Recent Event Highlights: The Civil War/Reconstruction, Pre-Civil War, and 12 more...
Created by lwaterbury on Aug 29, 2009
Last updated: 10/05/09 at 07:25 AM
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1970-Kent State and Jackson State Shootings 1971-Pentagon Papers printed 1971-26th Amendment (lowers voting age to 18) 1972 to 1974-Watergate -->1972 (June)-Burglars caught at DNC offices at Watergate Hotel -->1973 (May)-Senate committee opens hearing on Watergate Affair -->1973 (October)-VP Agnew resigns; "Saturday Night Massacre" -->1974 (August)-Richard Nixon resigns from office 1973-US ends direct intervention in Vietnam 1979-Three Mile Island nuclear accident 1979 to 1981-Iranian Hostage Crisis 1983-SDI ("Star Wars") Missile Defense System proposed 1985-Iran-Contra Affair 1989-Berliners tear down Berlin Wall Presidents: Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974) Gerald Ford (1974-1977) Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) George Bush (1989-1993) During the end of the 20th Century, Democracy was still continuing to develop in different ways. The politics of America were declining while special interest groups gained power. Also, the US economy started to decline, causing productivity to come to a halt and inflation to rise. The third problem was found in America's international role. The US wanted to remain a powerhouse without creating oversea problems and interventions. On a more positive note, the 26th Amendment was created, lowering the voting age to 18. This gave more people a right to express themselves through the power of electing a political power. Picture Citation: "Ronald Reagan". Photo. 4 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/8439a76d1f2f537d2fabf280b633c964_1M.png
1960-Election of 1960 -First televised presidential debate 1960-Creation of SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) 1960-Birth Control approved 1960-Creation of Young Americans for Freedom 1960-Start of the "sit-in" movement 1960-Creation of the "Counter Culture" 1961-Peace Corps created by President Kennedy 1961-"Free Riders" leave Washington, DC and begin desegregating transportation 1962-James Meredith becomes first African American student at the University of Mississippi 1962-Cuban Missile Crisis 1963-"I have a dream" Speech 1963-JFK shot and killed 1964 to 1965-Free Speech Movement 1964-Creation of 24th Amendment (poll tax in federal elections) 1964-President Lyndon B. Johnson signs Civil Rights Act of 1964 1964-Creation of "The Great Society" 1964-Creation of Economic Opportunity Act 1965-Voting Rights Act of 1965 1965-Creation of Immigration Act 1965-US bombs Vietnam 1965-Malcolm X assassinated 1966-Creation of Black Panthers 1967-Thurgood Marshall sworn in as first African-American Supreme Court justice 1968-MLK Jr. assassinated 1968-President Johnson creates Kerner Commission 1969-Astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes first person to walk on moon 1969-Woodstock Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974) During the 1960s, many groups of people started standing up for what they believed in, creating a strong example of how Democracy was being limited. Robert Kennedy was planning on restoring the government to the people, but he died shortly after and was not able to follow through. African-Americans, youth, and other groups started protesting in order to gain back either previously lost rights, or just rights in general. Groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society wanted a participatory democracy and they wanted a say in what was going on in Vietnam. Some saw the Kerner Commission an invasion by the US government; It was put together to investigate why people were rioting. The Free Speech Movement was another example of how Democracy was being limited because the students were told that they could not stand up for what they believed in. Overall, during the 1960s, people began to realize that if they were unhappy with the government, they could stand up for their rights and show their opinions. Picture Citation: "JFK". Photo. 4 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/c625fb8a8df4c43130a069c22587c35d_1M.png Other Citations: "Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History". gilderlehrman.org. 3 Oct. 2009. http://www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/modules.html
