1912 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for the election of Senators by the people of a state rather than by the state legislature, is passed by Congress.PoliticsThird Parties: After failing to gain the nomination of his own party, former Republican President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) defects, forming the Progressive (or Bull-Moose) party. It is the first time in American history that a third-party candidate receives more votes (electoral and popular) than one of the major two parties. However, he splits the Republican vote, thereby enabling Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) to win.PoliticsWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is elected the 28th President of the United States, and Thomas Marshall (1854-1925) is elected the nation's 28th Vice President. PoliticsVladimir Lenin (1870-1924) establishes a connection with Stalin (1879-1953) and takes over editorship of “Pravada”.GovernmentAlaska becomes an organized U.S. territory.GovernmentThe U.S. Public Health Service is established. GovernmentLabor Movement: Congress authorizes an 8-hour day for all workers under federal contracts. GovernmentAmerican Flag: The Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 establishes the proportions of the flag and provides for the arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each and a single point of each star to be upward. GovernmentNew States: Arizona and New Mexico become the 47th and 48th states of the U.S. WarThe "U.S.S. Jupiter," America’s first shop propelled by electric motors, is launched. | ScienceCharles Thomson Rees Wilson’s (1869-1959) cloud-chamber photographs lead to the detection of protons and electrons.ScienceAlfred Sturtevant (1891-1970), Alabama biologist, determines that genes are lined up in a row on the chromosomes. ScienceHenry G. Mosely, English physicist. proposes the law which states that an atomic number is based on the number of protons in the nucleus. He sets 92 as the total number of elements. ScienceAlfred Wegener (1880-1930), German geologist, proposes that the modern continents were once part of a huge landmass that over time split apart. This theory is called continental drift. MedicinePolish chemist Kasimir Funk (1884-1967) coins the term “vitamine”.InventionsEdwin Bradenberger invents a process for manufacturing cellophane. InventionsGlenn H. Curtiss (1878-1930) invents a “flying boat” or seaplane. TechnologyWestern Union and Western Electric develop a multiplex telegraph that allows eight messages to be sent over one wire at the same time. | EducationThe Children’s Bureau is formed; it remains today as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. EducationThe National Education Association creates a separate department for classroom teachers.EducationAmerican psychologists Henry Goddard, Lewis M. Terman, and others adapt Binet’s work to create the Intelligence Quotient, or IQ—calculated by dividing a person’s “mental age” by his chronological age.Arts and LettersDrama: John M. Synge (1871-1909) write his drama, “Playboy of the Western World”.Arts and LettersLeopold Stokowski (1882-1977) is named conductor of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.Arts and LettersRudolf Friml (1879-1972) composes “The Firefly,” an operetta performed in New York. to much acclaim. | Taft, HelenHelen Taft (11861-1943) plants the first cherry tree, a gift from Japan, in Washington, DC.Nixon, PatThelma Catherine (Pat) Ryan (1912-1993), wife of President Richard Nixon (1913-1994), is born on March 16, in a mining tent in Ely, Nevada. | EconomicsThe F.W. Woolworth (1852-1919) Company is founded.DiscoveryExplorer R.F. Scott (1868-1912) reaches the South Pole, only to discover Amundsen (1872-1928) had been there first. DiscoveryC. Dawson announces the discovery of remains of Piltdown man, believed to be 50,000 years old near Lewes, England. Daily LifeLondon has 400 cinemas; in the U.S. approximately 5,000,000 people visit cinemas daily. Daily LifeDisasters: The "RMS Titantic” sinks on her maiden voyage after colliding with and iceberg; 1,513 people drown.Daily LifeDancing: Ragtime introduces a series of “animal dances.” Among them are the fox trot, crab step, kangaroo dip, camel walk, turkey trot, and the bunny hug. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The first automobile driver is jailed for speeding. | Sports The first successful parachute jump occurs.Sports The International Lawn Tennis Federation is formed.Sports Jim Thorpe (1888-1953) is the outstanding sportsman at the Stockholm Olympic Games; when it is discovered that he played semi-professional baseball in 1911, his gold medals and trophies are taken from him and his records erased from the books.Sports Captain Albert Louis makes the first parachute jump in the U.S. from an airplane. Sports Women in Sports: Many young American college women take up the latest sports craze: wall scaling.Popular CultureJames Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), writer and poet of the "Harlem renaissance,” publishes the novel, "Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man." Popular CultureZane Grey (1872-1939) publishes his popular work, "Riders of the Purple Sage."Popular CultureRudolph Dirks (1877-1968) renames his comic strip “The Captain and the Kids.”Popular CultureAttendance at motion-picture theatres reaches 5 million daily. Popular CultureFrench photographer Charles Pathe (1863-1957) produces the first news film. Popular Culture"Life Magazine" lists the slang expressions of the year: flossy, beat it, peeved, sure, classy, it’s a cinch, what do you know about that, and fussed. | ReligionPope Pius X writes his Encyclical, “Singulari quadam,” in which he encourages Catholics to belong to trade unions, but only if they are entirely composed of Catholic workers.Social IssuesPoverty: Massachusetts passes first minimum wage law for women and children (invalidated by the Supreme Court in 1923).
Social IssuesImmigration: Illiterate immigrants are prohibited from entering the United States.ReformLabor Movement: New York passes 54-hour week labor law; Congress passes eight-hour day labor law for federal employees. ReformLabor Movement: Textile workers in Lawrence Massachusetts strike for more than two months when their wages are lowered following the new hours law. |
1913 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving Congress the power to tax personal income, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.Law 'The Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for the election of Senators by the people of a state rather than by the state legislature, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. PoliticsMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), leader of Passive Resistance Movement, is arrested in South Africa after leading a march protesting unfair taxes.GovernmentWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States, and Thomas Marshall (1854-1925) is inaugurated as the nation's 28th Vice President.
GovernmentThe domestic parcel post system begins. | ScienceH. Geiger introduces the first successful electrical device capable of counting individual alpha rays.ScienceNiels Bohr (1885-1962) formulates his theory of atomic structure.ScienceFrederick Soddy (1877-1956) coins the term “isotope”.ScienceThe composition of chlorophyll is discovered by Richard Willstatter ScienceVitamins A and B are isolated by biochemist, Elmer V. McCollum, at Yale University. ScienceRene Lorin (1877-1933) states the basic ideas of jet propulsion.ScienceSturtevant develops a method of mapping chromosomes. MedicineA diphtheria immunity test is developed by Bela Schick (1877-1967).MedicineFrank Mallory (1862-1941) isolates the bacterium that causes whooping cough. InventionsWilliam D. Coolidge (1873-1975), Massachusetts physicists, invents a hot-filament cathode tube that produces x-rays. TechnologyAirplanes: Igor Sikorski (1889-1972), Russian-American engineer, builds and flies the first multi-engine plane. | EducationJohn D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) founds the Rockefeller Institute with initial grant of $100 million.Arts and LettersLiterature: Willa Cather (1873-1947) writes “O Pioneers!”. Arts and LettersLiterature: D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) writes “Sons and Lovers”.Arts and LettersDrama: “Pygmalion,” by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) is first performed in Vienna.Arts and LettersThe “Armory Show” introduces Postimpressionism and cubism to New York.Arts and LettersPainting: J.S. Sargent (1856-1925) paints “Portrait of Henry James”.Arts and LettersBruno Walter becomes director at the Munich Opera (-1922).Arts and LettersVictor Herbert (1859-1924) opens his operetta, “Sweethearts,” in New York.IdeasEdmund Husserl (1859-1938) publishes “Phenomenology.”IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) writes “Totem and Taboo.” | Wilson, EllenJesse Wilson (1887-1933), daughter of Ellen and Woodrow Wilson, marries Francis Bowes Sayre in the White House in November. | EconomicsAmerican Money: After 1893 and 1907 financial panics, the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 is passed. EconomicsBecause of assembly line technology, Ford is able to produce 1000 Model T’s per day. Ford pays workers an unheard of minimum wage of $5 per day and establishes a 40-hour workweek. EconomicsPresident Wilson signs the Federal Reserve Act, which divides the country into 12 districts, each with a federal reserve bank. Daily LifeFashion: Zippers (in use since 1891) become popular.Daily LifeDancing: The foxtrot comes into fashion.Daily LifeDisasters: The Dayton flood in the Miami Valley (Ohio) kills more than 400 people; property damage is $100 million. Daily LifeNewspapers: The first crossword puzzle published in American newspapers was one composed by Arthur Wynne for the "New York World" on December 1, 1913.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Former Olympian (Gold, Pole Vault, 1908) and medical doctor A.C. Gilbert invents the Erector Set. | Sports The U.S. team wins the Davis Cup tennis trophy 3-2.Sports Baseball: Walter Johnson (1887-1946) pitches 56 consecutive innings, allowing no runs, and sets a record for the baseball season. Sports Football: In the first Army-Notre Dame football game, little known Notre Dame defeats Army by using the forward pass. This victory helps popularize the game by showing that a small and clever team can defeat a large and powerful one. Popular CultureHollywood becomes the center of the Motion Picture industry, replacing New York City.Popular CultureMack Sennett (1880-1960) begins directing the Keystone comedies, which introduce classic slapstick humor to the U.S. cinema. Popular CultureEleanor H. Porter (1868-1920) publishes “Pollyanna.”Popular CultureJack Judge, an Englishman and music-hall comedian, writes the song “Tipperary”.Popular CultureIrene (1893-1969) and Vernon (1887-1918) Castle, dancers, make their debut in New York in “The Sunshine Girl”. | ReligionAlsatian doctor and missionary Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) opens a hospital in Lambarene, part of the French Congo. Social IssuesImmigration: California’s Alien Land Law rules that aliens “ineligible to citizenship” were ineligible to own agricultural property. ReformWomen’s Suffrage Movement: Suffragette demonstrations in London; Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) is sentenced for inciting persons to place explosives in Lloyd George’s house.ReformLabor Movement: 150,000 garment workers strike in New York City. The Strike ends 3 months later and workers win wage concessions, reduced hours, and recognition of their union. |
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1914 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) returns to India after 21 years in South Africa and begins a non-violent campaign against British rule.GovernmentPresident Wilson (1856-1924) signs an order establishing a permanent civil government in the Panama Canal Zone. GovernmentLabor Movement: The Clayton Antitrust Act strengthens the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. It seeks to restrict the use of court injunctions in labor disputes and exempts labor and farm organizations from antitrust laws. GovernmentThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission is established to police business practices in interstate commerce.WarAfter the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand (1863-1914 ), heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife, World War I breaks out in Europe.
