US Hist 1302

Kill the Indian, Save the Man

"Kill the Indian, Save the Man" represents one of the darkest points in history regarding assimilation that dates to the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century, especially in the US and Canada. This is a statement that encompasses the philosophy of instituting residential schools meant to eliminate the cultures and identities of Indigenous people.This concept entailed forcefully taking away Native American children from their parents' care and bringing them up according to white-American way of life. These schools were established in order to transform what was considered an "uncivilized" indigenous into a 'civilized' Western individual.The impacts of their actions were grave, resulting in intergenerational impacts on the Indigenous peoples. These effects continue and still are felt in the struggle for cultural revision and healing. It is also crucial to appreciate the past injustices in order to develop the understanding that will pave the way for mutual reconciliation. Addressing these wrongs include recognizing the Indigenous sovereignty, supporting cultural revival programs and incorporation of factual accounts of indigenous history in education.At essence, "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" represents a very troubling period which is referred to as cultural genocide. This history should be acknowledged, the healing process promoted, and a more inclusive future sought out for Native American communities.

WACs

"WACs" stands for Women's Army Corps which was the women's branch of the United States Army during World War II. They lasted from 1942 to 1978 and were active in various locations where the United States Army operated during the war. They served both domestically and internationally, supporting the war effort in different capacities. This branch provided women with the opportunity to serve in non-combat roles, such as clerical work, driving vehicles, and operating communication equipment within the United States Army. Some women served as mechanics, weather forecasters, cryptographers, and even instructors. Their contributions to the military during that time helped the overall success of the United States during the war. The Women's Army Corps opened up opportunities for women to demonstrate their capabilities in many different forms. They paved the way for greater gender equality in the military and led to further advancements for women in the armed forces.

Freedom Riders

Freedom Riders were a group of activists, mixed races, that rode buses into the segregated Southern parts of the United States. They first started in early 1961 in Washington D.C. Their plan was to reach New Orleans, Louisiana. These activists rode the buses in order to end segregation in facilities serving interstate bus passengers. During their journey they encountered hostility, violence, and arrests as they rode the buses. In the fall of 1961, the Freedom Riders were prohibited from desegregating interstate transit terminals. The Freedom Riders are a very important part of history as they brought attention to the unfair treatment African Americans went through, which then led to inspiring others to stand up against discrimination and unfair justices.

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie was a remarkable philanthropist and is famous for making a major impact in the steel industry. After working many jobs including working as a secretary/telegrapher for the Pennsylvania Railroad, he gained an interest in the railroad industry which lead to the start of his steel work. in 1892, he started his steel business, Carnegie Steel Company, at Pittsburgh, PA. His rise in the steel industry was due to his non-stop dedication and cost reduction which contributed significantly to America. He became wealthy from his hard work as well as paying his workers a low wage, but instead of keeping the money to himself he donated it. His philanthropist era began in 1870 because he strongly believed in education and world peace so he funded libraries, donated to churches and schools. This helped establish many schools, colleges, and anything having to do with education for America. Like I stated, Andrew Carnegie helped America climb its way up in the steel industry and improved American education with Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of teaching.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Because of one of the most famous muckraking novels, The Jungle, exposing the conditions of the Chicago Stockyards, the Pure Food and Drugs Act was passed. The Pure Food and Drug Act, also known as the Wiley Act, aimed to regulate and ensure the safety of food and drugs. It was passed on June 30, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt and marked a pivotal moment in the history of costumer protection and public health. This landmark legislation was a response to concerns about the safety and labeling of food and drugs in the United States, and it sought to regulate and improve the quality of these products for the benefit of consumers. The reason that this act was passed was because there was a lot of issues regarding food safety. For example, misbranding, adulteration of food, and lack of regulation were just some of the problems that caused the Pure Food and Drugs and to be passed. This act marked a significant step in protecting consumers and improving public health by laying the foundation for the modern system of food and drug regulation in the United States.

Boss Tweed

Boss Tweed, also known as William M. Tweed, was a powerful politician in 19th century New York City. He was the leader of Tammany Hall, a political machine known for its corruption. Tweed used his influence to gain wealth and control over the city's government. However, his corrupt practices eventually caught up with him, and he was convicted of fraud and extortion. Boss Tweed's downfall marked a turning point in the fight against political corruption. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government.

Code Talkers

Code talkers were a Native American group of soldiers who played a massive role in the two world wars. They used native languages to communicate in secret code that the enemy could never figure out. This secret code was used to transport important information through the battle field without it being retrieved by the enemy. The code that the native Americans used was super complex and unwritten, which makes it even harder to understand. Over time the code talkers came up with sign for specific things like weapons and locations. The code talkers are a major reason we were able to take over the pacific front against the Japanese. Despite their importance to the war, the code talkers were highly classified for many years after the war. Until 1968 the code talkers were unknown. But then this outstanding group became unclassified and were honored and recognized for their bravery and contribution to the war. In 2001, the code talkers were given one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, the congressional gold medal. This recognition highlighted cultural diversity and greatness of diversity of America. This also started new code language that soldiers use today.

Gifford Pinchot

Gifford Pinchot was a prominent American forester and conservationist, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as the first Chief of the United States Forest Service from 1905 to 1910. This occurred during the Progressive Era, roughly between the late 1800s and early 1900s. His significant contributions took place in the United States, focusing on the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, particularly forests.Gifford Pinchot played a pivotal role in shaping modern forestry practices and establishing the foundation for sustainable resource management. He emphasized the concept of "wise use" of natural resources, balancing conservation with responsible utilization. The historical significance lies in his advocacy for conservation policies, the establishment of national forests, and the development of a systematic approach to forestry. Pinchot's work laid the groundwork for future environmental movements and policies, impacting how we view and manage our natural resources today.

Glasnost

Glasnost, a term meaning "openness" in Russian, was a policy introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s as part of his broader reforms to address poor economic issues within the Soviet Union. This era of increased transparency and freedom of expression changed how the Soviet government operated. While there is no exact start of Glasnost, it gained prominence in the mid-1980s, particularly after Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985. Glasnost unfolded primarily in the Soviet Union, influencing its political, social, and cultural aspects. The policy aimed to encourage open discussion, criticism of government policies, and a more transparent political system. It allowed for increased media freedom, leading to the start of independent journalism and the publication of previously hidden information. Historically, Glasnost is significant for its role in fostering a more democratic and open society within the Soviet Union. It paved the way for political reforms, including multi-candidate elections, and eventually led to the Soviet Union breaking up in 1991. Glasnost is seen as a really important part of Gorbachev's big plan to change up the Soviet economy and politics. The Cold War ending and the big shifts in Eastern Europe are all connected to Glasnost, making it a super important part of 20th-century history.

Hoovervilles

Hoovervilles were makeshift shanty towns consisting of small improvisations of dwellings of the Great Depression. These towns were named after Herbert Hoover, who was president during the Great Depression, often associated with the economic hardships faced by the American people. Hoovervilles began to pop up during the early 1930's, primarily during the Great Depression. Hoovervilles were found throughout America, but lots of them were located near urban areas, or areas where the depression hit hard. Hoovervilles were built in any open area in urban places and towns, also along river banks and in abandoned lots. Hoovervilles were a stark symbol of the economic suffering and homelessness that so many Americans endured during the Great Depression. Their emergence highlighted the failure of the government, including President Hoover's administration, to adequately address the widespread poverty and unemployment. These shantytowns were filled with unemployed and homeless individuals and families who struggled to make ends meet. Hoovervilles served as a reminder of the urgent need for government intervention and social programs to assist those in need during economic crises. We care about Hoovervilles because they hold historical significance as a powerful symbol of the suffering and economic hardship endured by Americans during the Great Depression, which was one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history.

Huey P. Long

Huey P. Long, also known as "The Kingfish," was an American politician who served as the Governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and as a U.S. Senator from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. Long was primarily associated with the state of Louisiana, where he served as governor. His influence extended to national politics when he became a U.S. Senator. Long rose to prominence during the Great Depression, advocating for populist policies and challenging the economic status quo. He implemented progressive programs in Louisiana, known as the "Louisiana Plan," which aimed to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His "Share Our Wealth" program proposed wealth redistribution to address economic inequality and ensure a minimum income for all citizens. Long's influence and popularity grew, and he considered running for the presidency in 1936. However, his political career was cut short when he was assassinated in the Louisiana State Capitol. The "Share Our Wealth" movement continued to influence political discussions, and Long's life and career remain subjects of historical study and debate. Huey P. Long's political career and policies reflect the challenges and responses to the economic hardships of the Great Depression. His legacy raises questions about populism, wealth distribution, and the role of charismatic leaders in American politics.