1945-V-E Day in Europe 1945-US drops 2 atomic bombs on Japan 1945-V-J Day 1945-Start of Nuremburg Trials 1946-Iron curtain descends across Europe 1946-UN meets for the first time 1946-Start of the baby boom generation 1946-Soviet Union rejects US proposal for an international agency to control nuclear energy production and research 1947-Truman Doctrine created 1947-Jackie Robinson becomes first African-American baseball player 1947-Containment policy 1947-Countries meet to determine fate of Germany 1948-Congress organizes Marshall Plan 1948-Berlin Blockade and Airlift 1949-US joins NATO 1949-Chinese Communist Revolution 1949-Sovients obtain Atomic Bomb 1950-Start of Korean War 1950-McCarthyism idea created 1950-Rosenberg's convicted of treason and executed 1950-US crosses 38th parallel into North Korea 1951-22nd Amendment created (2 terms for each president) 1951-US detonates Hydrogen Bomb 1953-Korean War ends 1954-Brown vs. Board of Education 1954-Segregation is deemed illegal 1954-McCarthy is condemned/censored Senate 1956-Emmit Till killed 1956-Montgomery Bus Boycott 1957-Start of the space race 1957-Little Rock 9 1958-Congress passes National Defense Education Act 1959-Alaska and Hawaii become states 1959-Attempt to deal with Kitchen Debate Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) Postwar America was a time of suspicion as well when the American government was focused on containing Communism. While focusing on containing Communism, the government also began to restrict American rights in order to protect America. The Nuremberg Trials, held in Germany, showed a true part of Democracy as the US and the Allies persecuted a list of Nazi leaders who had committed war crimes. As McCarthyism arose, many more rights were being condemned and people were beginning to be blamed for things such as disloyalty or treason. Picture Citation: "Franklin D. Roosevelt". Photo. 4 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/52fe78d463e53389b5c5ece745213a2d_1M.png
1941-Lend-Lease Act 1941-President Roosevelt freezes trade to Axis Powers 1941-Pearl Harbor 1941-Baatan Death March 1941-Battle of Midway 1941-Anit-Black Riot in Detroit 1944-D-Day 1944-President Roosevelt signs GI Bill of Rights 1945-Hitler commits suicide 1945-V-E Day 1945-US drops 2 atomic bombs on Japan 1945-V-J Day 1945-Start of Nuremburg Trial Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) Photo Citation: "WWII Atomic Bomb". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/afd9a0b6aa8abbf9a89906630c4ac8e6_1M.png
1917-US intervenes in WWI 1917-Bolshevik Revolution in Russia 1917-Zimmerman Note intercepted by US 1917-Espionage Act 1917-Red Scare begins 1918-Sedition Act 1918-Introduction of Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points Plan 1919-Bolsheviks proclaim goal of worldwide communism 1919-Schenck vs. US 1919-Versailles Peace Treaty 1920-Police arrest "suspected reds" in Chicago 1920-Election of 1920 1926-Revenue Act of 1926 1928 to 1929-Rampant speculation made stock market boom 1929 (October)-Black Tuesday 1929-Industrial production declined by 50% 1932-Election of 1932 1932-Stock prices fell from 210 to 30 1933-Unemployment raised to 25% 1933-US investment decreased by 98% 1933-Average income down $800 1933-FDIC created 1933-Agricultural Adjustment Act created 1935-Wagner Act created 1935-Works Progress Administration (WPA) created 1935-Social Security Act created 1938-Fair Labor Standards Act Presidents: Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) Herbert C. Hoover (1929-1933) Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) WWI was a time of suspicion and fear throughout the US. Government began to restrict people's democratic rights because of fear, while they also tended to try and tell businesses what to do, what to produce, and where. Many felt that WWI had a negative impact on Democracy because the government starting restricting the rights of people and began to spy. Others felt that it had a positive impact because people were still allowed to act through voting and were able to vote our a political figure if needed. Also, the war united people under a common goal and order to protect Democracy, certain rights must be given up. Also, as more men go to fight in the war, more jobs began to open up for women and African-Americans. As an attempt to fix the Great Depression of the 1930s, government began to get more involved in people's lives and there was a switch from very republic to democratic ideas creating what people wanted and what was best for them. Picture Citation: "The Great Depression". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/232d8f149c0f61e36786098dd8c93beb_1M.png
