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Founding of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement.
In 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start a settlement. On May 13 they picked Jamestown, Virginia for their settlement, which was named after their King, James I. The settlement became the first permanent English settlement in North America. -
Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Mayflower arrived in Plymouth Harbor on December 16, 1620 and the colonists began building their town. While houses were being built, the group continued to live on the ship. Many of the colonists fell ill. They were probably suffering from scurvy and pneumonia caused by a lack of shelter in the cold, wet weather. -
King Philip's War in New England.
Read a brief summary of this topic. King Philip's War, (1675–76), in British American colonial history, war that pitted Native Americans against English settlers and their Indian allies that was one of the bloodiest conflicts (per capita) in U.S. history. -
The Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico.
Pueblo Rebellion, (1680), carefully organized revolt of Pueblo Indians (in league with Apache), who succeeded in overthrowing Spanish rule in New Mexico for 12 years. A traditionally peaceful people, the Pueblos had endured much after New Mexico's colonization in 1598. -
The Great Awakening begins in the American colonies, with Christian revival meetings led by theologians like Jonathan Edwards.
Most historians consider Jonathan Edwards, a Northampton Anglican minister, one of the chief fathers of the Great Awakening. Edwards' message centered on the idea that humans were sinners, God was an angry judge and individuals needed to ask for forgiveness. He also preached justification by faith alone. -
The New Lights and Old Lights divide over religious beliefs and practices, reflecting the tensions brought by the Great Awakening.
The Great Awakening caused a split between those who followed the evangelical message (the “New Lights”) and those who rejected it (the “Old Lights”). The elite ministers in British America were firmly Old Lights, and they censured the new revivalism as chaos. Indeed, the revivals did sometimes lead to excess. -
French establish a line of forts between Lake Erie and Ohio River, claiming the Ohio Country.
The most aggressive of these occurred in 1753 and 1754 when French troops established a chain of forts between Lake Erie and the forks of the Ohio River, the site of modern Pittsburgh. This confrontation with the British sparked the French and Indian War (1754-60). -
The Proclamation of 1763 is issued by Britain, restricting westward expansion by British colonists, leading to further discontent and ultimately to the American Revolution.
In response to Pontiac's Rebellion, a revolt of Native Americans led by Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, King George III declared all lands west of the Appalachian Divide off-limits to colonial settlers. This royal proclamation, issued on October 7, 1763, closed down colonial expansion westward beyond Appalachia. -
The Sugar Act and Currency Act passed
Passage of the Currency Act on April 19, 1764 (effective September 1, 1764) banned colonial paper currency, requiring the Sugar Act to be paid in gold and silver. More than half of the articles in the Sugar Act dealt with enforcement. -
The Stamp Act imposed by Britain, causing uproar among the colonists.
Passed on March 22, 1765, the Stamp Act, which required all paper goods to be taxed, caused an uproar in the American Colonies. Many colonists believed this was “Taxation without Representation” since Parliament issued the Act without communication with Colonial Government. -
The Boston Massacre.
The Boston Massacre was a confrontation in Boston on March 5, 1770, in which nine British soldiers shot several of a crowd of three or four hundred who were harassing them verbally and throwing various projectiles. -
The Boston Tea Party.
The Boston Tea Party was an American political and mercantile protest on December 16, 1773, by the Sons of Liberty in Boston in colonial Massachusetts. It showed that the Sons of Liberty identified with America, over their official status as subjects of Great Britain. That evening, a group of 30 to 130 men, some dressed in the Mohawk warrior disguises, boarded the three vessels and, over the course of three hours, dumped all 342 chests of tea into the water. -
The First Continental Congress.
The First Continental Congress was a gathering of representatives from twelve of the thirteen American Colonies. It took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from September 5 to October 26, 1774. The meeting was organized to articulate the colonial objections to the intolerable acts, policies imposed by the British Crown, and plan for potential resistance. It served as the first step towards the unity of the colonies, leading up to the American Revolution. -
Beginning of the American Revolution.
The American Revolution, which began in 1775, was a fight for independence by the thirteen British colonies in North America against Great Britain. Growing discontentment with harsh British rule, high taxation, and lack of representation, culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Led by notable figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the revolutionaries won the war in 1783, resulting in the birth of a new nation – the United States of America. -
The Declaration of Independence is signed.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, was a significant event in American history. The document was endorsed by 56 delegates, signifying the United States' determination to break free from British colonial rule. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams are among those who contributed to the document's crafting. It boldly articulated the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -
Steam Engine
The first commercially successful engine that could transmit continuous power to a machine was developed in 1712 by Thomas Newcomen. James Watt made a critical improvement in 1764, by removing spent steam to a separate vessel for condensation, greatly improving the amount of work obtained per unit of fuel consumed. -
Battle of Yorktown; British forces surrender to General George Washington.