Roosevelt Corollary

In 1904 president Teddy Roosevelt took the Monroe Doctrine and made it stronger with the Roosevelt Corollary. Where the Monroe Doctrine simply stated that no Europeans could colonize or intervene in Latin America, the Roosevelt Corollary went a step further and said if Europe went into Latin America the US was prepared to use force to stop them. The Corollary gave the Monroe Doctrine a greater sense of power with the use of strength. Teddy Roosevelt is known for saying "Speak softly and carry a big stick" which simply means that the US was ready to take immediate action when needed. Teddy used his Corollary when he sent the US Navy to prevent the Columbian military from landing in Panama when they declared independence from Columbia. The Roosevelt Corollary was essential to the United States imperialism. During this time there was a hunger for raw materials and the US proved with the Roosevelt Corollary that they would do what they needed to protect our interest.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

In the early 1960s, many Black college students participated in peaceful protests called "sit-ins" in an attempt to fight against racially segregated restaurants. Prominent Civil Rights leaders, such as Ella Baker and Martin Luther King Jr., gained the attention of this powerful movement, and action was put into play. Ella Baker organized a meeting for these student activists in April 1960, at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, which led to the creation of the SNCC. Once the group was established, they focused on participating in sit-ins and other peaceful protests and boycotts. SNCC also participated in Freedom Rides in 1961, in an attempt to desegregate interstate bus systems in the south, which led to being faced with several acts of violence from the KKK and law enforcement. The SNCC were key figures in the fight for civil rights because of their determination to fight for racial equality.

Jane Addams

Jane Addams is a woman who created a great reputation for herself. She played a big role in America's reform movement. Known as the "mother" of social work, she fought for world peace, worked to help the poor, and fought for women's rights in the US. She founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919 and was the second woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Jane Addams is most well known in America for founding the Hull House settlement, along with Ellen Gates Starr, in 1889 during America's Reform Era. The Hull House was founded in Chicago after Jane and Ellen rented an abandoned mansion on 800 South Halsted Street- a poor neighborhood in Chicago. Eventually, twelve more buildings were built onto the residence and the Hull House took up half a city block. Whenever the Hull House first opened, the objectives that Jane and Ellen had for it were very subtle (I'd say), compared to its outcome. Ellen's intention of the Hull House was to give immigrants and the urban poor an opportunity to establish settled, and safe lives. To do this, Ellen and Jane imagined a place that offered basic art and literature skills. As time went on however, the Hull House began to provide much more to its residents. They established a kindergarten and day-care for working mothers; provided job training; English language, cooking, and acculturation classes for immigrants; established a job-placement bureau, community center, gymnasium, and art gallery. This is important to America and its process of reforment, because it was one of the first actions that was taken to allow immigrants of diverse communities to gather, and to acquire the tools necessary to put down roots in their new country.

Jim Crow

Jim Crow was the radical caste system which occurred between 1877 and the mid-1960s, mostly in the southern and bordered states, however there were some cases in the North. During the period of Jim Crow Laws, white citizens viewed African Americans as second-class citizens, so they were segregated from whites. Not only were they viewed as lesser people, but they were perceived as cursed to be servants, believed to be intellectually and culturally inferior, and newspaper writers referred to them as terrible racial names. After the ratification of the 13th amendment in 1865, Jim Crow Laws or Black Codes started to appear in the southern parts of the United States. With the Jim Crow Laws, Black citizens had their voting rights taken away, put into servitude, had their children taken for labor purposes, and were controlled where they lived and how they traveled. These laws were the embodiment of slavery, but legally. Jim Crow shows a part of history in America where White and Black people were separated, and even after fighting for freedom, Black citizens were still not free. Many years later, numerous acts were passed to finally bring an end to Jim Crow Laws. We care about this awful time in America because it shows the bad parts of our history, so we are able to learn from it.

John D. Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller was an insanely successful entrepreneur in the oil business. Rockefeller took advantage of the good black oil popping up at the time, and he bought lots of oil refineries in Cleveland and set up the Standard Oil Company of Ohio in 1870. He used the methods of horizontal and vertical integration, which were buying out his competition and owning every step of the oil refining process, and 90% of oil in the nation was then owned by his company. He also created the Standard Oil Trust in 1882, where 9 guys controlled the enterprise of his stock. Doing this, no one else could compete business wise with Rockefeller, and he became the richest man in America. Rockefeller gave a lot of his money away so it must be pointed out that he was not some selfish hoarder. We care about this because industrialization in America started with people like Rockefeller. He is also an inspiration to many current or future entrepreneurs in America and the world.

Levittown

Levittown, also known as the post-war American suburb, was the first mass-produced housing development. The first Levittown was built on Long Island, New York, in 1947. Levittown homes were typically moderate, single-family houses with similar designs and layouts. When World War II ended, American soldiers came back eager to settle down and live the American dream. They and their families sought to live in comfortable, clean, and safe homes. One of these soldiers was William Levitt. He brought the idea this idea to his father, Abraham Levitt, who had been building homes for upper-middle-class New Yorkers. William convinced his father to invest 4,000 acres on Long Island, which would become the largest private housing development in the country at the time. Levittown was significant in the mass production of affordable housing, the post-war housing boom, and an innovation in construction techniques. However, there was challenges in racial segregation. Levittowns were not open to people of color. The segregated legacy of Levittowns has had lasting effects. Levittown offered many people housing along with a calm life after the war. Levittown had set the standard for planned subdivisions, now becoming the subdivisions we now see today.

NATO

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an organization of countries allied together in order to maintain peace, promote cooperation amongst nations, and protect against threats. It also was a response to the perceived threat posed by the expansion of the Soviet Union and the spread of communism in Europe. It was created on April 4, 1949, in Washington, D.C, after the events of World War II and during the early years of the Cold War. An important part of NATO is that if an armed attack against one or more of its members occurs, it is considered an attack against all, and each member agrees to take action against the accuser(s). As of recently, NATO contains about 31 members, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and many more. Together, they are involved in various peacekeeping and stabilization missions.

Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism is an ideology that promotes the idea of natural selection and "survival of the fittest" that should apply to human society. It brings a hierarchy to society giving the rich more power and the underprivileged no chance. It was also used to justify social inequality, political, economic views, imperialism, and racism. This theory was created in the late 19th and early 20th century primarily in Europe and the United States. Social Darwinism was influenced by an idea created by Charles Darwin which later evolved and gained popularity. Charles Darwin's idea of Social Darwinism influenced Herbert Spencer which was the theory that gained its popularity. Herbert Spencer theory of Social Darwinism affected people with harmful ideologies giving the rich superiority and the poor nothing. Nowadays Social Darwinians has died out because of shameful practices and bad beliefs.

Nativism

Nativism is a set of beliefs that favor the ideas and cultures of established inhabitants in America against those of foreign individuals; these inhabitants largely consisted of Europeans. The idea of nativism became prevalent around the 1830s during the time periods of urbanization and massive immigration. Nativism primarily occurred in northern cities which had the largest immigrant populations. Foreigners were moving to America primarily to find jobs, escape famine, and avoid rising taxes. Because so many immigrants were moving to America, they were often taken advantage of. When an immigrant first moved to America, they would have to exchange their foreign currency for U.S. currency, but were often scammed because foreigners didn't know the exchange rates between countries. They were also severely underpaid in factories and generally treated poorly because native-born Americans viewed foreigners as lesser people. Violence and riots proceeded to break out among individuals, which only strengthened the tensions between immigrants and American-born citizens. Nativism is still a modern issue as many minority ethnic groups still face discrimination today.

New Immigration

New Immigration came about in the 1880s. The immigrants were coming from countries with poor government. Most of the immigrants coming were from Eastern and Southern Europe. The immigrants were leaving Europe simply because there wasn't any room available for them. So, the immigrants saw it as an opportunity to get a fresh and better start. Although Americans were not a fan of it. They were wondering if America was a melting pot or a dumping ground at this point. Many of the immigrants didn't have plans on staying in America though. Many of the immigrants actually didn't stay. They left with some money and a better life.

Nineteenth Amendment

Nineteenth Amendment was that the right of citizens of the United States to vote should not be denied on the account of sex. Congress should have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. This was first introduced in 1878 by the House of Senate. It took place in the City of Washington. Woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change in the Constitution so they could guarante women the right to vote. Women were denied many basic rights granted to their male counterparts. For example, women were not legally permitted to own property, nor were they allowed to vote to have representation in our government.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an organization that allows an American company to ship goods to Canada and Mexico duty free. This agreement eliminates barriers to trade, promotes conditions of fair competition and increases investment opportunities. The NAFTA agreement was initially signed in 1992 by Canada and Mexico but was not agreed upon with the United States until Jan 1, 1994.Historically, the NAFTA organization was made for North America to be able to compete with the global market. With this NAFTA has eliminated tariffs and many other trade barriers to agricultural and manufactured goods. With this North America has economically grown and has raised the employment rates, economy levels and political disputes. NAFTA is care worthy because of the amount of jobs and money within the organization. A lot of the reason America, and North America as a whole has been able to keep up with the global economy is because of the NAFTA organization. The organization has lowered many food prices in grocery stores and has increased exports and created regional production blocks.