WarThe city of Vera Cruz in Mexico is seized by the U.S. Marines. | ScienceAmerican, Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945), begins his rocketry experiments.MedicineAmerican, E.C. Kendall (1886-1972) prepares pure thyroxin for treatment of thyroid deficiencies.MedicineDr. Alexis Carrel (1873-1944) performs first successful heart surgery on a dog.InventionsEdwin H. Armstrong (1890-1954), N.Y. electrical engineer, patents the regenerative (feedback) circuit. InventionsCharles Lawrence, aeronautical engineer, develops the first successful air-cooled airplane engine. This makes long distance flights possible. TechnologyThe 35 mm camera is developed. | EducationA document called "Infant Care" is published by the U.S. Government; it is intended to provide mothers with practical information on child health and nutrition, and emphasizes the importance of strict routines and rules.Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce ( 1882-1941) writes “Dubliners”.Arts and LettersPoetry: Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) writes “Trees”.Arts and LettersDrama: Elmer Rice ( 1892-1967) writes “On Trial,” the first drama to use the device of a flashback.Arts and LettersNational Capital: Henry Bacon ( 1839-1912) designs the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Mary Davenport-Engberg (1881-1951) is the first woman to conduct a symphony orchestra, in Bellingham, Washington.IdeasJohn B. Watson (1878-1958) publishes "Behavior; an Introduction to Comparative Psychology.” | Wilson, EllenEllen Axson Wilson (1860-1914), first wife of President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) dies on august 6th of Bright''s disease in the White House.Roosevelt, EleanorFranklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (1914-1988), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born August 17. | EconomicsThe world’s first airline, St. Petersburg Tampa Airboat Line, starts operation in St. Petersburg, Florida. EconomicsThe Panama Canal is completed. It is 40 miles long from Atlantic to Pacific coasts and cost an estimated $365 million to complete. DiscoveryErnest Shackleton (1874-1922) begins a trans-Anarctic expedition with his ship, "Endurance."Daily LifeThe last known passenger pigeon dies in the Cincinnati Zoo. Daily LifeDancing: The Cotillion, once the most fashionable dance of society, takes second place to the waltz and the two-step.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Charles Pajeau develops a toy similar to the Erector Set, but designed for younger children, called Tinker Toys. | Sports Women in Sports: The American Olympic Committee formally opposes women's athletic competition in the Olympics. The only exception is the floor exercise, where women are allowed to only wear long skirts. Sports Women in Sports: Basketball: Basketball rules change to allow half-court play, expanded from the original one-third court rules. Full court play for women doesn''t come in until the 1970''s.Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895- 1983) starts fighting under the name “Kid Blackey.”Sports Golf: Walter Hagen (1892-1969) wins the U.S. Golf Association Open. Popular CultureWilliam Christopher Handy (1873-1958) composes “St. Louis Blues.”Popular CultureE.R. Burroughs ( 1875-1950) writes “Tarzan of the Apes”. | ReligionThe Assembly of God denomination is founded during an 11-day convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas.Social IssuesImmigration: World War I in Europe breeds strong anti-immigration feelings in the United States.Social IssuesImmigration: Almost 10.5 million immigrants enter the U.S. from southern and eastern Europe from 1905 until 1914.ReformLabor Movement: The Ford Motor Company begins paying its workers a basic wage of $5.00 for an 8-hour day, up from $2.40 for a 9-hour day.ReformLabor Movement: The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) founded. |
1915 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarThe U. S. Coast Guard is created by an act of Congress.WarTerrorism: Erich Muenter, German instructor at Cornell University, plants bomb that destroys U.S. Senate reception room (July 2), then shoots J. Pierpont Morgan, Jr. (July 3); commits suicide (July 6). WarWorld War I: German airship bombs E. Anglian ports; first German submarine attack, Le Havre; German blockade of England begins; Germans sink “Lusitania”; first Zeppelin attack on London. 6(1-12)WarU.S. states that loss of U.S. ships and lives is a violation of neutrality for which Germany is held responsible, but President Wilson acceeds to the isolationist spirit in the U.S. by refusing to enter the war in Europe. | ScienceAlbert Einstein (1879-1955) postulates his General Theory of Relativity.ScienceHermann Muller, geneticist, publishes "The Mechanism of Mendelian Heredity," a classic in genetics.MedicineJoseph Goldberger (1874-1929) discovers that pellagra is caused by a vitamin deficiency. MedicineBritish chemist James Kendall isolates dysentery bacillus.InventionsThe electric neon sign is patented in the United States by Georges Claude (1870-1960) of Paris, France.TechnologyAirplanes: Hugo Junkers (1859-1935) constructs the first fighter airplane.TechnologyHenry Ford (1863-1947) develops a farm tractor.TechnologyThe first transcontinental telephone call is made between Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) in New York and Dr. Thomas A. Watson in San Francisco. | EducationThe multiple choice test is invented.
EducationAlabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas adopt similar compulsory school attendance laws. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Theatre Guild is formed. It is designed as a professional theatre for quality production and introduction of European stagecraft and dramatic styles. This company eventually builds its own playhouse and has a touring production through 1960. Arts and LettersLiterature: Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) writes “Victory.”Arts and LettersLiterature: W. Somerset Maugham ( 1874-1965) writes “Of Human Bondage.”Arts and LettersLiterature: Edgar Lee Masters (1869-1950)writes “A Spoon River Anthology.”IdeasIn “Climate and Evolution,” William Mathew suggests that animals once moved from continent to continent via natural land bridges. | Wilson, EdithPresident Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) marries Mrs. Edith Galt (1872-1961). | EconomicsFord produces its one millionth car.EconomicsThe taxi industry emerges when automobile owners discover that people will pay for a short automobile ride. Fare is a “jitney” (a nickel); drivers are called “hackers” or “hackies” in the East and “cabbies” in the Midwest. EconomicsWilliam Fox (1879-1952) founds the Fox Film CompanyDiscoveryBritish archaeologist Aurel Stein (1862-1943) on an expedition to South Mongolia discovers Marco Polo’s “city of Etzina.”Daily LifeThe first Kiwanis Club is founded in Detroit.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Johnny Gruelle, a newspaper cartoonist, begins to sell Raggedy Ann dolls based on one he had made for his daughter, Marcella. | Sports Automobile speed record of 102.6 mph set at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., by Gil Anderson driving a Stutz.Sports Boxing: Jesse Willard takes the heavyweight boxing championship from Jack Johnson in a 23-round fight at Havana, Cuba. Popular CultureIvor Novello (1893-1951), a Welsh composer, writes “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” a popular patriotic war song.Popular CultureFilms: “Birth of a Nation” (D.W. Griffith (1875-1948)); “Carmen” Cecil B. De Mille (1881-1959); “The Lamb” (Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939); “The Fire” (Italy). | ReligionYeshiva College (later University) and its Rabbi Issac Elchanan Rabbinical Seminary is established in New York for training in a Modern Orthodox milieu.Social IssuesImmigration: President Wilson vetoes U.S. Senate bill requiring literacy tests for all immigrants. Social IssuesImmigration: The Supreme Court rules in Ozawa v. United States that first-generation Japanese are ineligible for citizenship and cannot apply for naturalization. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: The U.S. House of Representatives rejects a proposal to give women the right to vote. ReformBirth Control Movement: Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) publishes "Family Limitation" and is jailed for supporting birth control. |
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1916 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawLouis Brandeis (1856-1941) is named to U.S. Supreme Court by President Wilson (1856-1924). He is the first Jewish Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. PoliticsWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is re-elected President of U.S., barely defeating Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948); Thomas R. Marshall (1854-1925) is also re-elected.PoliticsWomen’s Firsts: Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973), of Montana, is the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. PoliticsCharles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) leaves the Supreme Court to run for President on the Republican ticket.GovernmentThe National Park Service is established under U.S. department of the Interior.GovernmentThe Jones Act restates U.S. intention to grant independence to the Philippine Islands when a stable government is formed. WarWorld War I: First Zeppelin raid on Paris; Germans introduce steel helmets; military tanks are used for the first time in Europe.WarFrancisco “Pancho” Villa (1878-1923), Mexican revolutionary general, crosses border with guerrillas and raids Columbus, New Mexico, killing 17. WarBrig.-Gen. John J. Pershing (1860-1948) pursues Villa with 6,000 troops but cannot find him; withdraws (1917) after differences are settled by arbitration. | ScienceEinstein (1879-1955) proposes a general theory of relativity to explain all laws of physics in terms of mathematical equations. ScienceNational Research Council is established by the National Academy of Sciences. MedicineBlood for transfusions is refrigerated.MedicineTreatment of war causalities leads to the development of plastic surgeries. Medicine“Heparin,” a natural anticoagulant produced by the liver is discovered. MedicineEpidemics: America's worst polio epidemic occurs, killing over 7,000 and infecting more than 27,000 people.InventionsGeneral John Thompson (1860-1940) invents the submachine gun, popularly called the “Tommy Gun.”TechnologyElectric clocks are introduced. | EducationJohn Dewey (1859-1952) publishes “Democracy and Education.”EducationPsychologist John Watson proposes that learning is actually a series of conditioned responses. EducationLibraries: The first presidential library, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Library, opens in Fremont, Ohio.Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce (1882-1941) writes “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”.Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) designs the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo IdeasVilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) writes “Mind and Society.” | Roosevelt, EleanorJohn Aspinwall Roosevelt (1916-1981), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born March 13. | EconomicsU.S. purchases Danish West Indies (Virgin Islands) for $25 million.EconomicsThe Keating-Owen Act is passed, forbidding the transportation among states of products of factories, shops or canneries employing children under 14 years of age, of mines employing children under 16 years of age, and the products of any of these employing children under 16 who worked at night or more than eight hours a day.DiscoverySpace Exploration: I. P. Grave from Russia''s Artillery Academy submits a proposal for rockets burning smokeless gun powder.Daily Life“Summertime” (daylight-saving time) introduced in Britain.Daily LifeMagazines: The “Saturday Evening Post” uses its first Norman Rockwell painting as its cover.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: John Lloyd Wright, the son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright invents Lincoln Logs, interlocking toy logs children use to build imaginative structures. | Sports Women in Sports: 100 women compete in the first "Championship of the World" bowling tournament on Nov. 26-19 in St. Louis. The total purse was $222. The Women's National Bowling Association is organized as a result of the success of the tournament.Sports Black Athletes: Fritz Pollard (1894-1986) is the first black All-America RB (1916 at Brown); 1st black to play in Rose Bowl; 7-year NFL pro (1920-26); first black NFL coach, at Milwaukee and Hammond, Ind.Sports Women in Sports: Women’s International Bowling Congress established in America.Sports Golf: Bobby Jones (1902-1971) makes his debut in U.S. golf.Sports Golf: The Professional Golf Association (PGA) is formed.Popular CultureJazz sweeps U.S. | ReligionMartin Buber (1878-1965) writes “The Spirit of Judaism.”ReformAnti-Child Labor Movement: Child labor laws in South Carolina raise the minimum age of children for work in the mills, factories, and mines from 12-14. ReformLabor Movement: A law establishing eight-hour work day for railroad prevents a nation-wide strike.ReformBirth Control Movement: Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) joins in opening first birth control clinic.ReformTemperance Movement: Prohibition gains ground as 24 states vote against alcoholic beverages. |
1917 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawProhibition: The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, is passed by Congress.GovernmentThe U.S. Congress passes the Jones-Shafroth Act, making Puerto Rico a territory of the United States and its inhabitants U.S. citizens. GovernmentLiteracy requirements for U.S. citizenship are passed over Wilson’s (1856-1924) veto.GovernmentWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is inaugurated again as President of U.S., as is Thomas R. Marshall (1854-1925) as Vice President.