1890-Congress passes Sherman Anti-Trust Act 1890-Mississippi Plan created 1892-Ellis Island is opened to screen immigrants 1901-American Socialist Party forms 1903-First Successful flight by a powered aircraft 1904-Roosevelt announces the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine 1906-San Francisco Earthquake 1906-Pure Food and Drug Act created 1906-Anti-Black riot in Atlanta 1908-Anti-Black riots in Springfield, Illinois 1909-Explorers reach north pole 1909-Creation of NAACP 1910-Mann-Elkins Act created 1912-Sinking of Titanic 1913-Creation of 16th Amendment (first income tax) 1913-Creation of 17th Amendment (allowed for direct selection) 1913-Introduction of assembly line 1914-Harrison Act 1914-Panal canal opens 1914-Federal Trade Commission 1916-Zimmerman Telegram 1917-Creation of Espionage Act 1918-Creation of Sedition Act 1919-Creation of 18th Amendment (prohibited alcohol) 1920-Creation of 19th Amendment (woman's suffrage) Presidents: Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) Grover Cleveland (1893-1897) William McKinley (1897-1901) Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) William H. Taft (1909-1913) Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) Imperialism in America was a step backwards from Democracy. Instead of giving rights to Americans, it violated every principal that the US ever stood for as a republic. The government during the time had gained too many rights; therefore, taking them away from the people themselves. Although Imperialism negatively affected Democracy, Progressivism positively represented the morals of Democracy. The Progressivism era was filled with reforms and changing the way the government worked. This represented Democracy because it not only gave women the right to vote, but the government began to listen to issues at local levels and were beginning to be more responsive to people. Although many people gained from this time, African-American and immigrants began to feel a feeling to segregation. Picture Citation: "19th Amendment Celebration". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/4dd55ebbb55323b5758bebc4da68a46f_1M.png
1872-Compstock Act (banned obscene literature from mails) 1874-Women's Temperance Union 1877-Utah becomes first state to forbid the sale of drugs (specifically opium) for non-medical purposes 1880-Chester Arthur elected vice president 1880-Blue Laws 1881-Assassination of James A. Garfield 1882-Chinese Exclusion Act 1883-Pendleton Act 1884-New York becomes first state to adopt a civil service system for state workers 1884-Presidential Campaign of 1884 (included James G. Blaine of Maine) 1885-Massachusetts becomes second state to adopt a civil service system when it started a merit system 1885-US "had become the world's low cost, high volume manufacturer" 1886-Statue of Liberty 1886-American Federation of Labor is founded 1887-Interstate Commerce Act passed 1887-Dawes Severalty Act 1888-Election of 1888 1890-Sherman Anti-Trust Act passed Presidents: Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881) James A. Garfield (1881) Chester A. Arthur (1881-1885) Grover Cleveland (1885-1889) Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) The Gilded Age Era was a time of corruption covered by the glittering gold of society. People were able to stay connected with each other due to the advanced communication and transportation. But because of this increasing economy, many people were forced to work, creating unhappy people slaving under hazardous conditions. The Civil Service Act was created in order to stop government corruption by creating exams. This was a way for Americans to limit the power of government and to keep them on task. Another act, the Interstate Commerce Act, was created to stop the discrimination against small shipping companies. Overall, Democracy was developing differently during this time period, and the government of the US was showing a different side--corruption. Picture Citation: "Ulysses S. Grant". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/d7808ab4e800d3c902144231d148d030_1M.png