Operation Desert Storm

Operation Desert Storm was the codename for the military operations conducted by a coalition of countries, led by the United States, in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait in 1990. The operation, which took place in 1991, marked the first major conflict of the Gulf War and aimed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm had a significant impact on military strategies, international relations, and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, setting precedents and shaping future conflicts and interventions in the region.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a U.S naval base and the headquarters of the U.S Pacific Fleet that is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is used as a shipyard for the repairing and overhaul of U.S fleet units, homes many U.S naval ships, and serves as a training base for submarine warfare forces. It is famous for the surprise military attack that occurred on December 7, 1941, during World War II. The scene happened just before 8 a.m. when Japanese fighter planes launched a full aerial attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on Oahu Island, Hawaii. The surprise attack by the Japanese resulted in the loss of numerous American lives and a significant portion of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Leading up to the attack, there were growing tensions between the United States and the Empire of Japan, primarily due to Japan's aggressive expansionist policies in Asia. The result of the attack was the day after the attack, on December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor is considered a turning point in the war and is a major factor in why the United States became fully engaged in the conflict. It also led to a strong sense of unity and determination within the United States, as the nation rallied to support the war effort.We as Americans care because it is a crucial historical moment, reminding us of the consequences of global conflicts and the importance of maintaining peace and security. We also care to honor those who lost their lives in the attack and throughout the war.

Perestroika

Perestroika, initiated by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s, was a series of economic and political reforms aimed at revitalizing the stagnating Soviet Union. The term itself translates to "restructuring," reflecting the comprehensive changes introduced during this period. Gorbachev sought to address systemic inefficiencies by decentralizing economic control, allowing limited market mechanisms, and encouraging private entrepreneurship within the socialist framework. The political landscape also underwent transformation with greater emphasis on democratization and increased political openness known as "glasnost." This ushered in a degree of political freedom, enabling open discussions and critiques of government policies. However, these reforms were not without challenges, as they faced resistance from conservative elements within the Soviet establishment. Ultimately, Perestroika played a pivotal role in the unraveling of the Soviet Union. While intended to strengthen socialism, the reforms inadvertently led to the erosion of central authority, contributing to the eventual dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Perestroika remains a complex and debated chapter in history, illustrating the delicate balance between reform and maintaining political stability.

Plessy V. Ferguson

Plessy v. Ferguson was a United States Supreme Court ruling that legally mandated segregation laws. It began in 1896 when Plessy appealed to the Supreme Court and ended in May of that year. However, some might argue that it started on June 7, 1892, the day when Plessy first tested the Separate Car Act of 1890. Homer Plessy was a member of a Civil Rights protest organization in Louisiana and was willing to participate in challenging the act. For context, the Separate Car Act required the separation of races on train cars. At the time even if you had one drop of "black blood" you were considered black. On June 7, 1892, Homer, a Louisiana shoemaker who was predominantly white but had some African ancestry, boarded the train car designated for whites only and was later arrested for refusing to leave the white section, thereby violating the act. In 1896, Plessy argued that the act violated the 13th and 14th amendments. In May 1896, the Supreme Court decided, with a 7 to 1 vote, that as long as colored facilities were equal to white facilities, it didn't matter. However, Plessy v. Ferguson provided the right circumstances to perpetuate inequality between colored people and white people. "Separate but equal" was never truly equal, as colored facilities were often inadequate and of poorer quality. The case institutionalized the unequal separation of races while providing the tools necessary to keep colored people as second-class citizens.

Populism

Populism is a political philosophy where a range of political stances all come back to "us" vs. "Them". In most cases the "Us" in populism is "The People" and the "Them" are most commonly referred to as the "Elites". "The People" being a group of individuals who are told by populist that they are morally and overall better than the "Elites" which are portrayed as evil and morally bad. Doing this places "The People on a moral high ground and the "Elites" on a moral low ground. The term populism was developed in the 19th century and was initially used largely in western europe but later became increasingly popular in eastern europe and the americas. One example of what made populism a thing was agrarian populism. Agrarian populism was a populist movement led by farmers and their allies. They started their movement to end policies that were seen as exploitative to the labor of farmers and other workers to profit those in power. I think it is important to learn about populism because it is still being used to this day and it can be very dangerous. If a populist movement is malicious in a society with weak institutions to keep them in check it can be very dangerous. Populism can be inherently concerning but only truly dangerous in some contexts.

Sacco and Vanzetti

Sacco and Vanzetti were Italian immigrants that were found guilty of committing murder during a robbery at the Slater and Morrill Shoe Factory in South Braintree Massachusetts. Following their unfair trial, they were executed in 1927. This time period following World War I was known as the Red Scare, which was when America feared communist were infiltrating the United States. Sacco and Vanzetti were not only Italian immigrants but also anarchists, which led to the nativist view of them. Many people believed that these two men were innocent. The historical significance of this case was the extreme prejudice that was shown towards immigrants during this Red Scare time period. The social tensions increased following this trial and the attitudes towards immigrants declined.

Samuel Gompers

Samuel Gompers Was born on January 27, 1850. He died at the age of 74 on December 13, 1924. Born in London, England, Samuel at the age of 13 immigrated to New York City. Where he took up his father's cigar business and became a naturalized citizen in 1872. His leadership in labor interest granted him a reputation for conservatism. during this time, he developed the principles of "Voluntarism" in which unions exerted coercion by economic actions through strikes and boycotts. in 1886 Gompers fostered the separation of cigar makers and other craft unions from the Knights of Labor to create the AFL. Gompers distrusted reformers, afraid their influence would drive laborer's efforts away from economic goals. Making unionism respectable as a foundation against radicalism and ill-used strikes. Gompers advocated by using written trade agreements and encouraged the primacy of national organizations over both local unions and international affiliations.

Schenck V. US

Schenck v. US was a Supreme Court case that took place on March 3, 1919, that dealt with the limitations of speech during times of war. The case revolved around Charles Schenck, a member of the Socialist Party, who was distributing leaflets that opposed the military draft during World War I. The Supreme Court ruled that Schenck's actions were not protected under the First Amendment's free right to speech, stating that any speech that presents a "clear and present danger" to the government and its ability to conduct wartime operations can be restricted. This court case occurred while the United States was deeply engaged in World War I, and the government sought to maintain order and support for the war effort. Schenck's leaflets were seen as a threat to national security and the war effort, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal challenge. The Schenck v. US court case has historical significance from the establishment of the "clear and present danger" test as the foundation for evaluating the limits of free speech. This test shaped the interpretations of the First Amendment and the government's ability to limit speech in a time of crisis. This case marked the balance between an individual's right to free speech and the government's authority to protect national interests, setting a precedent for future legal considerations in times of a national crisis, war, or emergency.

Sharecropping

Sharecropping was a system where black and white farmers farmed small parcels, typically forty acres, from large landowners. In exchange, the landowners received a "share" of the year's crop. Sharecropping began after the Civil War and Reconstruction in 1877. It was heavily active in many of the southern states. After the end of Reconstruction, white Democrats controlled the politics in the South. African Americans did not have land, or work, and were harmed. To survive, they would make a contract with a landowner stating that as long as they were working there, the landowner would receive a share of the crop or livestock. Sharecropping was unfair as the sharecroppers were in debt to the landowners and couldn't overcome it. They had very little money and were living in poverty. In the 1960s, sharecropping ended due to the Industrial Revolution and mechanized farm equipment. This eliminated the need for as much human labor.

Sputnik

Sputnik was the first successful artificial satellite launched into space from a spaceport controlled by Russia called Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in Kazakhstan. This occurred during the Cold War, on October 4, 1957. As the United States and Soviet Union were in competition with each other during the Cold War, space exploration and proving who had the best technology became a part of that aspect. After Sputnik was successfully launched, Americans were shocked, and the Space Race began as Americans upped their efforts to keep up with the Soviets. As a result, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created in the U.S., and many more Soviet and U.S. space victories occurred. Overall, Sputnik is so important today because it resulted in the creation of NASA, and it had a major impact on the Cold War, which was the Start of the Space Race.

Supply-Side Economics

Supply-side Economics was a prominent political organization in the United States that emerged in the late 1970s and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape during the early 1980s. Founded by Baptist minister Jerry Falwell in 1979, sought to mobilize conservative Christians as a political force, advocating for socially conservative policies and candidates. The supply side economics came to be as a response to the stagflation of the 1970s. The historical importance of supply side economics were multiple things. One of the reasons being to lower taxes in general. The supply side economics was popularized by president, Ronald Reagan. When it comes to overall if the supply side economics was successful or not, it could really go either way. While it was always successful in the terms of increased economics, this doesn't always mean that it always translated to higher levels of prosperity. Overall, the supply side economics was more of a success than a failure.

Hundred Days

The "Hundred Days" marks an extraordinary period in U.S. history, specifically the start of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term in 1933. Amidst the Great Depression, Roosevelt swiftly enacted his New Deal policies to combat the economic crisis. Starting with the Emergency Banking Act, Roosevelt stabilized the banking system, restoring public confidence. The hundreds day act was an act the Americans, specifically Franklin Roosevelt, presented to help America get out of the great depression .The Civilian Conservation Corps and Public Works Administration were introduced, providing employment and stimulating economic growth. The Agricultural Adjustment Act was also passed, stabilizing agricultural prices.This period demonstrated Roosevelt's belief in an active government, using federal power to address economic and social issues. The reforms enacted during these hundred days had a profound impact on the U.S. economy and society, marking a significant shift in the role of the federal government in American life. The "Hundred days act" was significant because it was the turning point of the great depression. The change in government, presidency, and economic state was able to help America get out of the great depression. The changes were able to help the present and future economic crisis. In conclusion, the "Hundred Days" was a pivotal time in U.S. history, setting the tone for Roosevelt's presidency and establishing the foundation for future economic recovery and reform. It remains a symbol of decisive action and political will in times of crisis.