GovernmentThe U.S. Senate rejects President Wilson’s suffrage bill.WarWorld War I: First U.S. division arrives in France; October Revolution in Petrograd November 7 (old style calendar October 26).WarWorld War I: The Allies execute dancer Mata Hari (1876-1917) as a Spy.WarWorld War I: President Wilson (1856-1924) signs the declaration of war against the Axis powers on April 7; anti-German sentiment swells at home. The names of schools, foods, streets, towns, and even some families, are changed to sound less Germanic. | Science100-inch reflecting telescope installed at Mount Wilson, California.ScienceEinstein (1879-1955) proposes his theory of a static (unchanging) universe. MedicineVaccines: Ralph Parker develops a vaccine for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. MedicineJulius Wagner-Jauregg (1857-1940) discovers the malarial fever shock therapy for general paresis of the insane.TechnologyRadios are used for ground-to-air and air-to-air communication. | EducationPublic Education: Smith-Hughes Act passes, providing federal funding for vocational education. Big manufacturing corporations push this, because they want to remove job skill training from the apprenticeship programs of trade unions and bring it under their own control.Arts and LettersSarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), 72, begins last tour of America.Arts and LettersPainting: J.S. Sargent (1856-1925) paints “Portrait of John D. Rockefeller.”Arts and LettersChicago becomes the world’s jazz center.Arts and LettersSigmund Romberg (1887-1951) composes his operetta, “Maytime,” in New York.Arts and LettersPoetry: Millay (1892-1950) publishes "Renascence and Other poems." IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Psychology of the Unconscious.”IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) writes “Introduction to Psychoanalysis.” | Eisenhower, MamieDoud Dwight (Ikky) Eisenhower (1917-1921), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, is born September 24. | EconomicsCharlie Chaplin’s (1889-1977) yearly salary reaches one million dollars.EconomicsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric locomotive in the U.S. was a prototype built by G.E. Number 4 had one model GM50 air injection two-stroke V8 rated at 225 HP @ 550 rpm powering one of two trucks. The cylinders had the same 8" x 10" dimensions as the GM16. It was never sold, serving only as a laboratory model at the Erie Works.EconomicsFord Motor Company begins producing trucks and tractors.Daily LifeFashion: Bobbed hair as a ladies hair fashion sweeps Britain and the U.S. | Sports Baseball: First baseball game played on Polo Grounds on a Sunday between New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds; the game results in the arrest of managers John McGraw (1873-1934) (Giants) and Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) (Reds) for violating New York blue law.Sports Women in Sports: Lucy Diggs Slowe wins the singles title at the first American Tennis Association (ATA) national tournament, becoming the first female African-American national champion in any sport.Popular CultureBooth Tarkington (1869-1946) reveals the joys of male adolescence in “Seventeen.”Popular CultureBuster Keaton (1895-1966), actor and director, establishes his comedy trademark of deadpan expressions in the film The Butcher Boy.Popular CultureGeorge M. Cohan (1878-1942) writes American war song “Over There.” | Social IssuesImmigration: The U.S. enters World War I and anti-German sentiment swells at home. The names of schools, foods, streets, towns, and even some families, are changed to sound less Germanic. ReformLabor Movement: I.W.W. demonstrations against war result in raids on their offices.ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Four women are arrested for picketing for woman’s suffrage (the right to vote) in front of the White House; they are sentenced to 6 months in prison. |
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1918 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsIn the U.S. Congressional elections, Republicans win a majority of 43 seats.PoliticsT.G. Masaryk (1850-1937) is elected president of Czechoslovakia .PoliticsEugene V. Debs (1855-1926), American socialist and presidential candidate, is sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating espionage and sedition laws (sentence is commuted in 1921).GovernmentIceland becomes sovereign state.GovernmentSerbo-Croatian-Slovene Kingdom of Yugoslavia proclaimed.GovernmentStamps: U.S. Airmail stamps go on sale for 24 cents. The United States began airmail service on May 15, 1918. Special stamps were issued to indicate prepayment of mail carried on the first flights. The first route, flown by Army pilots in Army planes, linked Washington, DC and New York City via Philadelphia, PA. The rate was 24 cents an ounce. This rate included special delivery to the addressee.WarWorld War I: Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) propounds Fourteen Points for world peace; Germany offensive on Western front; Czechoslovakia proclaimed independent republic; Allies sign armistice with Austria-Hungary on November 3; Allied conference at Versailles agrees on peace terms for Germany; Armistice signed between Allies and Germany.WarWorld War I: mobilized forces: 63 million; casualties: approx. 8.5 million killed, 21 million wounded, 7.5 million prisoners and missing.WarRussian Revolution: Ex-Czar Nicholas II (1868-1918) and family executed. | ScienceNobel Prize for Physics: Max Planck (1858-1947), German physicist, for introducing quantum theory.ScienceHerbert M. Evans (1882-1971) determines that human beings have 48 chromosomes. MedicineEpidemics: An influenza epidemic, traveling west from Europe, begins in the eastern U.S. and spreads to 46 states. Before it ends in 1919, about 500,000 people die in the U.S. Throughout the world, 20 million people die and one billion are ill. InventionsAlexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) invents a hydrofoil boat that goes 60 mph during a test run. TechnologyThe Mount Wilson telescope is completed near Pasadena, California. | EducationHigher Educaton: A second Moscow University is founded (first university founded 1755).EducationMississippi passes school attendance laws for children between the ages of six and seventeen.Arts and LettersLiterature: Willa Cather (1873-1947) writes “My Antonia”.Arts and LettersEssay: H.L. Mencken (1880-1956): “In Defense of Women”.Arts and LettersPainting: Joan Miro (1893-1983) first exhibits his works.Arts and LettersThe New York Philharmonic Society bans composition by living German composers.Arts and LettersOpera: Paris Opera, despite daily bombardment, opens with Gounod’s (1818-1893) “Faust”.Arts and LettersMrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge (1864-1953) gives the first of her music festivals in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (Tanglewood).Arts and LettersHenry Adams (1851-1921) writes “The Education of Henry Adams,” which later wins the Pulitzer Prize.IdeasCharles Horton Cooley (1864-1929), pioneer in the development of American sociology, publishes “Social Process.”IdeasOswald Spengler (1880-1936) writes “Untergang des Abendlandes” (“Decline of the West”) (-1922).IdeasThere is major controversy over the new psychology of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and C.G. Jung (1875-1961). | Ford, BettyElizabeth Anne ("Betty") Bloomer, wife of Gerald Ford, is born in Chicago on April 8. | EconomicsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric locomotive to be built and sold commercially was Jay Street Connecting RR #4. G.E. slightly revised its standard steeple cab straight electric locomotive car body and installed a single GM50. EconomicsThe Pittman Act is passed, permitting the government to sell silver to Britain as a wartime measure.DiscoveryHarlow Shapley (1885-1972), American astronomer, discovers the true dimensions of the Milky Way.DiscoveryArchaeologists Hall and Leonard Woolley (1880-1960) begin excavations in ancient sites in Babylonia (present-day Iraq). Daily LifeRegular airmail established between New York City and Washington; first airmail postage.Daily LifeDaylight saving time introduced in America.Daily LifeCensus: Total population in the U.S.: 103.5 million.Daily LifeFirst Chicago-New York airmail delivered: flying time 10 hrs. 5 min. | Sports Football: Knute Rockne (1888-1931) is named head football coach at the University of Notre Dame.Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), American heavy-weight boxing champion, knocks out Carl Morris in 14 seconds. Sports Women in Sports: Eleanora Sears (a great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, born in 1881) takes up squash, after excelling at polo (which she rode astride, shocking conventions of the day), baseball, golf, field hockey, auto racing, swimming, tennis, yachting and speedboat racing. She accumulated 240 trophies during her athletic career. She demonstrated that women could play men's games and was a prime liberator of women in sports.Popular CultureComposer George Gershwin (1898-1937) writes the song “Swanee” for the Broadway show Sinbad. | ReligionUnited Lutheran Church established (U.S.).Social IssuesCensorship: U.S. Post Office burns installments of James Joyce’s (1882-1941) “Ulysses,” published in the “Little Review”.ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: Women over 30 get the right to vote in Britain.ReformBirth Control Movement: New York v. Sanger; Margaret Sanger wins her suit in New York to allow doctors to advise their married patients about birth control for health purposes. |
1919 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.LawWomen's Suffrage Movement: The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote, is passed by Congress.PoliticsBenito Mussolini (1883-1945) founds the political party, Fasci del Combattimento.PoliticsIn Paris, the League of Nations comes into being. The Hague is selected for the International Court of Justice.PoliticsThe Republican convention nominates Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) for the presidency with Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) as his running mate.PoliticsThe Democratic convention nominates James M. Cox (1870-1957) for the presidency with Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) as his running mate.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Lady Astor (1879-1964) becomes the first woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Britain. GovernmentCapital Punishment: Austria abolishes the death penalty.GovernmentPresident Woodrow Wilson presents his Fourteen Points for world peace to the American Congress; these Conditions of Peace are intended to
guarantee future cooperation among the nations of the world and contain the foundations for a world organization called the League of Nations.
