Oil Company was an investigative series by Ida Tarbell that revealed Standard Oil's illegitimate practices. While this publication may not have been the direct cause of the breakup of Standard Oil, it certainly aided the cause. -
The Start of WWI
WWI was a major influence on the United States, especially in the workforce. The war helped develop industries across the US but also normalized black and female workers in workplaces. The advanced warfare seen during the war also led to many mental illnesses developing in returning soldiers. -
Women in the Workforce
Women played a major role during WWI. Not only did they replace the male workers that had left to fight in the war, but they helped run the factories that supported the war. -
The 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment was passed on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920. It granted women the right to vote in the United States. The passage of this amendment resulted from a long struggle by the Women's Suffrage movement. -
The Beginning of the Roaring 20s
The Roaring 20s refers to a period in American history during which many new things were invented, such as the radio and the washing machine. The 20s were a prosperous time for the nation, which led to people having more disposable income. -
The Beginning of the Great Depression
The Great Depression was a period in American history that saw the greatest economic disaster in recent history. The closure of banks and other financial institutions sparked the depression, which led to many businesses closing, resulting in large-scale job loss. The period was a struggle for all Americans. -
Scottsboro Trials
The Scottsboro trials were the wrongful trial and conviction of nine young black men. The jury found the young men guilty of rape despite the evidence proving that no rape had occurred. All of the young men were sentenced to death. -
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Elected
When FDR was elected, he promised to help fix many of the issues the nation was facing with the New Deal. The New Deal passed many major acts such as the Fair Labor Standards Act. -
Black Reconstruction In America
W. E. B. Du Bois published "Black Reconstruction In America," which detailed the reconstruction efforts in the South after the Civil War. The book focused particularly on the contested history that both the North and South had been teaching. -
Remember The Maine
"Remember The Maine" was a film that detailed the sinking of the USS Maine. The film's release sparked greater public interest with events across the country. It also contributed to the growing anti-spanish sentiment developing across the country. -
The Start of WWII
WWII was a major world event, and its influence was no different in the US. The war helped the US set itself up as a major global influence. WWII shaped the US to be the country it is today. -
Beginning of the Cold War Period
The Cold War was a period of political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. This tension never escalated into direct war between the two nations, but many proxy wars were fought. The period was saturated with fears of nuclear warfare and invasion. -
Beginning of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement was a movement that called for equal rights for minorities across the nation. The movement saw many important leaders, such as MLK Jr. and Malcolm X. -
Fannie Lou Hamer Testimony
The Fannie Lou Hamer Testimony was an important part of the Civil Rights Movement that helped highlight how the movement was censored.