Black Panther Party

The Black Panther Party was an organization that defended African Americans from cruelty and unfair treatment from the police. They began in October 1966 and were mostly active until 1982. It occurred in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale with the goal of providing assistance like free breakfast for the kids as well as empowering their community. The Black Panther Party formed due to the continued acts of abuse and racial injustice from police and citizens. They majorly made many contributions to the civil rights movement by advocating self discrimination, protected African Americans as well as teaching them how to defend themselves, and provided the necessities for people that lacked them by creating many programs. With all these amazing actions, they were able to influence numerous people to take a stand and greatly impacted the black community during that time as well as now. It shows a point in time where African Americans made history and their work still influences us today.

Bonus Army

The Bonus army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, was a group of World War l veterans who gathered in Washington D.C. in the summer of 1932. These veterans were demanding the immediate payment of a bonus that was promised to them for their military service during World War l. This bonus was supposed to be paid out in 1945, but due the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the veterans wanted the funds earlier. They set up camps and staged protests to bring attention to their cause. While they didn't receive the immediate payment of their bonuses, their actions were significant because they raised awareness about the economic struggles of veterans during the Great Depression and contributed to the discourse around government support for veterans. The bonuses were eventually paid in 1936 as part of the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act.

Chinese Exclusion Act

The Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States. This law was the first and only utmost legislation that targeted a specific nationality from migrating to the US. Racial discrimination was the outcome years later by white Americans after this law. It was formerly known as the immigration act of 1882 renewed in 1989 and made permanent in 1902 up until 1943 when it ended. Americans in the West stereotyping the Chinese as degrading, exotic, dangerous, and competitors for jobs and wages is what led up to the Chinese exclusion act. This act was simply caused by the anti-Chinese sentiment that Americans felt. As a result, the number of Chinese immigrants decreased, Chinese were put in a tremendous amount of examination and were often denied any entry into the US, families were split up at Angel Island Immigration Center, businesses were shut down, so often that Chinese Towns were established where they could retreat into their own cultural and social spaces. The importance of being informed of the Chinese Exclusion Act is for the same reason most history events should be remembered, so it's not repeated. Discrimination against any sort of person is not okay and the world would run more smoothly if we all just put our differences aside and treat each other equally.

League of Nations

The League of Nations was an international organization established after World War I to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. It was founded in 1920 and was headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The League aimed to resolve disputes between nations diplomatically and encourage disarmament. Its historical significance lies in its efforts to maintain world peace and lay the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations.

CCC

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), created by Franklin D. Roosevelt, was one of his earliest New Deal programs established to provide gainful employment to the country's large body of inactive young men who had been unable to secure jobs in the Depression years. This program employed about 500 thousand men and created work for over 3 million men in government camps with jobs that included work in reforestation, fire fighting, flood control, and swamp drainage. It was established on March 31, 1933 by congress and began an experiment in social welfare programming. In the process of this program a change on part of the US government occurred to save its forest lands and to restore the agricultural topsoil lost in the Dust Bowl. The first reforestation work camp was in Powell's Fort, Virginia, set up by recruiters of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC was significant in the means of conserving and protecting the vast natural resources of the US. In addition, 2.3 billion trees were planted, 126,000 miles of roads and trails were constructed, 100,000 miles of telephone lines were laid, 45,000 bridges and buildings were built, and many more. We care about it today because it helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today.

Compromise of 1877

The Compromise of 1877 was a political agreement in the United States. It happened around 1877, after the presidential election. It took place in the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C. This compromise marked the end of Reconstruction and resulted in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. It had significant historical significance as it effectively ended the efforts to protect the civil rights of African Americans in the South, leading to the establishment of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation.

Congress of Racial Equality

The Congress of Racial Equality, often referred to by its acronym CORE, is a distinguished civil rights organization based in the United States. It was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement, a period of significant social and political change. Established in the year 1942, CORE's primary objective was to challenge and ultimately eradicate the racial segregation and discrimination that was deeply ingrained in American society. CORE is particularly noted for its commitment to nonviolent direct action as a method of protest. This strategy was a key factor in the launch of the Freedom Rides, a series of political demonstrations aimed at challenging the segregation that was prevalent on public buses. The organization's persistent efforts and strategic initiatives led to substantial shifts in both legal frameworks and societal norms, thereby playing a crucial role in the struggle for racial equality. The influence of CORE's work continues to be felt today, as it significantly shaped the trajectory of civil rights in the United States.

Contract with America

The Contract With America was a pivotal political document introduced by the Republican Party in 1994, outlining a set of promises and policy proposals during the United States midterm elections. Spearheaded by Newt Gingrich, it emphasized ten legislative items, including tax cuts, welfare reform, and term limits for Congress. This conservative agenda aimed to shrink government, reduce regulations, and balance the federal budget. The Contract played a significant role in the GOP's success, helping them gain control of both houses of Congress for the first time in 40 years. Its principles and impact shaped subsequent political strategies and debates within American governance.

Court Packing Plan

The Courting-packing-plan is a term that refers to increasing the number of justices to the Supreme Court; mainly done to influence its ideological stability. This term became well known with an event in United States history in 1937. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had suggested his plan to expand the U.S. Supreme Court, which was not approved by congress. Now as I mentioned before, this term was used by President Franklin, well evidently it was used in the United states. The 1930s was the point in time where the term "courting-packing plan" grabbed attention from the public and politics. For starters, President Franklin's proposal is now known as the courting-packing plan, and this event led to many discussions amongst the people like separation of powers and constitutional interpretation. This failure exemplified to the people the limitations to the presidential powers. As it didn't really help us physically, it helped Americans understand the importance in maintaining a steadiness of power in the government. Essentially it gave us a better comprehension of the law in the United States.

Credit Mobilier

The Credit Mobilier was a scandal in 1872 that involved the owners of the Union Pacific Railroad for the purpose of getting government contracts to build railroads at highly inflated prices and pocketing the excess profits. When this was released to the public, it was found out that the company had bribed congressmen and vice president, Schuyler Colfax. This event occurred in the United States, involving the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, which stretched from the Midwest to the western coast. The cause of the Credit Mobilier scandal was a combination of corrupt practices, including bribery, and kickbacks within the company. These actions allowed certain individuals to profit at the expense of the government and shareholders. The corruption and unethical practices that were held within the government and business sectors were exposed by the scandal, creating an importance of oversight in political affairs. This event highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and stronger regulations to prevent such abuses of power in the future.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment in the Cold War, unfolded over 13 intense days from October 16 to 28, 1962. The crisis was ignited by the discovery of Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, posing a direct threat to the United States. This revelation set off a tense confrontation between the superpowers, bringing the world to the brink of a catastrophic nuclear conflict. The geographical epicenter of the crisis was Cuba, where Soviet missiles were stationed, capable of reaching major U.S. cities within minutes. Simultaneously, the diplomatic and strategic maneuvers took place in Washington D.C. and Moscow, where leaders grappled with the perilous implications of their actions. The historical significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis cannot be overstated. It marked the closest point during the Cold War that the United States and the Soviet Union stood on the verge of a full-scale nuclear war. The gravity of the situation prompted a swift and delicate response. Through intense negotiations and a secret agreement, the crisis concluded with the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba and a commitment from both superpowers to avoid direct conflict. This harrowing episode underscored the critical importance of diplomacy in averting global catastrophe. The Cuban Missile Crisis serves as a testament to the fragile nature of international relations during the Cold War, emphasizing the need for dialogue and negotiated solutions to prevent the escalation of tensions into all-out war. The lessons learned from this crisis continue to resonate in discussions on global security, diplomacy, and the ever-present specter of nuclear weapons on the world stage.

Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment is a proposed amendment to the United States that strives to allow equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of their gender. The main idea is to put a stop to legal distinctions between men and women in things such as divorces, property owning, employment, and other matters that are gender biased. The equal rights amendment states, "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex"(Britannica). The amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1923, but it wasn't until 1972 that the amendment was passed and sent to the states for ratification. It sadly fell short of the required votes from the states in 1982. This amendment was made to change the entire country. This amendment was very important because it emerged during the second wave of feminism, reflecting broader social and political movements seeking gender equality. The main historical significance is its role as a focal point for discussions about gender equality and women's rights. While it did not become a law in the US Constitution, it made a difference by creating important conversations and subsequent legislative efforts to address issues of gender discrimination.

Federal Highway Act

The Federal Highway Act was an act passed by congress in 1956, which created the Interstate Highway System. This highway system is the network of highways that we still use today to travel more efficiently from cities or states. The Federal Highway Act was created after WWII in order for an easier way to travel across the United States, since the current highways passed through all these towns, so you would have to travel at that town's speed limit and get through all the stop lights or stop signs. With $25 billion dollars over the next 10-12 years, the new Interstate Highway System was created. In order for this new system to be way more efficient, the highways were built around all of these towns, with on and off ramps allowing you to enter and exit. With this new system, citizens could now travel much more efficiently and ship goods across the United States faster. In fact, it took about 8 weeks to travel from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast before this new system of highways. Now, it only took about 4.5 days. This new system also led to the replacement of the small local diners and motels with popular fast food and hotel brands.