In October 1781, the Battle of Yorktown concluded as British forces, under the command of General Lord Charles Cornwallis, surrendered to General George Washington's combined American and French armies. Trapped in the Virginia town of Yorktown, Cornwallis's troops were crippled by a lack of provisions and strategic maneuverability, making surrender inevitable. Washington's tactical victory here cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the fight for American independence. -
Constitutional Convention; drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
The Constitutional Convention was a significant event in the early history of the United States. Held in Philadelphia in 1787, its aim was to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The result was the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, a critical document that outlined the country's governmental structure and fundamental laws. This marked the foundation of America's current federal system. -
First Presidential Election; George Washington becomes the first U.S. President.
The first Presidential election in U.S. history took place from December 15, 1788, to January 10, 1789, culminating in the inauguration of George Washington as the first U.S. President on April 30, 1789. Washington was the only president in U.S. history to be unanimously elected, receiving all 69 electoral votes, and his presidency marked the beginning of the U.S. government under the new Constitution. -
The Bill of Rights is ratified.
The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was ratified on December 15, 1791. These amendments protect individual liberties and justice, establishing fundamental American values such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. This momentous event cemented these crucial principles in American society. -
The invention of the Cotton Gin by Eli Whitney.
The Cotton Gin was invented by Eli Whitney, an American inventor, in 1793. It revolutionized the cotton industry by speeding up the process of removing seeds from cotton fiber. This invention transformed Southern agriculture and made cotton a profitable crop, significantly contributing to the economic growth of the United States. -
John Adams is elected as the 2nd U.S. President.
John Adams, a central figure in the American Revolution, became the 2nd U.S. President in 1797. Before this, Adams was a prominent lawyer, diplomat, and Vice President under George Washington. Known for his commitment to republicanism and his leadership role in the American War for Independence, Adams' presidency was crucial to the early formation of American politics and governance. -
The Election of 1800; Thomas Jefferson becomes the 3rd U.S. President.
In the contentious Election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson emerged as the 3rd U.S. President, defeating incumbent President John Adams. It marked the first peaceful transition of power between parties in U.S. history, demonstrating the resilience of the nation's democratic principles. Jefferson's win, achieved through a complex electoral tie-break, set a significant precedent. -
The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the United States.
In 1803, the United States secured a landmark deal with France, known as the Louisiana Purchase. For a mere $15 million, the US acquired 828,000 square miles of land stretching from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, effectively doubling the nation's size. This expansion allowed for greater agricultural and economic opportunities, dramatically altering the nation's trajectory. -
The War of 1812 begins with Great Britain.
The War of 1812, a significant conflict in North American history, began with Great Britain over issues like trade restrictions and impressment. The young United States faced challenges due to British restrictions on American commerce and the forcible recruitment of American sailors into the British Navy. Despite a lack of military preparedness, America was drawn into the war which proved a crucial test for the nation's independence. -
Missouri Compromise in response to slavery expansion
The Missouri Compromise, passed in 1820, was a critical solution in the ongoing debate over slavery expansion in the United States. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, while Maine joined as a free state, maintaining a balance between slave and free states. Furthermore, it also prohibited slavery above the 36°30′ parallel line in the remaining Louisiana Territory, effectively limiting slavery's expansion. -
Monroe Doctrine declared, protecting the western hemisphere from European intervention.
The Monroe Doctrine, a pivotal moment in American foreign policy, was declared in 1823, asserting that any European intervention in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as an act of aggression requiring U.S. intervention. It aimed to protect newly independent Latin American states from European imperialism. This marked the U.S. as the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere -
Indian Removal Act passed under President Andrew Jackson.
The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830. This act authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes living in the southeastern United States, resulting in the tragic Trail of Tears where thousands of Native Americans died while being moved to 'Indian Territory'. -
The Treaty of New Echota is signed, despite protests from majority of the Cherokee nation.
