US History Timeline
Looking back on the past shows us our journey to the present.
I believe history is worth studying to appreciate the complexity of issues and to understand the existence of and reasoning behind many of societies rules and practices.
Purpose can also be found in studying history, all aspects of humanity are on display, and it continues with every student. Where do students see themselves in the historical narrative?
I believe the history of the United States is fundamental to understanding the modern world. The lessons in US History are an excellent starting point for anyone grappling with issues of the modern world: from civil rights, to the environment.
I believe the fundamental theme of America is freedom, this ideal has been constantly questioned and re-interpreted throughout American History. The history of the United States is one of people given the freedom to chart their destiny together.
I believe history should be engaging. Tales, where people can put themselves in the shoes of those who lived it. Objects, that can be seen, touched, or played with get a feel for the time. People, who can become role models. Questions, to challenge and form your own beliefs.
I want people to engage and grapple with the present with the knowledge of the past. I want people to be inspired by past achievements and have the ambition to top them. I want people to feel they have the freedom to believe, the freedom to choose, and the freedom to challenge quo.
I want people to relate history to their own life, and use it as a practical tool. Fundamentally I seek to ignite curiosity and passion.
All of this begins by asking questions, studying historical fact, and constructing narratives.
Questions
- Why study history?
Throughout American History we have revisited the following questions:
- Who is a citizen?
- Who can vote?
- What is the role of government?
- What rights do people have?
- Where does each persons freedom begin and end?
- What could be better? How? What worked?
Events
This is a list of events in US History that show us progress towards American ideals.
- 1787 US Constitution Ratified
- 1803 Louisiana Purchase
- 1803 Marbury V. Madison
- 1848 Mexico Cessation
- 1861-1865 Civil War
- 1862 Morrill Act
- 1867 Alaska Purchase
- 1883 Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
- 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act
- 1938 Fair Labor Standard Act
- 1914 Panama Canal
- 1917-04-06 US enters Word War I
- 1941-12-07 US enters Word War II
- 1944 G.I. Bill
- 1948 Marshall Plan
- 1954 Brown v. Board of Education
- 1956 Interstate Highway System
- 1958 National Defense Education Act
- 1963-07-01 Zip Code Introduced
- 1963 Clean Air Act
- 1964 Civil Rights Act
- 1964 Tonkin Gulf Resolution
- 1966 Miranda v. Arizona
- 1967 Loving v. Virginia
- 1969 Apollo 11
- 1969 Tinker v. Des Moines
- 1972 Clean Water Act
- 1972 Nixon Visits China
- 1976 Viking 1
- 1991 Gulf War
Artifacts
Along with important pieces of legislation, there are great works of American writing, speech, and art, that are emblematic of the American spirit.
Art
- Uncle Sam
- 1886 Statue of Liberty
- 1922 Lincoln Memorial
- 1927 Mount Rushmore
- 1933 Detroit Industry Mural
Literature
Speeches
Buildings
- 1928 Ford River Rouge Complex
- 1930 Chrysler Building
- 1937 Fallingwater
Tales
- Columbus
- Pilgrims
- Louis & Clark
- Edison & Tesla
- Civil War
- Voting Rights
- Manufacturing
- Labor Movement
- Civil Rights Movement
- Space Race
- Internet
- Families
Institutions
- Companies
- Ford, US Steel, Boeing, GE, IBM, Microsoft, Hollywood
- Railroads
- Highways
- Public Schools
- Universities
- State Governments
Leaders
People who leave a lasting impact. Leaders exist everywhere, I want students to see themselves as potential leaders. This means showing not just the faces of major leaders but also local leaders who leave and impact on the local community.
Scientists, Engineers, Artists, Craftsmen, Judges
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Jonas Salk 1955 1st Effective Polio Vaccine -
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John D. Rockefeller - 1882 Standard Oil
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Andrew Carnegie
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Edison - Industrial Lab
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Nikola Tesla - AC & Induction Motor
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The Wright brothers
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Walt Disney
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Albert Einstein
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J. Robert Oppenheimer
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Richard Feynman
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Isaac Asimov
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Steve Jobs
What about cultural figures?
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Jimi Hendrix
- John Wayne
- Humphrey Bogart
- Shirley Temple
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Andy Warhol
- 1940 - 1973 Bruce Lee
- 1942 - 2016 Muhammad Ali
- 1935 - 1977 Elvis Presley
Movements
- 1890 - 1910 Art Nouveau
- 1880 - 1920 Arts and Crafts Movement
Wondrous Achievements
- Financial Markets
- Agriculture
- Mass Production
- Vaccines
- Panama Canal
- Airplanes
- Atomic Energy
- Digital Age
- United Nations
Notes