Federal Reserve Act

The Federal Reserve Act established the Federal Reserve System as the central bank of the United States to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. The law sets out the purposes, structure, and functions of the system as well as outlining aspects of operations and accountability. It took many months and nearly straight party-line voting, but on December 23, 1913, the Senate passed and President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act. The act was made to operate under a supervisory board in Washington, D.C. The main historical significance of this Act was to enhance the stability of the American banking system. The main cause of needing and passing this act was a particularly severe panic in 1907 that resulted in bank runs that created chaos on the fragile banking systems that were already there. An important details of the Federal Reserve Act is that it consisted on 12 Federal Reserve Banks jointly responsible for managing the country's money supply, making loans and providing oversight to banks, and serving as a lender of the last resort.

Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade commission was established in 1914. This was made to enforce federal antitrust and consumer protection law. This is an independent federal agency in the United States responsible for promoting and protecting consumer market competition interest. The federal Trade Commission was a very important time in history because this set the standards for the health regulations that we have today in the present day. The Federal Trade commission was mostly important because it helped to truly crack down on the companies that were illegally and unfairly monopolizing different types of industries. For the most part, the federal trade commission was to keep everything fair between companies. This act ended up being signed into law by president Woodrow Wilson and joined the government antitrust.

Gilded Age

The Gilded Age was a period full of great wealth and political corruption. It happened during 1865-1896 and was given its name by Mark Twain. The Gilded Age occurred mainly in the Northern and Western United States. This period was created due to the industrial revelation. The rapid increase in the economy created higher wages and also demand for more labor. The Gilded Age has had a major impact on our industry's advancements, such as transportation and communication. Such as the invention of railroads, which led to the increase in transporting goods and people. Another creation during this period was the telephone which had one of the biggest impacts on the world's communication. As communication opportunities grew so did corruption. Many citizens used the Gilded Age as a time to take advantage of newly formed corruption for the benefit of themselves. Such as political corruption, people wanted to create money by cutting taxes they had collected.

Gold Standard Act

The Gold Standard Act was a very significant act for its time. This piece of legislation was passed on March 14, 1900, and was signed by President William McKinley. This act had a major role in shaping the monetary policy and financial systems. This act was signed in the United States by congress, but I could not find an exact or estimated location of where the passing of this act occurred. The major key provisions were gold convertibility to paper currency, gold reserves, standardization of weights and measurements, economic stability, and limitations such as constrained flexibility. The act remained for several decades but ended up being abandoned during the Great Depression. The reason that this act had occurred was because international agreements comprising the Bretton Woods system restored foreign central banks' ability to exchange US dollars for gold at fixed prices. The reason that this act is apart of history is because it limited the government power because they couldn't print money and it increased economic debt.

Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine was a policy stating that America would provide political, economic, and military compensation to all democratic nations under threat of any force. This Doctrine was presented and established in a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947 by President Harry S. Truman. One of the key factors that led to this doctrine was withdrawal of British assistance in Greece. Truman wanted the Congress to provide him with 400 million dollars in order to support friendly nations. The doctrine overall modified the direction for the United States foreign policy.

The Grange

The Grange was a 19th century social and political movement in the United States that occurred primarily from the late 1860s to the early 1870s. It originated in rural areas and gained prominence in the Midwest and South, with a significant impact on American Agriculture and politics. The Grange advocated for the rights and interests of farmers, pushing for government regulation of railroad rates, fair pricing for crops, and improvised agriculture education. It served as a platform for rural communities to come together, offering social activities, education, and a sense of belonging during a period of increasing industrialization. Leading up to the Grange, the mid 19th century witnessed rapid industrialization and urbanization, which led to increased isolation and economic challenges for rural farmers. The Grange movement emerged as a response to these difficulties, providing a collective voice for farmers. The group led by Oliver Kelley and William Saunders held regular meetings, social events, and adopted rituals. The grange successfully lobbied for the passage of Granger Laws in several states, regulating railroads and grain elevators. However, the movements political influence waned in the 1870s as it faced internal divisions and legal challenges to its legislation. In conclusion, the Grange Movement remains significant in American History as an early example of organized advocacy for farmers and rural communities.

Great Society

The Great Society was a set of domestic programs and initiatives introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s. It occurred around the mid-1960s, specifically from 1964 to 1968. These programs were implemented in the United States, particularly in response to the social and economic challenges of the time. The Great Society was a result of several factors, including the civil rights movement, the war on poverty, and Johnson's vision for a more equitable society. It aimed to address issues such as poverty, racial discrimination, education, healthcare, and urban renewal. Some important details of the Great Society include the establishment of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These initiatives aimed to provide healthcare for the elderly and low-income individuals, improve education opportunities for young children, and combat racial discrimination. As a result of the Great Society, significant progress was made in reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare, and advancing civil rights. It had a lasting impact on American society, shaping policies and programs that still exist today. We care about the Great Society because it represents a pivotal moment in American history, where the government took significant steps to address social issues and promote equality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of social progress and the role of government in creating a more just society.

Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s. It celebrated African American culture and contributed to the development of jazz, literature, and visual arts. It was a vibrant time of creativity and expression. This event occurred primarily during the 1920s and extended into the early 1930s. There is no specific date on when this started up or became a thing, but it is known for sure that it expanded throughout the years from 1920. It was a significant period for African American art and culture. This started in the neighborhood in the northern part of Manhattan Harlem, New York City, it was apparently a hub for African American artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals. It was significant because it celebrated cultural creativity during a time of racial discrimination. It really gave African Americans a platform for them to express themselves and challenge stereotypes. It also contributed to the development of jazz music and influenced future generations of artists. It was sparked by a combination of factors which include the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to Northern cities like Harlem where they wanted better opportunities and freedom from racial oppression. This action of talent and creativity along with the passion and need for social and cultural change contributed to the development of the Harlem Renaissance. We care about this certain topic because it allowed African Americans' voices to be heard and really challenged racial stereotypes. This also paved the way of the future generations that come up and also help show pride and identity within the African American community.

Homestead Act

The Homestead Act accelerated the settlement of the west by granting adult citizens, who had never taken arms against the US government, 160 acres of public land for a small filing fee and five years of continuous residence on that land. The act was passed on May 20, 1862, and was in effect until repealed in 1976. In the 1930's, there was a drop in successful homestead claims, and Alaska was the last state to repeal the act in 1986. This act included most of western US, mostly west of the Great Plains. Some of the states that were included in the act are Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Homestead Act was one of the most significant events in the westward expansion of the US. Some causes that lead to this act was the want of expansion and for economic growth. This act was supposed to promote expansion, settlement and development of the west; this act also gave African Americans a notable opportunity to own land. 160 acres were given to people who agreed to farm the land; millions of acres of western land ended up being distributed to individuals. The Homestead Act is important to the US today because lots of immigrants moved to the US to seek the "American Dream". It also transformed the west, small farms turned into towns and even cities, with railroads, eventually highways and more industries were being created. The Homestead Act was overall extremely helpful to the expansion and the economic growth of the United States.

HUAC

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was founded on May 26, 1938. The HUAC started in America during the early years of the Cold War, due to the Red Scare, a name given to the uproar being formed in America because of Communists. The purpose of this group was to root out any subversion and to expose communist influence in the American government and society. Any citizen who was suspected of having ties with communists would be tried in a court of law. Any government employee that was suspected could be blacklisted and had a risk of losing their jobs. The issue with communism and this committee created a wedge between society and the U.S. government. Later on, the HUAC became less popular and ended during the times of the Vietnam War.

Knights of Labor

The Knights of Labor were a labor union that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. They were active from around 1869 to the late 1880s. The organization was founded in Philadelphia and quickly grew to become one of the largest labor unions of its time. The Knights of Labor played a significant role in advocating for workers' rights, including the eight-hour workday and improved working conditions. They also fought against child labor and promoted equal pay for men and women. The historical significance of the Knights of Labor lies in their efforts to unite workers across different industries and their impact on shaping labor laws and policies in the United States.

Lend-Lease Bill

The Lend-Lease Bill was set up so that the United States could lend or lease war supplies to any nation deemed "vital to the defense of the United States." The Lend-Lease Bill was signed into law on March 11, 1941, and ended on September 20, 1945. The Lend-Lease allowed Great Britain to continue fighting against Germany on its own until the United States entered World War II in 1941. During World War II, Great Britain was losing to Germany and requested for help. They were running out of money and couldn't keep buying supplies from the U.S. President Roosevelt, and the United States was not involved in the war but wanted to support England. Bound to the Neutrality Act of 1939, the U.S. was allowed to sell arms to countries like England on a cash-and-carry basis but was prohibited from doing more. President Roosevelt asked Congress if he could lend/lease weapons to American allies. They allowed Roosevelt to sell, rent, or lend military weapons to any country deemed vital to national security. Many people were worried this would give the president too much power and involve the U.S. in a war it didn't need to be part of. Instead, the Lend-Lease allowed the U.S. to help without having soldiers in the front line of the war. The bill also helped supply China in 1941 and the Soviet Union. By the war's end, the U.S. had helped over three dozen countries.