The treaty set terms for the removal of Cherokees east of the Mississippi River from their land in the Southeast to Indian Territory, part of modern-day Oklahoma. The treaty had been negotiated by a minority party, while the majority of the Cherokee people considered it to be fraudulent. -
Telegraph invention
New York University professor Samuel Morse (pictured at left) began working on his version of the telegraph in 1832; he developed Morse Code (a set of sounds that corresponded to particular letters of the alphabet), in 1835; and by 1838 he had presented his concept to the U.S. Congress. -
The forced removal ends, and the surviving Cherokee establish a new government in Indian Territory.
The Cherokee rebuilt their lives in Indian Territory. About 900 or so were able to remain in the western NC area and they reformed a polity, which is now called the Eastern Band of Cherokee. -
Texas Annexation, the state of Texas is annexed by the United States.
In 1845, the United States expanded its territory with the annexation of the state of Texas. This move marked the culmination of a process that began in 1836 when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Despite opposition from anti-slavery advocates, Texas was admitted to the Union, increasing the number of American states to 28. The annexation stirred up a dispute with Mexico and led to the Mexican-American War. -
The U.S. declares war on Mexico.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a major conflict triggered by the United States' annexation of Texas. Mexico never recognized Texas' independence and saw this move as an act of aggression. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo where Mexico ceded vast territories to the US, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several other states. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo marked the official end of the Mexican-American War in 1848. Signed at Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, it led to significant territorial changes, with Mexico ceding about half of its land, including California and much of the modern American Southwest, to the U.S. The agreement fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical map of North America. -
Compromise of 1850 including the controversial Fugitive Slave Act.
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of five legislative enactments passed by the U.S Congress. It was a crucial step towards diffusing tensions between Northern and Southern states over slavery. However, it included the contentious Fugitive Slave Act, which obligated authorities in the North to assist Southern slave owners in recapturing runaway slaves. This caused a wave of opposition and outrage among anti-slavery proponents. -
Publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
In 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin, a novel that powerfully exposed the harsh realities of slavery. The narrative, featuring the story of a humble African American man, Uncle Tom, presented a human face to the inhuman institution of slavery, stirring powerful emotions and sparking widespread discussions. It had a significant impact on America's social conscience and ignited debates that contributed to the American Civil War. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act over slavery territories.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was a significant legislation in American history. It allowed citizens in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery within their borders. The act thus repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 which prohibited slavery north of latitude 36°30´. This act intensified national debates about slavery and significantly increased sectional tensions, contributing to the Civil War. -
Dred Scott decision by Supreme Court upholding slavery.
In 1857, the US Supreme Court issued the infamous Dred Scott decision, ruling that Black people were not U.S. citizens and thus could not sue in federal courts. The court also asserted that Congress had no power to regulate slavery in U.S. territories. The ruling escalated tensions over slavery and contributed to the start of the Civil War. -
Election of Abraham Lincoln as President.
Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860. A Republican from Illinois, his election was pivotal as it happened during a period of national division over slavery. Lincoln’s stance against the expansion of slavery into new territories sparked outrage in the Southern states, which led to the start of the Civil War. -
Attack on Fort Summer
The attack on Fort Sumter marked the start of the American Civil War. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired the first shots at the federal outpost in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The bombardment lasted for 34 hours until Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort, signaling the outbreak of the Civil War. -
Homestead Act, providing land for western settlement.
The Homestead Act, enacted in 1862, was a transformative law in American history. It provided 160 acres of public land—virtually free—to settlers in the western territories who agreed to build a house and farm the land for at least five years. The act helped accelerate the settlement of the western frontier, catalyzing immense population growth, economic development, and agricultural expansion in these regions. -
The Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in Confederate-held territories.
The Emancipation Proclamation was a historic milestone issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. It declared that slaves in the Confederate-held territories were to be freed. While it didn't immediately end slavery, it symbolized a defining moment in the quest for racial equality and the abolishment of an inhumane practice. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Sherman's March to the Sea was a significant event during the American Civil War, where Union General William T. Sherman led his troops from Atlanta, Georgia, to the coastal city of Savannah, from November 15 to December 21, 1864. The 285-mile march aimed to intimidate Confederate civilians into surrendering, effectively scorching the earth through total warfare. The successful operation greatly helped end the war. -
Assassination of President Lincoln; Andrew Johnson becomes president.
President Abraham Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, led to a sudden shift in the US political sphere. Lincoln was succeeded by Vice President Andrew Johnson, who became the 17th president. Johnson assumed the presidency in a challenging time, amidst a divided nation trying to reconcile and recover from the devastation of the Civil War. -
Impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.