GovernmentLeague of Nations: The plenary session of the Peace Conference accepts the proposals for the creation of a League of Nations; the U.S. Senate, however, votes against joining the League. WarWorld War I: The Treaty of Versailles is signed, officially ending World War I. Part 1, Articles 1 to 26 of this and other Peace Treaties contain the Covenant of the League of Nations. | ScienceEnglish scientist F.W. Aston (1877-1945) builds mass-spectrograph and establishes the phenomena of isotopy.ScienceObservation of the total eclipse of the sun bear out Albert Einstein’s (1879-1955) theory of relativity.ScienceRobert H. Goddard (1882-1945), “Father of American Rocketry” writes “A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes”.ScienceRutherford (1871-1937) demonstrates that the atom is not the final building-block of the universe.ScienceFirst experiments with shortwave radio (under 100 meters).ScienceIn collaboration with Massolle and Engl, Hans Vogt (1903-1986) experiments on a new sound film system.InventionsGlenn L. Martin (1886-1955) invents the Martin Bomber, a warplane. | EducationHigher Education: New universities are founded in Hamburg, Posen, Bratislava, and Cologne.EducationChildren's Books; Hugh Lofting (1886-1947): the first of the “Dr. Doolittle” stories.EducationHigher Education: A.D. Juilliard ( -1919)dies leaving 20 million dollars to endow Juilliard School of Music.Arts and LettersThe Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra gives its first concert.Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) writes “Main Street”.Arts and LettersDrama: Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) writes “The Emperor Jones” and “Beyond the Horizon."Arts and LettersPoetry: Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) writes “Corn Huskers,” which wins the Pulitzer Prize.Arts and LettersBauhaus, founded and built by Walter Gropius (1883-1969) in Weimar, Germany, revolutionizes the teaching of painting, sculpture, architecture, and industrial arts.Arts and LettersJazz arrives in Europe.Arts and LettersLiterature: Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) writes “Winesburg, Ohio,” a volume of interrelated short stories.IdeasJohan Huizinga (1872-1945) writes “The Waning of the Middle Ages.”IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Psychological Types.” | Roosevelt, EdithFormer President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) dies in Oyster Bay, New York.Hoover, LouHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is named Director-General of International Organization for European Relief. | EconomicsFord Motor Company: A conflict with stockholders over the millions to be spent building the giant Rouge manufacturing complex in Dearborn, Michigan leads to the company becoming wholly owned by Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, who then succeeds his father as president.EconomicsJ.M. Keynes (1883-1946) writes “The Economic Consequence of the Peace.”EconomicsThe Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is established. Daily LifeTransportation: J.W. Alcock and A. Whitten Brown (1886-1948) make first nonstop flight across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland in 16 hours 27 minutes.Daily LifeRailroad lines operated in America total 265,000 miles.Daily LifeThe American Legion is formed. | Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), U.S. heavyweight boxer, takes the world championship from Jess Willard.Sports Baseball: Babe Ruth (1895-1948) hits a 587 ft. home run in a Boston Red Sox versus. New York Giants game in Tampa, Florida.Sports Jim Thorpe (1888-1953), the great American all around athlete, finishes his 6-year major league baseball career with the Boston Braves; plays in 60 game; hits .327.Sports Horse Racing: Sir Barton is first horse to win triple crown: Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes; J. Loftus jockey in all three.Sports The development of a mechanical rabbit by Oliver Smith (1893-1977), of California, marks origin of modern greyhound racing.Sports Baseball: Black Sox Scandal: Eight players on the Chicago White Sox conspire with gamblers to throw the World Series. They are acquitted in a court of law—but they are banned from baseball forever. | ReligionKarl Barth (1886-1968): “Der Romerbrief” (“The Epistle to the Romans”), beginning of Protestant dialectical theology.ReligionChurch and State separated in Germany.ReligionJoan of Arc (1412-1431) canonized by Pope Benedict XV.ReformLabor Movement: Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), governor of Massachusetts, calls out the National Guard to end Boston Police Strike. ReformLabor Movement: The great American steel strike occurs, lasting until January 1920.ReformLabor Movement: An International Labor Conference in Washington endorses eight-hour workday. |
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1920 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawA year after ratification, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages, goes into effect.LawThe Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.PoliticsThe German Worker’s Party is renamed the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ or Nazi Party.PoliticsWarren G. Harding (1865-1923) is elected as the 29th President of the U.S., and Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is elected as the nation's 29th Vice President.GovernmentThe Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles and the Covenant of the League of Nations for the second time.GovernmentThe League of Nations comes into existence with its headquarters in Geneva; the Versailles Peace Treaty and the Covenant of the League of Nations enter into force. GovernmentThe Water Power Act establishes the Federal Power Commission to regulate the generation of electricity from waterways on public lands and from navigational streams. GovernmentThe “Red Scare’ results in nationwide raids by federal agents, with mass arrests of “anarchists, Communists, and labor agitators. | ScienceWilliam D. Harkins (1873-1951) proposes the existence of an uncharged subatomic particle, which he calls the “neutron.”MedicineHarvey Cushing (1869-1939) pioneers new techniques in brain surgery.MedicineInsulin is isolated for the first time by Canadian Sir Frederick Banting (1891-1941) and Charles Best (1899-1978).InventionsNobel Prize for Physics goes to Charles Guillaume (1861-1938), a Swiss physicist, for the invention of Invar, an alloy of iron containing nickel. | Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), an important novelist of the period, publishes his first novel entitled "This Side of Paradise." Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) publishes "Main Street," a novel that exposes the cultural vacuum of a small Midwestern town. IdeasIn "Easy Lessons in Einstein," Edwin E. Slosson explains the theory of relativity in a simple and clear manner. | | EconomicsThe Jones Act prohibits shipping merchandise between U.S. ports "in any other vessel than a vessel built in and documented under the laws of the United States and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States.''''EconomicsFord Motor Company: The Detroit-Toledo-Ironton (DTI) railroad proves to be a smart purchase for the Ford Motor Company (FMC). After purchasing the railway, FMC uses it for the next 8 years to control transport of materials and supplies to the massive Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan. | Sports Baseball: The Negro National League, the first financially successful all-black league, is founded by Hall-of-Famer Rube Foster.Sports Women in Sports: The skimpy fashions of the '20's put a new emphasis on athletic bodies and narrow the gap between health and glamour. Advertisers, like Grape-Nuts, say, "Grandmother went bathing - girls like Molly go in to swim."Sports Baseball: The Boston Red Sox sell Babe Ruth (1895-1948) to the New York Yankees.Sports William T. Tilden (1893-1953) wins Wimbledon Lawn Tennis; after this victory, he dominates world tennis until 1925. Popular CultureKDKA, America’s first commercial radio station, begins operation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by broadcasting the results of the presidential election. | ReligionUse of religion in Turkey for political ends is made punishable by death. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women get the right to vote when the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution is ratified. By this time, 15 states have women suffrage laws. |
1921 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) nominates William Howard Taft (1857-1930) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Senate confirms his appointment on the same day. Taft is the only person in history to have been both President and Chief Justice. LawLeague of Nations: The Permanent Court of International Justice comes into being. GovernmentWarren G. Harding (1865-1923) is inaugurated as the 29th President of the U.S., and Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is inaugurated as the nation's 29th Vice President.GovernmentImmigration: Congress passes the Quota Act, which limits immigration in the United States. GovernmentThe Department of Agriculture enforces regulations of the Packers and Stockyards Act to stop manipulation of prices in meat-packing industries. WarThe joint resolution of Congress declares that World War I has ended. Separate U.S. treaties with Germany, Austria, and Hungary are signed and ratified. | ScienceLangmuir (1881-1957) and Lewis (1875-1946) independently propose atomic theories. MedicineJames B. Collip (1892-1965) isolates pure insulin. MedicineEdward Mellanby (1884 - 1955) discovers vitamin D and shows that its absence causes rickets.InventionsPhysician Alvan L. Barach designs a vented oxygen tent. TechnologyJohn Couch Adams (1819-1892) uses a spectroscope to study and determine the distance of 2000 stars. | Arts and LettersPoetry: William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) publishes "Michael Robartes and the Dancer," a collection that includes his famous poem, Easter 1916. Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Literature: American novelist Edith Wharton(1862-1937) becomes the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. She wins the award for her novel "The Age of Innocence."IdeasErnst Kretschmer (1888-1964) publishes "Physique and Character," in which he suggests that body build is closely related to mental state. | Eisenhower, MamieDoud Dwight (Ikky) Eisenhower (1917-1921), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower dies January 2 from scarlet fever.Reagan, NancyAnne Frances “Nancy” Robbins is born on July 6, 1921 at Sloane Hospital, Flushing, Queens, New York. She is the ninth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the “mother state” of presidential wives. | EconomicsThe end of the wartime boom causes business depression and high unemployment. The National Conference proposes a job program.EconomicsUnemployment throughout the U.S. is 5.7 million. Widespread wage cuts in many industries include those of New York Central railroad employees (by 22.5%) and clothing workers (by 15%). Daily LifeIowa imposes the first state tax on cigarettes.Daily LifeMagazines: Publisher DeWitt Wallace (1889-1981) founds the Reader’s Digest. Daily LifeKnee-length skirts for women become the fashion, causing much comment in the press. | Sports Baseball: Station KDKA in Pittsburgh broadcasts radio’s first live major league game. (Fewer than 10 percent of Americans own a radio.)Sports Women in Sports: The National Women's Athletic Association is organized. | Social IssuesImmigration: California’s Supreme Court declares the state’s Alien Poll Tax unconstitutional and a violation of the treaty between the U.S. and Japan.Social IssuesHate Groups: The Ku Klux Klan promotes “white supremacy” and seeks to control politics in many southern communities. ReformBirth Control Movement: National Birth Control League and Voluntary Parenthood League are combined to form the American Birth Control League in New York City; Margaret Sanger heads the league. |