Lusitania

The Lusitania was a British passenger ship that would transport American and British people across the Atlantic Ocean. During World War 1, on May 7, 1915, the Lusitania entered the war zone off Europe's western coast, and it was sunk by a German U-boat (submarine). Around 1,260 were killed, including about 120 Americans. It's worth mentioning though that the German military sent out many warnings, saying they would sink any boat that entered the war zone, but the Lusitania ignored these warnings. The ship was also carrying ammo crates to supply to the Allies, but Germany knew about this, and they took matters into their own hands. This outraged the U.S. and turned the public against Germany. Many wanted to do something, but Wilson didn't want to enter the war, so he was satisfied with Germany saying they wouldn't sink any more passenger ships. The sinking of the Lusitania lit a spark of hate in American hearts and hindered the relationship between Germany and the U.S., but this event was not what ultimately led to the U.S. into joining the war.

The Maine

The Maine was a battleship that played a significant role in American history. It was commissioned in 1895 and served as part of the United States Navy. The ship was sent to Havana Harbor in Cuba in 1898 during the Cuban War of Independence.On February 15, 1898, an explosion occurred on board The Maine, leading to the sinking of the ship and the loss of many lives. The exact cause of the explosion remains a subject of debate, but it was a pivotal event that sparked the Spanish-American War.The sinking of The Maine had a profound impact on American history. It fueled public outrage and led to a rallying cry of "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" The incident galvanized public opinion and pushed the United States closer to war with Spain.The Spanish-American War, which followed shortly after the sinking of The Maine, resulted in the United States gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It marked a turning point in American foreign policy, as the United States emerged as a global power.In conclusion, The Maine was a battleship that sank in Havana Harbor in 1898, leading to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The event had a significant historical impact, shaping American foreign policy and solidifying the United States as a major player on the world stage.

Manhattan Project

The Manhattan Project was a top-secret World War II government program in which the US hurried to develop and use the world's first atomic weapons before Nazi Germany could. The Manhattan Project took place from June 18, 1942 to August 25, 1947. This project took place and grew at three primary locations across the United States: Hanford, Washington; La Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Manhattan Project was started in response to the fears that German scientists had been working on a nuclear weapon since the 1930's and were prepared to use it. This project led to the creation of the first atomic bomb and the exploration of both electromagnetic and fusion methods of separating the fissionable uranium-235 from uranium-238. The Manhattan Project not only helped bring World War II to an end but ushered in the atomic age and determined how the next war, the Cold War, would be fought. The Manhattan Project impacted history in many ways; these atomic bombs changed the political world order in ways that are still shown today.

Meat Inspection Act

The Meat Inspection Act was passed on June 30, 1906 in the United States. First passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, the act set strict standards of cleanliness in the meatpacking industry. Under the meat inspection act, the sale of adulterated or misbranded livestock and derived products as food was prohibited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); they ensured that livestock was slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions. Prior to the passing of the Meat Inspection Act, the conditions of Chicago slaughterhouses were beyond unsanitary and, overall poor. In 1906, Upton Sinclair's novel, "The Jungle", was published. This novel played a big role in the passing of The Meat Inspection Act as it exposed the conditions of the meatpacking industry. As a result, the book set fire to the public and implications of regulations were wanted. The Meat Inspection Act had, and still continues, to impact American consumers and the meatpacking industry. By ensuring quality and safe meats were being sold and consumed, detecting and preventing public health hazards, and overall laying a safe foundation for the meatpacking industry to prosper, the Meat Inspection Act was necessity to the progress of America and its welfare.

National Recovery Administration

The National Recovery Administration was a program during the Great Depression in the 1930s. It aimed to stimulate economic recovery by implementing industry codes and fair competition practices. It helped set minimum wages, maximum working hours, and fair labor standards. It was an important part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. It was established on June 16, 1933 in Washington D.C. The National Recovery Administration involved various stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and effort to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression. The NRA that implemented these codes and of conduct for the industries faced some criticism and was ultimately declared unconstitutional. It laid the foundation for future labor and economic reforms which is why it is a significant part of history. It stirred up because it was a response to the economic crisis of the Great Depression. The stock market crash of 1929 and subsequent economic downturn led to widespread unemployment, business failures, and a decline in industrial production.

Neutrality Act of 1939

The Neutrality Act of 1939 was an important piece of legislation during Roosevelt's era. It aimed to keep the United States out of foreign conflicts by allowing the sale of weapons to belligerent nations on a "cash and carry" basis. This meant that countries had to pay in full and transport the goods themselves. The act also lifted the arms embargo on the warring nations, which had been in place since the outbreak of World War II. The expansion of federal power during this time was seen as necessary to address the challenges of the Great Depression and ensure national security. Similarly, in the realm of cybersecurity, federal expansion is needed to combat cyber threats and protect our digital infrastructure. However, it's important to have discussions about privacy boundaries and potential government abuse of power to maintain a balance. I hope this gives you a brief overview of the Neutrality Act of 1939 and its significance.

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a man-made shortcut that saves time and expenses for carrier ships of all kinds.The canal is 80 kilometers, a waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in one of the most convenient things in the North American Continent.If not for this canal, ships would have to travel thousands of miles around South America. President Theodore Roosevelt had the great idea of making this canal that would benefit us for years to come. Throughout the 1800s, American and British businessmen wanted their products shipped fast and somewhat cheap between the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. After ten years the Panama Canal is finished and is still in operation today. This canal changed the process of shipping goods quickly forever.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the ACA, commonly known as Obamacare, is an inclusive United States healthcare reform law. This law aims to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Americans by implementing several provisions, such as expanding Medicaid, establishing marketplaces for healthcare, and by introducing safeguards for consumers. The ACA was made law on March 23, 2010, and affected the entire United States. The ACA marks a pivotal shift in the US healthcare system. This law was made in response to multiple long-standing issues including a high number of uninsured Americans, the little amount of affordable healthcare options, and discrimination from insurance companies based on pre-existing conditions. The ACA aimed to increase accessibility to higher quality healthcare services, and to help control the quickly rising cost of healthcare services. This law has profoundly impacted millions of Americans by expanding Medicaid, implementing necessary health benefits, and by offering financial assistance for insurance premiums. With ongoing discussions about its potential improvements and merits, this law has also been a political debate for some time. The ACA has become a pivotal piece of legislation in the broad overview of healthcare policies in America.

The Patriot Act

The Patriot Act was a law created after the 9/11 terrorist attack in the United States. The act was enacted in 2001, shortly after the attacks. The overall aim was to enhance the government's ability to prevent and respond to future attacks of terrorism like 9/11. The Patriot Act gave intelligence agencies broader surveillance, expanded search and seizure abilities as well as increasing information sharing. The significance of the Patriot Act sparked national debates over security and civil liberties. Raising many concerns over privacy as it expands the government's power to collect and analyze personal information. The overall main purpose for this act was to respond to 9/11 changing the likelihood an attack like that won't happen again

The Pendleton Act

The Pendleton Act is a U.S. law that established the merit-based civil service system. The Act was passed on January 16, 1883 and enacted in the United States. The Pendleton Act is historically significant because it established the merit-based civil service system in the United States, reducing political patronage and promoting fairness in government employment. The act was a response to the spoils system, which allowed political parties to reward their supporters with government positions. It was passed to address corruption and ensure that government jobs were awarded based on merit rather than political affiliation. The important details of the Pendleton Act include the establishment of a merit-based civil service system, the creation of the Civil Service Commission, and the reduction of political patronage in government employment. It aimed to ensure fairness and competence in public service. As a result of the Pendleton Act, government positions in the United States began to be filled based on merit rather than political connections, reducing corruption and promoting a more efficient and competent civil service. I strongly care about the Pendleton Act because it has helped establish a fair and merit-based civil service system which ensures that qualified individuals are chosen for government positions. This is very important to me because I want to have a transparent and efficient public service. The act also reduces corruption which plays a big role in my life as well as the individuals surrounding me.

Platt Amendment

The Platt Amendment limited political and financial self-governance on Cuban people. The amendment also authorized the United States to use military intervention whenever they wanted to. The Platt Amendment was passed and ratified by the Cuban constitution in 1901. This lasted until 1934 when the amendment was repealed by Cuba. Even though the amendment was repealed, the United States is still in control of the Guantanamo Bay, which serves as their naval base. During the Spanish American War, the United States stationed their military troops in Cuba. After the war the United States decided to enforce the Platt Amendment in fear that another country/nation would try to secure something of theirs. We care about this amendment, because this is a prime example of when the United States was expanding it's influence and control over other nations.

