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Elvis appears on TV during the Milton Berle Show
Elvis appearing on TV not only showed the power of television, but signified the changing state of young people. Critics slam Elvis for his "vulgarity", while fans love his rock n roll. He becomes one of the first media celebrities. -
University of Alabama Desegregation
The desegregation of schools finally began equality for the African Americans, especially in the south. An important event in the civil rights movement, African Americans were finally receiving proper education. -
John. F. Kennedy Assassination
The JFK Assassination brought about a stronger level of national security, not only for the president, but other federal officials. Americans were devastated, and the levels of hope in America were very low. -
Nike Shoes
On December 25, Blue Ribbon Sports was created, and in 1971, the Nike line was launched. The line dominated the world of sports footwear. Nike became a very popular brand, making a difference in America's culture, as the phrase, Just Do It is a household phrase. -
Vietnam
On Feb 13, President Johnson authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder, and began bombing North Vietnam. While Johnson was in office, the war in Vietnam escalated, resulting in an increase in anti-war protests. Later in the year, Johnson commits more troops to the war, and didn't stop until Nixon decreased troop levels in 1969 due to a larger level of anti-war sentiment on the home front. -
Black Panther Movement
On February 21, Malcolm X was assassinated. In the wake of his death, the black panther party was founded by Huey P. Newton, and Bobby Seale. The black panther party differed from traditional African American cultural organizations on a number of basic points. The black panther party distinguished between racist and non racist whites.The Black Panther party issued a ten point program, and challenged the police directly. Eventually, the group was declared a communist organization. -
Robert Kennedy Assassination
Bobby Kennedy was shot during a stressful time in America. He was immediately shot after announcing his candidacy for President. He was perceived by the American people as the only man capable of uniting them. -
Moon Landing
America landing on the moon was the height of the space race, and greatly increased American morale. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Micheal Collins launch, and reach the moon. This leads to hope about further space exploration, and eventually reaching Mars. -
First Charles Manson Murder
Manson is famously connected to the murders of famous Hollywood residents. His family along with his loyal "murder disciples" are connected to over 35 murders. This initiated a level of fascination with serial killers in America, and would lead to the song Helter Skelter. -
Richard Nixon Elected
Richard Nixon's goal was to reunite the nation. He ended the fighting in Vietnam, and began to improve relations with the U.S.S.R., and China. However, the Watergate scandal marked his Presidency. He resigned, facing an almost certain impeachment. This made more Americans wary of Presidents during their time in office. -
Ping-Pong Diplomacy
One of the first signs of improved US-China relations was during the 31st annual Japanese World Table Tennis Championship, when the U.S. received a surprise invitation to Championship. The team along with a group of journalists ended the blockade from the People's republic. The same day as the Great Hall banquet, the U.S. lifted a 20 year embargo on China. -
Governor George Wallace shot
Wallace decided to run for president and was shot. He survived the wound, but his candidacy faded after the assassination attempt. This showed the anger some had with those against desegregation, and that the tide was turning in the south, in favor of African Americans. -
Watergate
On June 17, burglars were arrested for trying to break into the Watergate building. The culprits were connected to Nixon's campaign, attempting to tap phones and steal secret documents. Nixon tried and failed to provide hush money, and it was evident that he was hiding something. Nixon eventually had to release the tapes, and resigned from office. General Ford, his successor, immediately pardoned Nixon, but his abuse of political power achieved a negative effect on political life. -
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Hurricane Carmen
Hurricane Carmen made landfall in Southern Louisiana, and dissipated over Eastern Texas. The hurricane caused the evacuation of over 100,000 people, and the death of 8. It caused over 162 million in damages. There wasn't as much damage as predicted, but there was a large impact on Louisiana sugar crops. -
Attempted Assassination of Ford
On Sept. 5, Ford survived his first assassination attempt. Seventeen days later, another attempt was made on Ford's life. This emphasized crime over America. -
Apple Computers
Apple was officially founded on April 1. Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh, making it the first affordable computer, with a very significant world debut. When the iMac was introduced, it quickly became the most successful personal computer in America. Apple only continued to skyrocket with the release of the ipod. Apple launched a craze of technology in America, and eventually the globe. -
Jimmy Carter Collapses due to Heat Stroke
Jimmy Cater collapses during a 6-mile race. He was diagnosed with heat exhaustion, and was handing out trophies ninety minutes later. People became concerned with the health of their president. -
John Lennon Assassination
On Dec 8, John Lennon is assassinated in New York City. There was a global outpouring of grief, including a 10-minute silent vigil on Dec. 14 in New York. Over 100,000 people gathered in central park, along with tens of thousands of others around the world. -
President Reagan Attempted Assassination
John Hinckley Jr. shot Ronadl Reagan outside of the Hilton Hotel. Reagan had just addressed the Building of Construction workers. This caused a great deal of confusion in the upper levels of government. Alexander Haig believed he was in control of the white house pending the return of the VP. He believed that the chain of command put him in charge. -
First Space Shuttle Launch
The shuttle was mankind's first reusable aircraft. Navy test pilot Bob Crippen piloted the mission, and would go on to command three future shuttle missions. Everything became known as the space transportation system.