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1922 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court declares that the Federal Child Labor Law is unconstitutional. PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Soledad Chacon is elected Secretary State of New Mexico, the first woman elected to that position.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Rebecca Felton (1835 – 1930), of Georgia, is appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a temporary vacancy. The first woman senator, she serves for only two days.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The first meeting of the Permanent Court of International Justice occurs. GovernmentMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) is arrested by the British in India for inciting his countrymen to violence in their fight for independence.GovernmentU.S. and Japan sign Yap Treaty, permitting U.S. cable and radio stations in the Yap Islands.WarU.S. Open Doors Policy is implemented in China. Nine major powers also sign treaties limiting warships, restricting the use of submarines, and outlawing poisonous gas. | ScienceAlfred C. Lane begins experiments to determine the age of the earth.MedicineElmer McCollum (1879-1967) discovers vitamin D in cod liver oil. He uses the oil in the successful treatment of rickets. InventionsBritish watchmaker John Howard invents the self-winding watch. TechnologyShip to shore radio communication begins. | Arts and LettersPoetry: James Joyce (1882-1941) publishes "Ulysses."Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) publishes "The Beautiful and the Damned." IdeasHerman Julius Oberth (1894-1989) writes "The Rocket into Interdisciplinary Space," in which the concept of escape velocity is introduced. | Eisenhower, MamieJohn Sheldon Doud Eisenhower (1922-), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, is born August 3. | Daily LifeLt. Harold Harris becomes the first member of the Caterpillar Club by parachuting from a defective plane during a flight test in Dayton, Ohio. The club is made up of individuals who have escaped death by using a parachute.Daily LifeMarriages in the U.S. total 1,126,000 and divorces total 148,000. | Sports Golf: The oldest American international team golf match takes place between the U.S. and Great Britain. It is established at the National Golf Links of America, Southampton, NY. Sports Women in Sports: The National Amateur and Athletic Federation (NAAF) is founded, committed to boys and girls being on an "equal footing with the same standards, the same program and the same regulations." | Social IssuesRacism: Oklahoma is placed under marshal law to control violence and curb Ku Klux Klan activity. ReformBirth Control Movement: Dr. Marie Stopes (1880-1958) holds a series of meetings in Queen’s Hall, London to advocate birth control. |
1923 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentIntermediate Credits Act expands credit to farmers and encourages farm cooperatives in an effort to ease agricultural depression. GovernmentVice President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)becomes the nation's 30th President on the death of President Warren G. Harding (1865-1923). No new Vice President is selected.WarPayment of British war debt to the U.S. begins. WarU.S. troops on the Rhine River in Germany are ordered to return by President Haring (1865-1923). | ScienceLouis A. Bauer analyzes the Earth’s magnetic field. MedicineInsulin becomes generally available to people with diabetes.MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Diphtheria is used.InventionsThe bulldozer is invented. | Arts and LettersDrummer Buddy Rich tours the U.S. and Australia as a child prodigy on the drums. IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) publishes his theories on the human mind in "The Ego and the Id." | Harding, FlorencePresident Harding (1865-1923) dies suddenly in San Francisco on his return trip from Alaska. His father in Vermont swears in Coolidge (1872-1933) as President. | EconomicsThe DuPont Company acquires the rights to manufacture Cellophane; the first U.S. made Cellophane is produced in 1924.EconomicsIn order to build a Model T automobile, Ford required approximately 250 feet of lumber for each car that it built. As a result, Henry Ford authorized the purchase of several hundred thousand acres of forestland in northern Michigan.DiscoveryNative Americans: Oil is discovered on the Navajo Reservation. Daily LifeMagazines: Time Magazine hits the newsstands for the first time, at $.15 a copy.Daily LifeDisasters: An earthquake in Japan destroys Yokohama and half of Tokyo; about 100,000 people die. | Sports Finnish Paavo Nurmi runs the mile in 4 minutes and 10.4 seconds.Sports Women in Sports: 22% of U.S. colleges have varsity sports teams for women.Popular CultureCecil B. DeMille (1881-1959), film director and producer, releases the Biblical spectacle The Ten Commandments. Popular Culture"e Covered Wagon," voted as one of the 10 best movies of the year by Film Daily, sets the style and popularity for Westerns. | Social IssuesRacism: The African-American town of Rosewood, Florida is burned by a white mob. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: National Woman’s Party proposes Constitutional amendment stating that “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and in every place subject to its jurisdiction. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” |
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1924 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Progressive Party, backed by the American Federation of Labor, Farm-Labor Party and the Socialist Party, nominates senator La Follette of Wisconsin for President. PoliticsCalvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is elected President of the U.S. in his own right, and Charles Dawes (1865-1951) is elected the nation's 30th Vice President.GovernmentNative Americans: Congress passes the Indian Citizenship Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. GovernmentImmigration: Immigration Act of 1924 establishes fixed quotas of national origin and eliminates Far East immigration.GovernmentGreece is proclaimed a republic. GovernmentThe diplomatic and consular services of the U.S. government are consolidated.WarThe U.S. Marines land at Shanghai, China to help suppress the civil war. | ScienceScientist Harry Steenbock discovers that sunlight increases the amount of vitamin D in certain foods. After tests prove that it is the ultraviolet part of sunlight, which has this effect, Steenbock patents a process of using artificial ultraviolet light to increase the vitamin D content in food. MedicineThe portable electrocardiograph is introduced. It uses vacuum tubes to amplify the weak electrical signals produced by the heart. TechnologyRCA demonstrates wireless telegraph transmission of photographs from New York City to London; the process takes about 25 minutes per photograph. | EducationChildren's Books: A.A. Milne (1882-1956), English humorist, publishes When We Were Very Young, a collection of stories for his son, Christopher. Arts and LettersPaul Whiteman (1890-1967) commissions George Gershwin (1898-1937) to write the symphonic jazz-style “Rhapsody in Blue.” | Truman, Bess(Mary) Margaret Truman Daniel (1924-), daughter of Harry and Bess Truman, is born February 17.Coolidge, GraceCalvin Coolidge Jr. (1908-1924), son of Calvin and Grace Coolidge, dies July 7. | EconomicsHarry Cohn founds Columbia pictures. DiscoveryHubble determines that Cepheid variables (stars) in the Andromeda nebula are hundreds of thousands of light years beyond the Milky Way. This is conclusive proof that there are other galaxies besides our own. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The gas chamber is used for the first time as a method of execution in the United States when gangster Gee Jon is put to death in Nevada.Daily LifeThe publisher Simon and Schuster market the first crossword puzzle book.Daily LifeThere are 2.5 million radios in the U.S.; in 1920 there were only 5000, mostly used by professionals. | Sports The first Winter Olympic games open at Chamonix, France.Sports Football: Notre Dame''s “Four Horseman” – Layden, Stuhldreher, Miller, and Crowley – star as Notre Dame upsets Army. Sports Black Athletes: Olympic gold medalist (summer games; individual): DeHart Hubbard (1903-1976) is the gold medalist for the long jump. | Social IssuesImmigration: The Johnson-Reed Act is passed, severely limiting immigration.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Radice v. New York, a New York state case, upholds a law that forbade waitresses from working the night shift but made an exception for entertainers and ladies' room attendants. |
1925 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsNellie Taylor Ross (1876-1977) becomes the Governor of Wyoming, being the first woman to be elected as governor of a state.GovernmentThe Senate ratifies 20-year-old treaty, which recognizes the right of Cuba to the Isle of Pines. GovernmentThe U.S. and Canada agree to improve the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Lake Ontario. GovernmentThe boundary between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland) is established. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876-1997) becomes the first woman to serve as governor of a state, in Wyoming. GovernmentCalvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is inaugurated as President of the U.S., and Charles Dawes (1865-1951) is inaugurated as the nation's 30th Vice President. | ScienceMillikan (1868-1953) discovers that cosmic rays are absorbed (not produced) by the atmosphere. ScienceThe meter is standardized. MedicineGeorge H. Whipple (1878-1976) demonstrates that iron is a major factor in the formation of red blood cells. InventionsBerliner (1851-1929) invents acoustic tiles for soundproofing. InventionsRailroad History: The American Locomotive Company (ALCO), along with G.E. and IR, builds its first Diesel electric loco. | EducationHigher Education: Trinity College in North Carolina agrees to change its name to Duke University to meet the terms of a $40 million trust fund established by James B. Duke, a tobacco millionaire. Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) publishes "In Our Time."Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) publishes "The Great Gatsby."Arts and LettersWriter DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) publishes "Porgy," on which the musical "Porgy and Bess" is later based. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Since Harvard was not supportive of the theatre movement on their campus, the efforts were relocated to Yale in 1925. As a result, Yale established the Drama School as a graduate program that was committed to providing American theatre with gifted artists of superior training.Arts and LettersLiterature: Theodore Dreiser’s (1871-1945) first commercial success was "An American Tragedy" (1925), which was made into a film in 1931 and again in 1951.IdeasJohn Watson publishes "Behaviorism," a book that sparks popular interest in psychology. | Nixon, PatAt the age of 13, “Pat” Ryan (Nixon) assumes the role of housewife for her family when her mother, Kate Halberstadt Bender Ryan, a native of Germany, dies of cancer.Bush, BarbaraBarbara Pierce is born on June 8 in New York City. She is the tenth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company acquires the Lincoln Motor Company, thus branching out into luxury cars.Daily LifeDisasters: The most violent tornado is U.S. history, the “Tri-State Tornado,” hits Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois, killing 689 people and injuring 13,000 others.Daily LifeMagazines: The New Yorker magazine is founded. | Popular CultureAlexander Alekhine (1892-1946), blindfolded, plays 28 simultaneous games of chess. | ReligionA copy of the Bible costs the equivalent of about $2000 in the 14th century, $500 in 1455, $100 by the 17th century, and $3 in 1925. ReligionPublic Education: Tennessee teacher John T. Scopes is arrested for teaching the Theory of Evolution, which is forbidden by state law. This dispute known as the “Monkey Trial” attracts enormous attention; Scopes is convicted and fined $100. |
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1926 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThird Parties: The Progressive Party wins seats in Congress in the fall election. GovernmentThe U.S. fails to join the Permanent Court of International Justice and Arbitration at The Hague. GovernmentSenate ratifies World War debt funding agreements with European countries. GovernmentCongress passes the Revenue Act which reduces income and inheritance taxes and abolishes many nuisance taxes.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The first meeting of the Preparatory Disarmament Commission occurs in Geneva. WarCongress establishes the Army Air Corps. | ScienceGerman physicist, Max Born (1882-1970), formulates the mathematical basis of the quantum theory. MedicineGeorge Minot (1885-1950), William Murphy (1892-1987), and George Whipple (1878-1976) use a diet rich in raw liver to cure patients who are suffering from pernicious anemia, a usually fatal disease. Later, Minot and Edwin Cohn prepare liver extract that remains the basic treatment for this disease until 1948. MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Pertussis is used. TechnologyThe first liquid fuel rocket is successfully launched by Professor Robert Goddard at Auburn, Massachusetts; the rocket traveled 184 feet in 2.5 seconds.TechnologyThe Radio Corporation of America, American Telephone and Telegraph Company, and the British General Post office hold the first successful transatlantic radiotelephone conversation between New York City and London. | EducationCarter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds Negro History Week, which later evolves into Black History Month.EducationChildren's Books: A.A. Milne (1882-1956) publishes "Winnie the Pooh," one of the most popular children’s books ever written. EducationLibraries: Los Angeles Public Library is dedicated.Arts and LettersLiterature: William Faulkner (1897-1962) publishes his first novel, "Soldier’s Pay." Arts and LettersPainting: Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) paints “Black Iris,” and abstract work in which the flowers assume human anatomical shapes. IdeasT.H. Morgan (1866-1945) publishes "Theory of the Gene." IdeasEdward L. Thorndike (1874-1949) publishes "Measurement of Intelligence." | | Daily LifeExplorers Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) and Floyd Bennett (1890-1928) fly over the North Pole.Daily LifeAirmail service starts between New York City and Boston. | Sports H. Bierkottes swims the English Channel in 12 hours and 4 minutes. Sports Women’s Firsts: American Gertrude Ederle (1906-2003) becomes the first woman to swim across the English Channel.Popular CultureWriter Edna Ferber (1887-1968) publishes "Show Boat." Popular CultureEnglish filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980), known for his gripping thrillers, directs The Lodger. | |