Potsdam Conference

The Potsdam Conference was a meeting of the Allied leaders during World War II to talk about the post-war reorganization of Germany and Europe. The Conference was held in the city of Potsdam near Berlin, spanning from July 17 to August 2, 1945. The conference was composed of the three major Allied powers: the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. The President of the United States- Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom-Winston Churchill, Premier of the Soviet Union-Joseph Stalin were all participants in the conference. They concluded that all of Germany's military would be dismantled. The Potsdam Agreement, which was issued at the end of the conference, outlined the principles that would govern the Allied occupation of Germany and the administration of the defeated country. It also addressed the issue of war reparations, the division of Germany into occupation zones, and the handling of Nazi war criminals. Overall, the Potsdam Conference played a crucial role in shaping the post-war order in Europe and setting the stage for the subsequent Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Pullman Strike

The Pullman Strike was a major labor conflict that took place in the United States in 1894. It was led by the American Railway Union, a labor organization headed by Eugene V. Debs. The strike primarily occurred in the town of Pullman, Illinois, where the Pullman Company had its headquarters and manufacturing facilities. The workers at the Pullman Company were protesting against wage cuts and poor working conditions. The strike quickly spread across the country, disrupting rail transportation and causing significant economic impact. The government intervened, and federal troops were deployed to suppress the strike. The Pullman Strike is significant because it highlighted the struggles of workers and their fight for better rights and working conditions. It also led to the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in the United States.

Red Scare

The Red Scare was a period of time when there was a widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideas. The Red Scare occurred between 1919 and 1920. It was right after the Russian Revolution and during World War 1. People in the United States were worried that ideas from Russia would spread to the US and cause chaos. Some of the ideas that Russia had were socialism, communism, nationalism, etc. To prevent these actions the government implemented strict laws that limited people's freedom of speech and allowed them to arrest and punish those who decided to speak out about the government or the war. The fear of communism spreading and the impact of the war on society was one of the many reasons the Red Scare occurred. The Red Scare is important, because it shows how a society having fear and the power of the government can have a long lasting impact on American society and politics.

Stonewall Rebellion

The Stonewall Rebellion was a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history. It took place in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, a bar in Greenwich Village in New York City, catered to the gay community to conduct a routine raid and arrest any individuals found to be cross-dressing. It was a series of protests and demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community against police harassment and discrimination. The rebellion sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. It ignited a wave of activism and led to the formation of the many different LGBTQ+ organizations and movements. This rebellion has brought visibility and awareness to the many struggles that were faced by the community and really paved the way for any advancements made. It inspired organizations and advocacy groups, such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activist Alliance. It also made history leading the first ever pride parades around cities around the world, which continues to the day. This strong rebellion brought attention to all the mistreatment of the LBGTQ+ community and truly changed the perception and attitudes towards them. It is deeply cared about because it shows honor for the brave souls who stood up against the discrimination and fought for equality. It reminds people that change can and is possible to help work towards a more inclusive, accepting society. Stonewall Rebellion was a response to all the police harassment against the LGBTQ+ individuals who were frequently targeted by police raids. The Rebellion happened because of the police raid that took place on June 28, 1969, when the police raided the Stonewall Inn yet again, the people have finally decided that they have had enough. They fought back, resisting arrest and sparking a series of protests and demonstrations that lasted for several days. The rebellion was fueled by frustration, anger, and a collective desi

Students for a Democratic Society

The Students for Democratic Society was an organization of activist students who mainly focused on contributing participatory democracy, civil rights, and the Vietnam War. It began during the 1960s with the goal of bringing peace amongst the people to where there were no longer issues in politics or society. The SDS first gathered at the University of Michigan and they continued their movements all over the U.S. There were several things that led to this event, but I would say the main thing was the civil rights movement, it was something that really stirred up issues. The results of this group were major, they raised awareness about the issues in society and helped significantly in the protest in the anti-Vietnam War. We care about them because their actions impacted U.S. history and influenced many people to take action.

Teapot Scandal

The Tea Party movement in simple terms was a political movement that emerged as a right-wing, ultra-Republican party in the United States in February in the year 2009. It took place in various locations across the country, with significant support in states like Texas. The movement was characterized by its members' opposition to government spending, taxes, and the size of the federal government. It gained traction as a response to the financial crisis and the perceived expansion of government power. The Tea Party movement had a significant impact on American politics, influencing elections and shaping policy debates. It led to the rise of conservative voices within the Republican Party and contributed to a shift in political discourse. We the people care about it because it represented a grassroots movement advocating for limited government and fiscal responsibility. The Tea Party movement sparked passionate discussions about the role of government and the direction of the country.

Tea Party

The Tea Party movement was a fiscally conservative political movement within the republican party that began in 2009. They had three core beliefs which included limited government, unapologetic U.S. sovereignty, and constitutional originalism. Their goal was to oppose excessive taxation and government intervention in the private sector while supporting stronger immigration controls.

Teapot Dome Scandal

The Teapot Dome Scandal was an affair involving illegal lease of priceless naval oil reserves in Teapot Dome. This event had occurred from 1921 to 1923. This scandal had taken place in the United States, specifically the federal oil reserves in California and Wyoming. The Teapot Dome Scandal was caused by government officials accepting bribes and kickbacks from private oil companies. They abused their positions of power to grant leases of federal oil reserves in exchange for personal gain. As a result, this gave President Harding's administration a bad reputation and loss of public trust. From this event, reforms were created in government contracts to protect how natural resources were going to be managed. This scandal highlighted government corruption and a need for transparency within the system. The need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent abuse of power in the government was being made apparent.

Transcontinental Railroad

The Transcontinental railroad revolutionized traveling, transportation, and connecting the Western states and Eastern states in America. The railroad stretched from Nebraska to California. It was constructed between 1863 and 1869 almost completely by hand. It brought in many different races and cultures to work on including Chinese, Irish, Germans, and many more. The railroad also was a big contributor to westward expansion which caused strife between the Native Americans and the United States. Overall the transcontinental railroad had some downsides but was a good thing for our country

USA Patriot Act

The USA patriot Act, short for "uniting and strengthening America by Providing Appropriate tools required to intercept and Obstruct terrorism act". Is it a law passed by the United States Congress in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was enacted to enhance national security and give law enforcement agencies more tools to prevent future attacks. The act expanded the powers of intelligence agencies to gather information and share it with each other. It allowed for increased surveillance, including wiretapping and monitoring of electronic communications, to track potential threats. The act also gave authorities the ability to access business record, such as financial transactions, in their efforts to combat terrorism. While the act aimed to protect national security, it also sparked debates about privacy and civil liberties. Critics argue that it infringes on individuals rights and can lead to unwarranted government intrusion. Supporters believe it is necessary to prevent further terrorist activities and keep the country safe

Voting Rights of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was an act that restricted racial discrimination in voting. This ended all discriminatory voting that was taking place in America after the Civil War. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon Johnson. African Americans had to face many troubles, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and many other things, such as harassment, intimidation, and physical violence when trying to vote before the act was signed into law. After the attacks during the Selma March in 1964, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson realized how terrible African Americans were being treated and decided to pass the Voting Rights Bill. Once the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, this meant that African Americans were free to vote, and everyone had the right to vote no matter what race or color they were. Immediately, a significant amount of new African-American voters were registered, and this continued throughout the Southern States. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was readopted in 1970, 1975, and 1982. Without the Voting Rights Act of 1965, who knows how different voting would be today or how long it would have taken to get equal and nondiscriminatory voting rights for African Americans.

Women's Christian Temperance Union

The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), established in 1873, was a prominent organization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It focused on advocating for total abstinence from alcohol due to the social issues caused by alcohol abuse, such as domestic violence and poverty. The WCTU played a significant role in the temperance movement, eventually leading to the 18th Amendment, which prohibited alcohol nationwide in 1920. The WCTU's historical significance lies in its contributions to the temperance and women's suffrage movements. It provided women with a platform for social and political activism and helped pave the way for women's increased participation in political affairs. Additionally, its successful campaign for alcohol prohibition brought lasting changes to American society, shaping alcohol consumption patterns and leading to the Prohibition era.

Yalta Conference

The Yalta Conference was a meeting held after World War II had concluded. This conference was attended by the heads of government from the United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union in which they discussed the reorganization of post-war German and European borders. This meeting took place after the surrender of Germany on May 17, 1945. The United States was represented by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United Kingdom was represented by Winston Churchill, and the Soviets were represented by Joseph Stalin. The result of the Yalta Conference was the division of German territory into four different occupation zones which were controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviets, and the French.

Zimmermann Telegram

The Zimmermann Telegram was a telegram that Germany sent to Mexico, requesting that they form an alliance and plan an attack on the United States. This telegram was created in January of 1917, which helped to influence more warfare between the countries. The telegram had first reached the German embassy in Washington D.C and then passed on to Eckhardt in Mexico. The reason why this written message is significant to our history is because of the influence it had on America to join World War I, which took an extreme toll on how the war was going at the time. This message was created by Germany because of their plan for Mexico to attack the U.S. so that America would be too busy to help their allies during the war.

Eighteenth Amendment

The eighteenth amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. This amendment was made by Wayne Wheeler to prevent alcoholism and the effects of alcohol. It was proposed in December of 1917 but was ratified in January of 1919. Due to the controversy of the amendment, there were many meetings and protests against the amendment.