President Andrew Johnson was the first U.S. President to be impeached. The impeachment in 1868 was fueled by political conflict and his staunch opposition to federal involvement in the South post Civil War. Johnson violated the Tenure of Office Act by removing Edwin Stanton from office without Senate approval. Though the Senate acquitted Johnson, the impeachment highlighted the ongoing political tensions of the era. -
Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
The Transcontinental Railroad, completed on May 10, 1869, significantly transformed the United States. It connected the West Coast to existing Eastern U.S. rail networks, enabling the rapid westward expansion of settlers. Its completion symbolized unity and progress, paving the way for accelerated economic growth and regional interdependence. -
Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision established "separate but equal" doctrine.
The Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision in 1896 established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing racial segregation as long as facilities for different races were deemed equal. This ruling had far-reaching consequences, legitimizing segregation and paving the way for discriminatory practices in public facilities, schools, and transportation until it was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. -
15th Amendment guarantees voting rights regardless of race or previous servitude.
The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was a monumental moment in American history. It was ratified in 1870 during the Reconstruction era, aiming to safeguard the right to vote for African American men post-Civil War. The amendment guarantees that citizens' voting rights cannot be restricted or denied on grounds of race, color, or previous servitude. -
The Enforcement Acts passed to combat violence and voter intimidation in the South.
The Enforcement Act of 1870 prohibits discrimination by state officials in voter registration on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It establishes penalties for interfering with a person's right to vote and gave federal courts the power to enforce the act. -
Battle of Little Bighorn, significant victory for Native Americans.
The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, marked a significant victory for the Native Americans over U.S. federal troops. It took place in Montana in 1876, led by several Native American tribes, including the Sioux and Cheyenne. The defeat of General George Custer and his forces intensified conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. government. -
End of Reconstruction with the Compromise of 1877.
The Compromise of 1877 marked the end of Reconstruction following the U.S Civil War. The controversial presidential election of 1876 resulted in this compromise where Republican Rutherford B. Hayes became president. In return, the federal troops were withdrawn from the South, essentially ending Reconstruction. This deal left the South without protection for African American civil rights, leading to the establishment of Jim Crow laws. -
Edison's Light Bulb
Thomas Edison's invention of the practical incandescent light bulb in 1879 revolutionized indoor lighting and contributed to advancements in technology and industry. -
Steel Industry Boom
It’s a necessity.Its needed for construction of stronger and larger buildings,ships,railroads etc...and creating it just got easier with the bessemer process.the process allowed for inexpensive creation of large amounts of steel.The US would become the world’s leading producer of steel by 1880. -
Chinese Exculsion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a significant piece of legislation that severely restricted the immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States. It marked the first time that the U.S. government singled out a specific ethnic group for exclusion based on nationality. The act reflected growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers, who feared competition for jobs and perceived threats to their wages and living standards. -
Haymarket Square Riot
The Haymarket Square Riot of 1886 in Chicago was a labor protest turned violent when a bomb exploded, leading to chaos and the deaths of several police officers and civilians. The incident sparked widespread fear and led to a crackdown on labor organizations, despite uncertainty about who actually detonated the bomb. It became a symbol of the tensions between labor and capital during the late 19th century in the United States. -
Sherman Antitrust Act passed to curb monopolies.
The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was a pivotal measure aimed at curbing monopolies and promoting fair competition in commerce. It remains a foundational piece of American economic legislation, shaping subsequent antitrust laws and fostering a more dynamic marketplace. -
Wilson-Gorman tariff
The Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act of 1894 was a significant piece of U.S. legislation that aimed to reform the nation's tariff system. It imposed a federal income tax and reduced tariff rates on certain goods but faced criticism and legal challenges, eventually being largely invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case of Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. (1895). -
Spanish-American War leads to U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
The Spanish-American War, fought in 1898, marked a significant turning point for the United States as it emerged as a global power. One of the key outcomes of the war was the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain. These acquisitions not only expanded U.S. territorial holdings but also marked its entry into overseas imperial ambitions, shaping its role in the Pacific and the Caribbean regions for decades to come. -
President McKinley assassinated, Theodore Roosevelt becomes president.
The assassination of President McKinley in 1901 led to Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, characterized by progressive reforms and assertive leadership in domestic and international affairs. -
Anthracite Coal Strike
The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 involved 150,000 miners demanding better wages and conditions. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened, leading to a 10% wage increase and shorter work hours, setting a precedent for federal involvement in labor disputes. -
Roosevelt's "Corollary" adds to Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. authority in the Americas.