1927 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court rules that a Texas law forbidding Negroes from voting in Democratic primary elections is unconstitutional. PoliticsA Socialist uprising and a general strike occurs in Vienna, Austria, after acquittal of Nazis for political murder. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Spanish Government announces that it will continue to collaborate in the work of the League. WarU.S. Marines land in Nicaragua to protect U.S. lives and property during civil war. | ScienceJan Hendrik Oort (1900-1992), Dutch astronomer, further clarifies Lindblad’s theory about the rotation of the Milky Way galaxy. ScienceClinton Davisson (1881-1958) and Lester Germer (1896-1971) discover that electrons are diffracted when they pass through crystal. This discovery supports the wave theory of electric behavior. MedicineFrank A. Hartman isolates “cortin” from the adrenal glands and suggests that absence of this hormone may cause Addison’s disease. MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Tuberculosis is used. InventionsThe History of Toys: A tough, durable kind of plastic, polystyrene, is invented. Although the first plastic, celluloid, was invented in the 1860s, polystyrene is the first type strong enough to really suit toy making. InventionsThe pentode (a 5-element vacuum tube) is developed. It permits distortion free amplification of sound. TechnologyErnst Alexanderson (1878-1975) receives the first American television broadcast at his home. | EducationLibraries: The Central library of the Free Library of Philadelphia is dedicated.IdeasPavlov (1849-1936) publishes "Conditioned Reflexes," based on his experiments in which dogs, fed at the sound of a bell, salivated at the sound of the bell alone. IdeasCosmologist Georges Lemaitre (1894-1966) proposes the Big Bang Theory to explain the origin of the universe. | Tyler, JuliaDavid Gardiner "Gardie" Tyler (1846-1927), the first son born to John Tyler and his second wife Julia, dies September 5. | EconomicsThe Federal Reserve reduces the discount rate by half a point and purchases $230 million of government securities.Daily LifeTransatlantic commercial telephone service begins between New York City and London.Daily LifeHerbert Hoover (1874-1964), then U.S. Secretary of Commerce, gives a speech in Washington, D.C. that is seen and heard in New York via the first long-distance television transmission.Daily LifeCharles Lindbergh (1902-1974) makes the first solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of Saint Louis, from Long Island to Paris.Daily LifeThe Holland Tunnel, designed by Clifford M. Holland, opens to vehicular traffic. More than 1.5 miles long, the tunnel travels under the Hudson River and connects New York with New Jersey. | Sports Baseball: Babe Ruth (1895-1948) sets home run record when he hits 60 for the season. Sports Boxing: The first Golden Gloves amateur boxing matches, sponsored by the New York Daily News, are held. Sports Women in Sports: The International Federation of Women's Field Hockey Associations (IFWHA) is formed to provide competition for teams from the US, England, Scotland and Ireland.Popular CultureThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is founded.Popular CultureBandleader and composer, Duke Ellington (1899-1974), organizes a band that begins a five-year stand at Harlem’s Cotton Club. | ReligionCecil B. DeMille (1881-1959) produces his second Biblical epic called "The King of Kings." |
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1928 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is elected the 31st President of the U.S., and Charles Curtis (1860-1936) is elected as the nation's 31st Vice President.GovernmentMcNary-Haugen Bill for relief of farmers is vetoed on the grounds that it would fix prices and stimulate overproduction. GovernmentFlood Control Bill provides $325 million to curb flooding in the Mississippi River Valley.GovernmentProhibition: Congress appropriates $32 million to enforce Prohibition during the next year. GovernmentBritain recognizes the Chinese National government at Nanking.WarU.S. signs Briand-Kellogg Act Pact, outlawing war. Eventually, 63 nations sign it also. | ScienceKarl Ziegler (1898-1973) explains the chemical procedure for making artificial rubber. MedicineSir Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) discovers penicillin, founding the field of antibiotic therapy. InventionsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric passenger locomotive built in North America was a two-unit 2-D-1-1-D-2. TechnologyMount Palomar Observatory installs a 200-inch reflecting telescope designed by George Hale (1868-1938). | EducationLibraries: The West Virginia Supreme Court rules that Charleston libraries cannot exclude black patrons since, as taxpayers, they are equally entitled to library service.IdeasJohn Von Neumann (1903-1957) develops as part of his theory games, the minimax theorem, a strategy for minimizing a player’s maximum loss. | | Daily LifeThe first seeing eye dog was presented to Morris S. Frank.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The Mickey Mouse character is created by Walt Disney. | Popular CultureThe first annual Calaveras County “Frog Jumping Jubilee” is held in Angel’s Camp, CA.Popular CultureJerome Kern (1885-1945) and Hammerstein (1895-1960) write the score for Show Boat, which includes the song “Ol’ Man River.” | |
1929 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe National Revolutionary Party is organized in Mexico; it becomes the chief political party. GovernmentThe Lateran Treaty, in which Italy agrees to recognize the independence and sovereignty of Vatican City, is signed.GovernmentImmigration: The National origins plan goes into effect. U.S. consuls are told to reject any immigrant who might become a “public charge.” GovernmentThe Agriculture Marketing Act establishes the Federal Farm Board to stabilize farm prices. GovernmentHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is inaugurated as the 31st President of the U.S., and Charles Curtis (1860-1936) is inaugurated as the nation's 31st Vice President. | ScienceNobel Prize for Physics goes to Broglie (1892-1987) for his electron wave theory. ScienceHubble measures the red shift and discovers that the galaxies are moving away from each other. This universal recession of galaxies indicates that the universe is expanding.MedicineHans Berger (1873- 1941) discovers human electroencephalography.TechnologyErnst Alaxanderson (1878-1975) measures the altitude of an airplane by using reflected radio waves. This is an early use of radar.TechnologyKodak introduces 16mm movie film. TechnologyIn the first instrument flight, Lt. James Doolittle (1896-1993) flies entirely by radio signals received in his airplane. | EducationHigher Education: University of Pennsylvania establishes a department of Medical Physics (biophysics). EducationLibraries: Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), a merchant and philanthropist, helps fund libraries in 13 southern states to be used in both urban and rural areas, regardless of race.Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) publishes the novel "A Farewell to Arms." IdeasVirginia Woolf (1882-1941) publishes “A Room of One’s Own.”IdeasRobert M. Yerkes (1876-1956), psychologist, publishes "The Great Apes" and establishes the Yale Laboratories of Primate Biology (Florida) to study animal behavior and intelligence. | Hoover, LouHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) was the first president to have a telephone installed on his desk on March 27. White House phones came next.Kennedy, JackieJacqueline Bouvier is born on July 28, 2919 in Southhampton, New York. She is the eighth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsAmerican Money: Currency is reduced in size by 25 percent and standardizes with uniform portraits on the faces and emblems and monuments on the backs. EconomicsPresident Hoover (1874-1964) meets with important businessmen at the White House in order to stabilize the nation’s business. EconomicsThe stock market crash brings depression, with widespread unemployment and many business failures. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Gang members working for Al Capone (1899-1947) kill rival gang members in the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago.Daily LifeThe first reindeer are born in the United States, in North Beverly, MA.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The yo-yo is popularized in the United States. | Sports Women in Sports: Tuskegee Institute in Alabama forms one of the first women's college track teams, offering scholarships to promising women athletes, and adding women's event to their Tuskegee relays track meets.Popular CultureThe first Academy Awards are bestowed; the statues that served as symbols of the award are not called Oscars until 1931.Popular CultureThe first all-color talking picture, "On With the Show," opens.Popular Culture“Amos ‘n’ Andy,” a popular radio show heard each weekday through the 1930’s, makes its national premier. | ReligionPresbyterian churches in Scotland unite to form the Church of Scotland. Social IssuesImmigration: Congress makes annual immigration quotas permanent. |
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1930 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Herbert Hoover nominates Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; he is confirmed by the Senate ten days later and serves in the position for eleven years.LawThe Supreme Court rules that buying bootleg liquor is not a violation of the 18th amendment. PoliticsIn the German elections, Nazis gain 107 seats from the center parties. GovernmentThe Passfield White Paper on Palistine suggests that Jewish immigration be halted. GovernmentThe names of the cities of Constantinople and Angora in Turkey change to Istanbul and Ankara.GovernmentRas Tafari (1892-1975) becomes Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.GovernmentLeague of Nations: First session of the Commission of Enquiry for European Union. WarFrance begins building the Maginot Line.WarLast Allied troops leave Rhineland.WarThe War Department amends Army regulations to make any violation of the federal prohibition law a military offense. | MedicineNobel Prize for Medicine awarded to Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943) (U.S.) for the grouping of human blood. InventionsVannevar Bush, electrical engineer, develops a differential analyzer, the first analog computer. InventionsQuartz-crystal clocks are introduced.TechnologyBell Laboratories develops a two-way television communication system. TechnologyThe photoflash bulb comes into use. | EducationPublic Education: Civil Rights Movement: The NAACP brings a series of suits over unequal teachers' pay for Blacks and whites in southern states. At the same time, southern states realize they are losing African American labor to the northern cities. These two sources of pressure resulted in some increase of spending on Black schools in the South.EducationCivil Rights Movment: Brown v. Board: The NAACP began to challenge segregation in graduate and secondary schools in the mid-1930s. Early successes in the Supreme Court barred law schools from denying applicants on the basis of race alone.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Group Theatre is formed by the Theatre Guild for the purpose of producing social protest works. Members were generally committed to largely communal projects. Arts and LettersDrama: Maxwell Anderson (1888-1959)writes “Elizabeth the Queen."Arts and LettersDrama: Noel Coward (1899-1973) writes “Private Lives."IdeasTechnocracy, the absolute domination of technology, becomes talked-of phenomenon. IdeasAlbert Einstein (1879-1955)writes “About Zionism.”IdeasCompton suggests that cosmic rays are made of particles. IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939)publishes “Civilization and Its Discontent." | Taft, HelenWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930), 27th President of the United States dies; he is the first U.S. president to be buried in the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. | EconomicsNew York City’s Bank of the United States closes because of the stock market crash. The bank has 60 branches and almost half a million depositors. During this year more than 1300 banks are forced to close. EconomicsFord creates the Mercury division to establish a division centered on mid-priced cars. Ford Motor Company continues to grow.DiscoveryPluto, the ninth planet in the solar system, is discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh (1906-1997).Daily LifePrepackaged frozen food is sold for the first time by Clarence Birdseye (1886-1956) in Springfield, MA.Daily LifeContract bridge gains in popularity as a card game.Daily LifeComic strips grow in popularity in the U.S. (“Blondie” series). | Popular CultureDashiell Hammett (1894-1961) writes “The Maltese Falcon."Popular CultureThe films “Blue Angel,” (Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992))and “All Quiet on the Western Front,” both win Academy Awards (Milestone).Popular CultureBestseller “Cimarron,” is written by Edna Ferber (1885-1968). | |