Haymarket Square

The haymarket Square is a place where a bombing happened due to laborers being on strike. The event that happened at this location was on May 4, 1886. This occurred in the streets of Chicago, Illinois. This all started when the labor workers were on strike due to the injuries and deaths of the workers caused by the police of Chicago the day before at the McCormick Reaper Works. Over 2,000 civilians crowded the streets, even the Mayor of Chicago was there to ensure everything was peaceful. Eventually the police showed up and tried to get everyone to leave, but this just caused everyone to get angry. One individual, who was never identified, threw a bomb at the police out of anger. This caused the police and some protesters to exchange fire. The cause of this was 7 police officers and at least 1 civilian were killed and many more were injured. I believe that we care that this happened because there should not have been any violence during this protest. The protest was going against violence, it didn't want to cause more. People should be able to protest freely and not have to be scared that something like this would happen again. Protesters should be able to get their points across and be heard without others putting violence in the mix.

Executive Order 9066

The historical significance of Executive Order 9066 is tied to the climate of fear and prejudice during World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in December 1941 led to heightened suspicions and fears of Japanese Americans as potential spies or saboteurs. As a result, this order was used to remove Japanese Americans from the West Coast and place them in internment camps, depriving them of their civil liberties. The internment is now widely regarded as a grave injustice and violation of civil rights, and it serves as a dark chapter in American history. It also led to redress and reparations efforts in the 1980s, acknowledging the wrongdoing and providing compensation to survivors and their descendants.

Roe v Wade

The term Roe v. Wade was an important Supreme Court case that established the constitutional right to an abortion. Roe v. Wade took place in 1973 and was implemented on January 22, 1973. Taking place in Texas the case involved Jane Roe, a woman fighting for women's constitutional right to have the option of an abortion. This case made abortion legal overruling the government's law on abortion making this a big significant moment in America's history. The result of Roe v. Wade was important because it gave women a safer way to have an abortion without the risk of the government. However, due to recent events Roe v. Wade has been overturned and abortion has been banned in some states such as Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota, and West Virginia. These states no longer allow abortions to women and have certain restrictions on when a woman can terminate a pregnancy.

Social Gospel

The term Social Gospel refers to the time from about 1870-1920. It was a religious social reform movement which took place mostly in the United states. The movement, which was led by Washington Gladden, advocated for christian principles such as social issues, poverty, inequality, and injustice. The overall goal was to bring up the negative effects of industrialization and urbanization. As well as the vastly unequal society that had begun to emerge. This movement was a response to America's past history. Like for example, the civil war which put the country in divide amongst each other and their beliefs on slavery. Social Gospel was a significant highlight for religion in promoting a new social change influencing progressive policies in the United States.

Muckrakers

The term muckrakers arose during the Progressive Era which occurred during the 1890s to 1920s. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who shone a light on corrupt business owners and government leaders. They primarily focused on the slums, industrial locations, and political areas of the United States. Major social issues such as poverty and racism were also a point of focus for them. They were often called muckrakers because they were "raking the muck" of society. This term was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt when he delivered a speech referring to journalists in this sense. Muckrakers commonly took the form of writers and photographers. The work of muckrakers had an undeniably positive effect on America, as the result of their work led to the passage of multiple key legislation. They are still very present in American society today but are rarely called muckrakers anymore.

Abu Ghraib

The word "Abu Ghraib" refers to an Iraqi prison complex that came to public attention in the early 2000s after US military personnel mistreated and tortured inmates. The majority of the abuse and torture at Abu Ghraib occurred in 2003; details emerged in April 2004. Baghdad, Iraq's capital city, is not far from Abu Ghraib. During the Iraq War, the jail complex was a hub for American military activity. The mistreatment of detainees in Abu Ghraib came to symbolize broader issues with American military operations in Iraq and the War on Terror. Among the abuses shown in widely shared photographs were sexual assault, physical and psychological torture, and humiliation. The incident resulted in investigations, court-martials, and the conviction of several military members. It sparked debate over the morality of interrogation techniques, how POWs are treated, and how the US military has behaved in Iraq overall. Abu Ghraib harmed the United States' reputation both locally and abroad, and questions were raised about the effectiveness of accountability and control in military operations. Discussions about human rights violations, war crimes, and the consequences of military interventions have centered on this occurrence.

World Trade Organization

The world trade organization was established on January 1, 1995, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had been in existence since 1948. The primarily purpose of the world trade organization was to smooth the flow of international trade. This operation works on the principles of nondiscrimination, transparency, and also open competition. The historical significance to the World Trade organization was basically to regulate international trade and try to find more simpler ways. While the world trade organization was overall successful, there were some challenges. Some of the problems where the organization's decision-making process were very slow and were not very effective when it came to addressing certain issues. Some of those issues being agricultural subsidies and trade imbalances. Even with these two problems, the world trade organization still continues to be a key institution in the international trade system. The world trade organization occurred in Uruguay.

Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas

This was a Supreme Court case that involved racial segregation in public schools in the United States. It took place in Topeka, Kansas in 1954 and was a turning point in the civil rights movement. This case started when a young African American girl named Linda Brown had to walk a long distance to attend her segregated black school, when there was a white school nearby. Her father, alongside many other supporters, challenged the segregation in schools and argued that it was violating principles that were established previously. Eventually it made its way to the Supreme Court, where they ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This started a huge step towards equality and civil rights. Desegregation was starting to spread throughout the school systems in America. This paved the way for greater integration within education and created opportunities for students of all races to be able to learn and thrive together.

Tuskegee Institute

Tuskegee Institute, founded by Washington, was the first institution of a higher learning program for African Americans; Washington came under pressure from critics who viewed him as an accommodation because they felt like he de-emphasized racism, racial violence against blacks, and discrimination. The Tuskegee Institute was founded on July 4, 1881 apparently the idea of it came up two years prior just was never really went through with. This took place in Tuskegee, Alabama for the main purpose to train teachers in Alabama. It was created in a one room shanty around or near Butler Chapel AME Zion Church. It was made/ created by a former slave and a former slave who thought it will be a good idea to help teach freed people and their children. It allowed African Americans to get educational diplomas and learn how to gain useful needs. The students under Washington's direction built their own buildings, produced their own food, and provided for most of their own basic necessities. It's the first nursing program in the state of Alabama and oldest schools to exist in the United States.

Watergate

Watergate, also known as the Watergate scandal, was a series of joined together scandals of the administration of U.S. President Richard M. Nixon that was revealed following the arrest of five burglars attempting to bug the officers of the Democratic Party at the headquarters in the Watergate office-apartment-hotel complex in Washington, D.C. Due to facing likely impeachment for his part in covering up the scandal, Nixon resigned, becoming the first U.S. president to do so. This all occurred in the time period of June 17, 1972 - August 9, 1974 which ends on the date Nixon resigned. We care about it because it caused many to lose faith in government that has changed the political calculus for many issues, led to campaign finance reform and drove Americans to demand greater transparency in politics, which led to broad transformations that reshaped the cultural and political landscape for decades to come.

Whitewater

Whitewater typically refers to a significant political and fiscal scandal during Bill Clinton's presidency in the 1990s. The root of this issue was a real estate investment gone sour in the late '70s and early '80s, known as the Whitewater Development Corporation. Investors in this venture included Bill and Hillary Clinton. The scandal surfaced due to accusations of misconduct against the Clintons and their partners, Jim and Susan McDougal. The McDougal's owned Madison Guaranty, a savings and loan entity. Allegations surfaced that, while Clinton was Arkansas Governor, he coerced a businessman into giving an unlawful $300,000 loan to Susan McDougal. It was speculated that these funds were used to prop up Madison Guaranty and the Whitewater initiative. The scandal grew heated following the suicide of Vincent Foster, the deputy White House counsel who was central to the Clintons' Whitewater defense. Conspiracy theories around his death bred suspicion about the Clintons' involvement. Though several Clinton associates, including the McDougal's, received federal fraud convictions, the Clintons escaped prosecution. After three investigations found no sufficient evidence of their involvement in the fraudulent actions tied to the land deal, they were not charged. This scandal was a focal point in the 1992 U.S. Presidential election and later in Bill Clinton's impeachment. Despite the scandal, the Clintons continue to assert their innocence, alleging that they were targeted in a politically-biased prosecution. The Whitewater controversy has left a lasting imprint on U.S. political history.

William Jennings Bryant

William Jennings Bryant was born on March 19th, 1860 and died on July 26th, 1925. He was influential in the eventual adoption of such reforms as popular election of senators, income tax, creation of the Department of Labor, Prohibition, and women's suffrage. Throughout his career, his Midwestern roots clearly identified him with agrarian interests, in opposition to those of the urban East. His solution for the depressed economy after the panic of 1893 was an easy money policy based on the unlimited coinage of silver at a ratio to gold of 16 to 1. Despite his diplomatic inexperience, he made a distinctive contribution to world law by espousing arbitration to prevent war. Bryan convinced 31 nations to agree in principle to his proposal of new treaties that would provide a cooling-off period of one year during which a question in dispute could be studied by an international commission. In the meantime, World War I broke out. An avowed pacifist, Bryan finally resigned over Wilson's second note to Germany (June 8, 1915) protesting the sinking of the Lusitania. Nonetheless, he urged loyal support of the war when it was finally declared.