1860-Election of 1860 1860-7 states sucede the union 1861-First shots of war fired on Fort Sumter by Confederacy 1861 to 1862-Confederacy is winning war 1863-Emancipation Proclamation 1863-Gettysburg Battle (July 1-3) 1863-Attempt at Lincoln's 10 percent plan (December) 1864-Creation of Wade-Davis Bill 1865-Surrender of Southern forces at Appomattox (April) 1865-Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address 1865-Lincoln's assassination 1865-The Freedman Davis Bureau 1865-Black Codes 1865-13th Amendment created (abolished slavery) 1865-14th Amendment created (citizenship, due process, equal protection) 1866-Congressional Reconstruction 1866-Civil Rights Act of 1866 1868-Impeachment of Andrew Johnson 1868-US Grant won election 1870-15h Amendment created (right to vote regardless of race) 1873-Financial panic shifted attention further from freedmen 1875-Charles Sumner's Civil Rights Bill passed 1876-Election of 1876 1877-Compromise of 1877 Presidents: James Buchanan (1857-1861) Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) Andrew Johnson (1865-1869) Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881) Although the Civil War was a time of fighting and opposition, many rights were beginning to be extended for Americans across the country. President Lincoln attempted to end slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation, allowing for the freedoms of African-Americans. There were laws passed by Congress to restrict the presidential power because the government was worried about the obstruction of the reconstruction program. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments also allowed Democracy to grow, creating a more unified US. As a result of this time period, the government expanded women's rights, provided debt relief, established state-funded schools, and was working towards creating a more equal America for the people. Picture Citation: "Civil War". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/87bbed48f9bcac7c6fbb3ec3ae90ec50_1M.png
1840-Election of 1840 1845-Texas admitted to Union as a slave state 1846-Wilmot Proviso 1846 to 1848-Mexican-American War 1848-Seneca Falls Convention 1848-Election of 1848 1849-President Zachary Taylor urges California to apply as a free state 1850-Compromise of 1850 1850-Fugitive Slave law 1852-Uncle Tom's Cabin 1854-Kansas-Nebraska Act 1855 to 1856-Bleeding Kansas 1857-Dred Scott vs. Sandford 1859-John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry 1860-Abraham Lincoln elected 16th POTUS Presidents: Martin Van Buren (1837-1841) William Henry Harrison (1841) John Tyler (1841-1845) James K. Polk (1845-1849) Zachary Taylor (1849-1850) Millard Fillmore (1850-1853) Franklin Pierce (1853-1857) James Buchanan (1857-1861) During the time before the Civil War, the US was split into two due to the slavery occurring across the country. Because of this tension, the government had to attempt to make peace with both sides, allowing for everyone to be happy. There was also a growing of cultural differences in the views and lifestyles of the north and south. Also, because this was a time of suspicion, Americans had a close watch over the government as well. The government created the Compromise of 1850 in an attempt to create a solution, but it was only temporary. The Seneca Falls Convention also occurred before the Civil War, allowing woman to try and gain more rights--a true display of Democracy. Picture Citation: "Compromise of 1850". Photo. 27 Sept. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/52b2706557a5d40107e9b0c7a91a8688_1M.png
1820-Creation of Land Act 1820-Missouri Compromise 1824-Corrupt Bargain 1828-Election of 1828 1830-President Jackson signs Indian Removal Acts 1833-President Jackson signs Henry Clay's compromise Tariff of 1833 1836-House of Representatives adopts Gag Rule 1840-President Van Buren institutes a 10-hour work day for federal employees Presidents: James Monroe (1817-1825( John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) Martin Van Buren (1837-1841) During the Jacksonian Era, Democracy was continuing to evolve and expand. President Jackson sought to set the federal government on a more democratic course and the Jacksonians themselves were Immediate beneficiaries of expanding the democratic body. Although many Americans were benefiting from this time period, people such as the Native Americans were not. They were forced to leave their land in order to help America profit. This act was viewed by many as the antithesis of Democracy because it was taking away people's rights. Picture Citation: "Andrew Jackson". Photo. 25 Sept. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/68caa650a3f2d38e156b5d9fbc585caf_1M.png