1931 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsGerman millionaire Alfred Hugenberg (1865-1951) undertakes to support the 800,000-strong Nazi Party; Emil Kirdorf (1847-1938), Fritz Thyssen (1873-1951), and Schroder (1841-1902) follow his example. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Council decides to convene the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. GovernmentLeague of Nations: European Conference for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs. | ScienceSwiss chemist Paul Karrer (1889-1971) isolates vitamin A.ScienceAmerican physicist E.O. Lawrence (1901-1958) invents the cyclotron. InventionsJulius A. Nieuwland (1878-1936) devises a process for producing neoprene, a synthetic rubber.TechnologyThe Empire State Building opens.TechnologyThe George Washington Bridge, extending from New Jersey to New York, is completed. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) writes “The Good Earth."Arts and LettersPoetry: Robert Frost (1874-1963) publishes his “Collected Poems,” which wins the Pulitzer Prize.Arts and LettersDrama: Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) writes “Morning Becomes Electra.”IdeasJohn Dewey (1859-1952 ) publishes “Philosophy and Civilization.” | | DiscoveryAustralian explorer G.H. Wilkins (1888-1958) captains “Nautilus” submarine, navigating it under the Arctic Ocean to latitude 82 degrees, 15 minutes.Daily LifeThe U.S. officially adopts “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem on March 3. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Alphonse (“Scarface”) Capone (1899-1947), gangster with reputed $20 million annual income, is jailed for income tax evasion. Daily LifePopulation (in millions): China 410, India 338, U.S.S.R. 168, U.S. 122, Japan 75, Germany 64, Great Britain 46. Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Maxine Dunlap becomes first American woman to earn a glider pilot license.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Alfred M. Butts, an unemployed architect from Poughkeepsie, New York, invents a word game called the Criss Cross Game. In 1948, Butts sells rights to the game to entrepreneur James Brunot who trademarks the game under the name Scrabble. | Sports The northern face of the Matterhorn is climbed for the first time by Franz and Toni Schmid. Sports Women in Sports: Women begin competing in skiing events at the world championships sponsored by the International Ski Federation.Popular CulturePopular songs of the year include “Minnie the Moocher”; “Mood Indigo”; Goodnight Sweetheart”; and “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain.”Popular CultureCharlie Chaplin (1889-1977) stars in the film, “City Lights."Popular CultureWalt Disney (1901-1996) produces his first color film, "Flowers and Trees."Popular CultureThe musical comedy, "Of Thee I Sing," composed and written by George Gershwin (1898-1937), Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) George S. Kaufman (1889-1961), and Morrie Ryskind (1895-1985), becomes the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. | ReligionJehovah’s Witnesses formed from International Bible Students Association.ReligionPope Pius XI (1857-1939): “Quadrigesimo Anno," encyclical noting dangers of unrestrained capitalism and totalitarian communism, and calling for a new social order. |
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1932 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution, setting January 20 as the day the President is inaugurated, is passed by Congress.PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Hattie W. Caraway (1878-1932), a democrat from Arkansas, becomes the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate.PoliticsRunning on the idea of a "New Deal" for the American people, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is elected as the 32nd President of the U.S. in a Democratic landslide; John Garner (1868-1967) is elected as the nation's 32nd Vice President.GovernmentThe Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is created to conserve area resources. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Hattie Wyatt Caraway (1878-1950), of Arkansas, becomes the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. GovernmentThe Revenue Act of 1932 is passed; it is the largest peacetime tax increase in the nation''s history to that date. GovernmentLeague of Nations: A two-year Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments opens in Geneva; Germany withdraws from the Conference.GovernmentCongress changes the name "Porto Rico" to "Puerto Rico". | ScienceW.H. Carothers (U.S.) (1896-1937) synthesizes polyamide (nylon by 1936).ScienceJames Chadwick (1891-1974) discovers the neutron. ScienceNobel Prize for Physics: Werner Heisenberg (Germany) for the creation of the matrix theory of quantum mechanics.ScienceFritz Mietzch (1896-1958) and Josef Klarer (1898-1953): sulfonamide.InventionsSperry Gyroscope Co. develops an automatic pilot. TechnologyA balloon tire is produced for farm tractors.TechnologyRCA demonstrates electric TV using a cathode-ray picture tube receiver. | EducationLibraries: The Folger Library opens in Washington. EducationHigher Education: Bennington College opens in Vermont.EducationBasic English is proposed as a prospective international language.EducationPublic Education: A survey of 150 school districts reveals that three quarters of them are using so-called intelligence testing to place students in different academic tracks.EducationLibraries: Howard University School of Divinity Library is founded. | | EconomicsIn May and June, 17,000 ex-servicemen arrive in Washington D.C., to urge the passage of a law that will permit them to cash their bonus certificates; this bill is defeated by the Senate; government offers expenses for return home, but troops led by General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) finally drive out last 2,000. Economics13.7 million people are unemployed in the United States. EconomicsThe first unemployment insurance law is enacted in Wisconsin.Daily LifeCrime and punishment: The infant son of Charles (1902-1974) and Anne Lindbergh (1906-2001) is kidnapped.Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) becomes the first woman to complete a solo nonstop transatlantic flight, from Newfoundland to Ireland in about 15 hours.Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: Amelia Earhart, 34, becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in a red Lockheed Vega in 15 hours and 39 minutes. | Sports Black Athletes: Louise Stokes (1905-1974) and Tydia Pickett are the first African-American women to be included on a U.S. Olympic team.Sports The first Winter Olympic Games held in the U.S., opens at Lake Placid, N.Y.Sports The Summer Olympic Games at Los Angeles include 23 sports, 124 events, and 1,408 participants from 37 nations.Popular CultureJohnny Weissmuller (1904-1984) appears in his first “Tarzan” film; Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961) writes “The Thin Man;" and Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) writes “Brave New World.” | ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: The National Recovery Act forbids more than one family member from holding a government job, resulting in many women losing their jobs. |
1933 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawProhibition: The Twenty-First Amendment to the Constitution, repealing prohibition, is passed by Congress, ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. LawThe 20th Amendment to the Constitution, setting January 20 as the day the President is inaugurated, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.GovernmentU.S. Congress votes independence for Philippines.GovernmentThe Federal Securities Act requires sworn statements about all securities for sale to be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). GovernmentLeague of Nations: Both Germany and Japan give notice of withdrawal from the League of Nations. GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated as the 32nd President of the U.S., and John Garner (1868-1967) is inaugurated as the nation's 32nd Vice President.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Frances Perkins (1882-1965) is appointed secretary of labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), making her the first woman member of a presidential cabinet.GovernmentAdolph Hitler (1889-1945) is named Chancellor of Germany. | ScienceTadeusz Reichstein (1897-1996) synthesizes pure vitamin C. ScienceVitamin B2 (riboflavin) recognized by R. Kuhn, Szent-Gyorgyi, and Wagner von Jauregg.MedicineManfred Sakel (1900-1957) discovers insulin shock therapy.TechnologyEdwin H. Armstrong (1890-1954) develops frequency modulation (FM) radio broadcasting. TechnologyPhilo T. Farnsworth (1906-1971) develops an electronic TV receiver. | Arts and Letters“Ulysses,” by James Joyce (1882-1941), is allowed in the U.S. after court ruling.Arts and LettersLiterature: Erskine Caldwell (1903-1987)writes “God’s Little Acre.”Arts and LettersGeorge Balanchine (1904-1983) and Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996) found the School of American Ballet.Arts and LettersLiterature: Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) writes “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas.”IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Modern Man in Search of Soul.” | | EconomicsAmerican banks are closed March 6 - March 9 by presidential order. EconomicsThe U.S. goes off gold standard on April 19.EconomicsUnlike his father, Edsel Ford was more interested in vehicle design than mechanics. He helped bring the company''s products to new heights of elegance and style by creating the company’s first dedicated, in-house design (or “styling”) department. The department’s creations become some of the most influential automotive designs in the industry.DiscoveryThe theory that Neanderthal Man is in the line of decent of homo sapiens is rejected following the discovery of the Steinheim skull. DiscoveryR.E. Byrd, begins his second South Pole expedition. Daily LifeThe board game Monopoly is invented.Daily LifeAll books by non-Nazi and Jewish authors are burned in Germany. Daily LifeChicago World’s Fair (A Century of Progress International Exposition) opens.Daily LifePresident Roosevelt delivers the first radio “fireside chat” to restore the public’s confidence in the American currency and banking system. | Sports Baseball: The first baseball all-star game is played.Sports Boxing: Italian Primo Carnera (1906-1967) knocks out Jack Sharkey (1902-1994) to win heavyweight-boxing crown. Popular CultureSome popular films of the year are “Little Women,” starring Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003), and “She Done Him Wrong,” starring Mae West (1892-1980). Popular CultureSome popular songs are “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”; “StormyWeather”; “Easter Parade”; “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”; and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” | Social IssuesHolocaust: The Germans at Dachau open the first concentration camp; by 1945 8 to 10 million prisoners have been interned and at least half of them killed. Boycott of Jews begins in Germany. Social IssuesImmigration: Approximately 60,000 artists (authors, actors, painters, and musicians) emigrate from Germany. |