Roosevelt's "Corollary" expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. authority in the Americas by emphasizing the nation's right to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect its interests. -
Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act passed, leading to FDA creation.
The Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act, passed in 1906, led to the creation of the FDA, ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, and medical products in the United States. -
Model T innovation
Henry Ford introduced the model T in 1908 for $850.Using scientific management and creating a moving assembly line he was able to reduce the time it takes to produce a Model T from 12 hrs to 90 mins.This also reduced the price to only $280. -
Wilson elected
Woodrow Wilson was elected as the 28th President of the United States in 1912, marking a significant shift in American politics with his progressive platform and vision for domestic and international affairs. -
16th Amendment ratified, allowing federal income tax.
The ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913 allowed for the establishment of a federal income tax in the United States, providing a significant source of revenue for the federal government and enabling the funding of various public programs and initiatives. -
Neutrality Declared
In 1914, the United States declared its neutrality at the outbreak of World War I, aiming to stay out of the conflict in Europe initially. -
Keating Owen Act
The Keating Owen Child Labor Act was passed in 1916, aiming to restrict child labor in the United States. It prohibited the interstate shipment produced by factories that employed children under a certain age or in hazardous conditions. The act was a response to public outcry over the exploitation of child laborers and aimed to protect children's welfare. -
U.S. enters World War I on the side of the Allies.
The US allied with France, Britain, and Russia in WWI, driven by German aggression and a commitment to democratic ideals, contributing to the Allies' victory. -
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act of 1918 was a controversial U.S. law that restricted speech deemed critical of the government, particularly during times of war. It targeted dissenting opinions and anti-war sentiments, leading to arrests and convictions of individuals who expressed opposition to U.S. involvement in World War I. The act raised significant concerns about freedom of speech and was later repealed in 1920. -
Treaty of Versailles ends World War I, U.S. Senate rejects League of Nations.
The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I in 1919, but the U.S. Senate rejected the inclusion of the League of Nations in the treaty. This decision reflected debates over America's role in international affairs and contributed to later diplomatic challenges. -
19th Amendment grants women the right to vote.
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the country's history of democracy and civil rights. -
Stock market crash leads to Great Depression.
The stock market crash of 1929 triggered the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn worldwide. This event led to widespread unemployment, bank failures, and a sharp decline in industrial production, affecting millions of people and reshaping economic policies and regulations for years to come. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt elected president, begins New Deal programs.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932 during the height of the Great Depression. He initiated the New Deal programs, a series of economic and social reforms aimed at alleviating the effects of the Depression and promoting recovery. These programs included measures to create jobs, regulate banks and financial institutions, and provide relief to struggling Americans, fundamentally reshaping the role of the federal government . -
Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal begins to address economic crisis.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, launched in the 1930s, implemented a range of programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps and Social Security to combat the Great Depression's effects. Its comprehensive approach reshaped American policy and society, setting the stage for significant economic and social reforms. -
World War II begins in Europe.
World War II began in Europe in September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, leading to a chain of events that drew major world powers into a devastating global conflict. The war lasted until 1945 and had far-reaching consequences, reshaping political boundaries, economies, and societies around the world. -
Selective training and Service act of 1940
The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, also known as the Burke-Wadsworth Act, was a U.S. law that introduced the first peacetime draft in American history. It required all men between the ages of 21 and 35 to register for military service. This legislation was enacted in response to the escalating tensions in Europe and Asia leading up to World War II, as the United States sought to strengthen its armed forces in preparation for potential involvement in the conflict. -
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, U.S. enters World War II.
Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, prompted the United States to enter World War II. The attack led to a declaration of war against Japan and marked a turning point in American history, propelling the nation into a significant role in the global conflict that ultimately reshaped the course of the war and its aftermath. -
Executive order 9066
Executive Order 9066, issued by FDR in 1942, authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, based on fears of espionage. Around 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated, a significant violation of civil liberties and human rights. -
D-Day invasion in Normandy helps turn the tide of World War II.
The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France, was a pivotal Allied operation during World War II. It marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation and significantly contributed to turning the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. The successful invasion established a crucial beachhead and paved the way for subsequent Allied advances across Europe, ultimately leading to the defeat of Nazi Germany. -
Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrenders, World War II ends.
The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, led to Japan's surrender, effectively ending World War II. These devastating bombings marked a historic moment, demonstrating the destructive power of nuclear weapons and ushering in a new era of global politics and warfare. -
Truman Doctrine announced, pledging support to countries fighting communism.
The Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947, was a significant Cold War policy that pledged support to countries resisting communism. It signaled the United States' commitment to containing Soviet influence and supporting nations threatened by communist expansion, shaping American foreign policy for decades and influencing global geopolitics during the Cold War era. -
Marshall Plan aids post-war recovery in Europe.
The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1948, was a vital American initiative that provided economic assistance to help rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II. Through financial aid and resources, the plan aimed to foster economic recovery, stability, and prosperity in Western European countries devastated by the war's aftermath. The Marshall Plan played a crucial role in rebuilding Europe and strengthening transatlantic relations during the early years of the Cold War. -
NATO leads to CIA in America
NATO's formation in 1949 bolstered Western security, while the CIA's establishment in 1947 addressed intelligence needs, shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. -
Korean War begins as North Korea invaded South Korea.
The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. This aggression led to a major international conflict, with the United Nations, led by the United States, intervening to support South Korea. The war lasted until 1953 and resulted in a ceasefire, solidifying the division between North and South Korea along the 38th parallel. -
Army McCarthy trial ends
The Army-McCarthy hearings concluded in 1954, marking the end of Senator Joseph McCarthy's infamous crusade against alleged communists in the U.S. government and military. These hearings exposed McCarthy's tactics and contributed to his downfall, leading to a shift in public opinion and a decline in his political influence. -
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. This peaceful protest against segregation on public buses in Alabama drew national attention and helped catalyze efforts for racial equality and desegregation in the United States. -
Suez crisis
The Suez Crisis in 1956 involved Egypt's nationalization of the canal, leading to military action by Israel, the UK, and France, highlighting Cold War tensions and global power shifts. -
Soviet Union launched Sputnik, beginning the space race.
The Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the start of the space race, a competition for space exploration dominance between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War era. -
The affluent society
"The Affluent Society" by John Kenneth Galbraith, published in 1958, critiques post-WWII American society's focus on private consumption over public welfare. Galbraith argues that despite growing affluence, social needs like education and healthcare are neglected, highlighting the disparity in wealth distribution. -
Vietnam conflict begins
The Vietnam conflict began in the late 1950s and escalated throughout the 1960s, ultimately leading to the Vietnam War, a major military engagement for the United States in Southeast Asia. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 saw a 13-day standoff between the US and USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba, escalating global nuclear tensions. Diplomatic negotiations led to the removal of missiles from Cuba in exchange for US promises not to invade Cuba and to remove missiles from Turkey. -
Civil Rights March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr.
The Civil Rights March on Washington in 1963 was a pivotal event in the American civil rights movement. Led by activists like Martin Luther King Jr., it brought together hundreds of thousands of people to advocate for racial equality and civil rights legislation. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the march remains one of the most powerful and inspiring speeches in American history, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. -
Civil Rights Act passed, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marking a pivotal victory for the civil rights movement in the United States. -
Voting Rights Act passed, ensuring voting rights for African Americans.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to overcome barriers to voting for African Americans and other minorities. It prohibited discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes, ensuring greater access to voting rights and representation for marginalized communities. This act was a crucial step forward in the civil rights movement, promoting democracy and equality in the electoral process. -
Tet Offensive in Vietnam War, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy assassinated.
The Tet Offensive in 1968 was a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War, while the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy in the same year profoundly affected American society. -
Detente
Détente refers to a period of improved relations and reduced tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This era, which began in the late 1960s and continued into the 1970s, was characterized by diplomatic efforts, arms control negotiations, and a focus on easing hostilities between the two superpowers. -
Nixon announces visit to China
In 1971, President Richard Nixon announced his historic decision to visit China, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and international relations during the Cold War. -
Watergate scandal begins to unfold.
The Watergate scandal began to unfold in the early 1970s, revealing a series of political scandals and illegal activities orchestrated by the Nixon administration, ultimately leading to President Nixon's resignation in 1974. -
Nixon resigns as president, Gerald Ford becomes president.
In 1974, Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency amidst the Watergate scandal, making him the first U.S. president to do so. Vice President Gerald Ford then assumed the presidency, facing the monumental task of restoring public trust and stability to the nation during a challenging period. -
Jimmy Carter becomes president, emphasizing human rights in foreign policy.
Jimmy Carter became president in 1977, bringing a focus on human rights to U.S. foreign policy. His administration emphasized promoting democratic values and advocating for human rights globally, shaping America's diplomatic approach during his presidency.