1800-Election of 1800 1801-Thomas Jefferson elected President of the United States by house of representatives 1803-Louisiana Purchase 1803-Marbury vs. Madison 1803-War between France/Britain 1804 to 1806-Lewis and Clark 1804-12th amendment ratified (electoral college) 1808-Africa slave trade (Importation of slaves from Africa) 1810-Spain gives up Florida 1811-Slave insurrection in Louisiana 1812-War of 1812 between US and UK (British) 1814-Star Spangled Banner 1820-Missouri Compromise 1823-Monroe Doctrine Presidents: Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) James Madison (1809-1817) James Monroe (1817-1825) *John Quincy Adams (1824-1828) Democracy continued to spread throughout the Jeffersonian Era. The Election of 1800 was the first election between two candidates, allowing the people of the United States to display their opinion for whom they wanted to elect. This election altered the way we vote today, allowing for the vote of two separate ballots. Also, the Louisiana Purchase led to the United States' westward expansion, enabling the population to flourish. This increase in population allowed for more people to have a say in the government. Marbury vs. Madison helped to keep the presidential and governmental powers in order by allowing the courts to keep on eye on others branches of government. It was an idea using the concept of "checks and balances". Picture Citation: "Louisiana Purchase". Photo. 26 Sept. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/7f81b5d7549088a251cb4219b5c31df5_1M.png
1789-Washington elected President 1789-Bill of Rights created 1792-Emergence of Democratic Republicans 1793-Jefferson resigns from federal government 1796-Election of 1796 as a result of Jefferson's leave 1797 to 1800-French emissaries come to the US stating that they are going to war with America unless Americans give them money 1798 to 1800-Quasi War 1798-Naturalization Act 1798-Alien Act 1798-Sedition Act 1799-Virginia and and Kentucky Resolutions 1800-Election of 1800 Presidents: George Washington (1789-1797) John Adams (1797-1801) During this time period, Federalists emerge as the bigger power, creating a larger interest in government. Although Democracy is growing during this time, John Adams also finds ways to limit the power of the people. In an attempt to limit the power, he creates the Naturalization Act, the Alien Act, and the Sedition Act, which restrict and minimize the rights of people. Americans began to question the reliability of the government. Democracy is also growing during this time because it is the first time that America see's the power of a President, displayed by Washington and then Adams. Picture Citation: "John Adams". Photo. 2 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/23c38f6cc496b67372eeae8a6dc765a0_1M.png
1781: Articles of Confederation ratified 1783: Peace Treaty with Britain By 1786: escalating debate between Federalists and the Anti-Federalists 1787: US Constitution written at Constitution Convention in Philadelphia 1788: US Constitution ratified by 9 states and becomes a law 1789: George Washington elected first President of the USA + first congress met in New York, NY (then the nation's capital) Presidents: George Washington (1789-1797) During the years of 1781 to 1789, the idea of Democracy became even more developed. The creation of the Articles of Confederation was the first step to creating a Democracy in the US. The Articles gave people power, created unity throughout colonies, and defined the government action with the people, allowing them to maintain oversight over the government. When the Constitution was created, it furthered the idea of Democracy, creating a compromise between the government and state legislatures. The creation of these two constitutions was the first step to give the Americans the rights they needed to be heard. Picture Citation: "US Constitution". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/56e4be8c1a7f8fbcd1e443bce5d4846b_1M.png
1754 to 1763-Seven Years War 1764-Sugar act 1764-Currency act 1765-Quartering act- 1765 to 1766-Every paper document must have stamp on it 1770-Boston Massacre 1772 (June)-Samuel Adams and Committees of Correspondence-Boston 1773-Tea Act and Boston Tea Party 1774-Coercive Act-(to colonists=Intolerable Acts) 1774 (Philadelphia)-First Continental Congress 1775 (April 9)-Lexington & Concord; start of Revolution 1775 to 1781-Second Continental Congress; declared Independence on July 4th, 1776 1783-Final treaty of Peace signed At the time of the Revolutionary War, democracy was just beginning to develop. In the beginning, it was a way of being more direct as to set people up for success. It was created in a sense because of what had been happening; the people wanted a voice in the government so they created one to represent them. Picture Citation: "Boston Tea Party". Photo. 3 Oct. 2009. http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/0e9fb2166e0810fe270d29b049e63b21_1M.png
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