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1934 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentLeague of Nations: Meeting of the General Commission of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. GovernmentCongress passes the Gold Reserve Act, empowering the President to regulate the value of the U.S. dollar. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt signs Securities Exchange Act, establishing Securities and Exchange Commission. The first chairman of the SEC is Joseph Kennedy. | ScienceAdolph Butenandt (1903-1995) isolates the first crystalline male hormone, androsterone.ScienceEnrico Fermi (1901-1954 ) suggests that neutrons and protons are the same fundamental particles in two different quantum states. TechnologyOsoviakhim, U.S.S.R. balloon, ascends 13 miles into stratosphere. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Robert Graves (1895-1985) writes “I, Claudius” and “Claudius the God.” Arts and LettersPainting: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) paints “William Tell,” in surrealistic style.Arts and LettersDrama: William Saroyan (1908-1981) writes “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze.”IdeasArnold Toynbee (1889-1975) writes “A Study of History.”IdeasRuth Benedict (1887-1948) publishes “Patterns of Culture. | | EconomicsWomen’s Firsts: Lettie Pate Whitehead (1872-1953) becomes the first American woman to serve as a director of a major corporation, The Coca-Cola Company. DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: On October 23, 1934, American adventurer Jeanette Piccard (1895 – 1985) sets an altitude record for female balloonists when she ascends 57,579 feet. Daily LifeTransportation: The S.S. “Normandie” (France) launched; the largest ship afloat until “Queen Elizabeth.” Daily LifeThe Dionne quintuplets are born in Callendar, Ontario.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The F.B.I. shoots John Dillinger (1903-1934), “Public Enemy No. 1.”Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The infamous pair of Bonnie (Parker) (1910-1934) and Clyde (Barrow) (1909-1934), die in a police shootout. | Sports Golf: The first Masters golf tournament at Augusta National in Georgia is won by Horton Smith (1908-1963).Sports Boxing: Max Baer (1909-1959) wins world heavyweight boxing title. Sports Boxing: Joe Louis (1914-1981) wins his first fight against Jack Kracken (Chicago).Popular CultureShirley Temple (1928- ) stars in her first film, Stand Up and Cheer. | Social IssuesPoverty: Evangeline Booth (1865-1950), daughter of the Salvation Army’s founder, elected General of the Salvation Army. |
1935 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsHuey Long (1893-1935) is assassinated by Dr. Carl Weiss in Louisiana Capitol Building. GovernmentThe Social Security Act establishes a federal payroll tax to finance a cooperative federal-state system of unemployment insurance. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs U.S. Social Security Act.GovernmentChiang Kai-shek is named President of China. GovernmentT.G. Masaryk (1850-1937) resigns as President of Czechoslovakiaand is succeeded by Eduard Benes (1884-1948). GovernmentPersia changes its name to Iran.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The American Senate refuses to ratify the accession of the United States to the Permanent Court of International justice. WarWorld War II: The Saarland is incorporated into Germany following a plebiscite; Nazis repudiate Versailles Treaty and reintroduce compulsory military. | MedicineLadislas J. Meduna (1896-1964)discovers metrazol shock therapy.MedicineGerman chemist Gerhard Domagk (1895-1964) announces the discovery of Prontosil, the first sulfa drug for treating streptococcal infections.TechnologyRADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is first demonstrated by Robert Watson-Watt (1892-1973).TechnologyThe first round-the-world telephone conversation covers more than 23,000 miles. It is routed from New York to San Francisco, Indonesia, Holland, England, and back to NY-to an office less than 50 feet from the phone where the call originated. TechnologyRailroad History: EMC builds #511 and #512, the first self-contained Diesel passenger locomotives in the US. | EducationLibraries: The Works Progress Administration library service program gives support in labor and funds to all types of libraries.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Federal Theatre Project is established by Works Progress Administration (WPA) under the leadership of Hallie Flanagan (1890-1969). It lasted 4 years and employed over 30,000 theatrical artists and workers. Eventually Congress challenged the content of the productions as being subversive propaganda and dangerous. Arts and LettersDrama: Clarence Day (1874-1935) writes “Life with Father.” Arts and LettersDrama: T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) writes “Murder in the Cathedral.” Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) writes “It Can’t Happen Here.” Arts and LettersLiterature: John Steinbeck (1902-1968) writes “Tortilla Flat.” | | EconomicsElectrification: The first generator at Hoover Dam along the Nevada-Arizona border begins commercial operation. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Bruno R. Hauptmann (1899-1936) goes on trial for the kidnap and murder of the Lindburgh baby.Daily LifeAmelia Earhart (1897-1937) becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California.Daily LifeTransportation: The S.S. “Normandie” crosses the Atlantic in 107 hours and 33 minutes. Daily LifeDancing: The rumba becomes a fashionable dance. Daily LifeAlcoholics Anonymous is organized in New York. | Sports Baseball: The Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies play the first major league night baseball game at Crosley Field I Cincinnati. | ReformLabor Movement: The Committee for Industrial Organizations is founded by the leaders of eight unions in the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Its goal is to develop industry-wide unions that include clerical and unskilled workers, as well as skilled-workers who are eligible for the AFL. |
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1936 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of TVA in Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley Authority.PoliticsFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) is reelected President of the U.S. by a landslide, as is John Garner (1868-1967) as Vice President. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Secretariat moves into the new League of Nations buildings, Geneva. WarThe U.S. Army adopts the semi-automatic rifle.WarWorld War II: German troops occupy Rhineland; elections in Germany give Hitler (1889-1945) 99% of the vote; Four-Year Plan inaugurated. WarSpanish Civil War begins in July; Franco appointed Chief of State by the insurgents in October; siege of Madrid begins; Spanish government moves to Valencia. WarWorld War II: Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) declares war on Japan. | MedicineDr. Alexis Carrel (1873-1944) develops an artificial heart. MedicineEgas Moniz (1874-1955) discovers prefrontal lobotomy for treating mental diseases.TechnologyThe dirigible “Hindenburg” lands at Lakehurst, N.J., after transatlantic flight. TechnologyMrs. Amy (Johnson) Mollison (1903-1941) flies from England to Cape Town in 3 days, 6 hours, and 25 minutes.TechnologyBoulder (Hoover) Dam on Colorado River in Nevada and Arizona is completed; this creates Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the world. | Arts and LettersDrama: Beatrice Kaufman and Moss Hart collaborate on the play, “You Can’t Take it With You.” | | EconomicsThe Ford Foundation is established.Daily LifeMagazines: Henry Luce (1898-1967) begins publication of “Life” magazine. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Bruno Richard Hauptman (1899-1936) is convicted of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby. Daily LifeDisasters: Floods sweep Johnstown, Pennsylvania.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Parker Brothers introduce Monopoly. | Sports Baseball: Ty Cobb (1886-1961), Babe Ruth (1895-1948), Honus Wagner (1874-1955), Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) and Walter Johnson (1887-1946) are the first players elected to the newly founded Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.Sports Boxing: Max Schmeling (1905-2005) (German) defeats Joe Louis (1914-1981) (U.S.) to win world heavyweight boxing championship. Popular CultureDale Carnegie (1888-1955) writes “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”Popular CultureWalter D. Edmunds (1903-1998) writes “Drums Along the Mohawk.” Popular CultureMargaret Mitchell (1900-1949) writes “Gone with the Wind,” a Pulitzer Prize Novel. | |
1937 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen's Rights Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of a minimum wage law for women. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs U.S. Neutrality Act. GovernmentFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated President of the U.S., as is John Garner as Vice President. WarWorld War II: Riots in Sudeten area of Czechoslovakia; Sudetan Germans leave Czech Parliament. WarSpanish Civil War: The German Luftwaffe (air force) destroys the Spanish town of Guernica. | MedicineThe nation’s first blood bank is established at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.MedicineCrystalline vitamin A and vitamin K concentrates are first obtained.MedicineThe National Cancer institute is established. InventionsWallace H. Carothers (1896-1937) patents Nylon for the Du Pont Company.InventionsThe first jet engine is built by Frank Whittle (1907-1996). TechnologyGeorge VI (1895-1952) is crowned King of Great Britain; the broadcast of ceremonies is first worldwide program heard in the U.S.TechnologyThe Lincoln Tunnel provides a second major vehicular tunnel between New York and New Jersey. TechnologySan Francisco’s Gold Gate Bridge opens; the main section is 4200 ft. long; it is the longest bridge up to this time. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemmingway (1899-1961) writes “To Have and to Have Not.” Arts and LettersLiterature: John P. Marquand (1893-1960) writes “The Late George Apley,” which wins a Pulitzer Prize. Arts and LettersPainting: Picasso (1881-1973) paints “Guernica,” a mural for the Paris World Exhibition. Arts and LettersPaul Mellon (1907-1999) endows the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. | | EconomicsWall Street stock market decline signals serious economic recession in the U.S.Daily LifeIn Connecticut, automobile license places are issued for the first time.Daily LifeDisasters: The German airship Hindenberg bursts into flames as it is trying to land at Lakehurst, NJ. News of its occurrence is described in the first transcontinental radio broadcast.Daily LifeAmelia Earhart (1897-1937) is lost on a Pacific flight. | Sports Boxing: Joe Louis (1914-1981) regains world heavyweight boxing title by defeating James J. Braddock (1905-1974). Sports U.S. Tennis Team wins Davis Cup Tournament in England. Sports Women in Sports: The US becomes the first country to win the men's (Swaythling Cup) and women's (Marcel Corbillon Cup) team table tennis championships in the same year.Popular CultureJohn Steinbeck (1902-1968) writes “Of Mice and Men.” Popular CultureWalt Disney (1901-1996) produces “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." | Social IssuesPoverty: Public Housing: One of the first public housing projects in New York City, the Harlem River Houses, is built. They were 4 and 5-story walk-ups that were connected. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: Minimum wage law for women is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. ReformLabor Movement: A major strike against Republic Steel takes place: 4 killed and 84 injured in Chicago. |
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1938 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court rules that the University of Missouri Law School must admit Negroes because of a lack of other facilities in the area.GovernmentMartin Dies (1900-1972) (Texas Democrat), becomes chairman of the newly formed House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) of U.S. House of Representatives. WarWorld War II: Hitler (1889-1945) appoints himself War Minister, Ribbentrop Foreign Minister; meets Schuschnigg at Berchtesgaden and marches into Austria; Mussolini (1883-1945) and Hitler meet in Rome; programs in Germany. WarWorld War II: Eden resigns in protest against Chamberlain’s (1869-1940) policy; Winston Churchill (1874-1965) leads country’s outcry; Duff Cooper (1890-1954) resigns as First Lord of the Admiralty; President Benes (1884-1948) resigns; Slovakia and Ruthenia granted autonomy; Hungary annexes southern Slovakia; Emil Hacha (1872-1945) installed as puppet President of Czechoslovakia. | ScienceKarter, Salomon, and Fritzsche chemically identify vitamin E. ScienceIsolation of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). MedicineRobert E. Gross, physician, surgically repairs a congenital heart defect. MedicineUgo Cerletti (1877- 1963) and Lucio Bini (1908-1964) discover electroconvulsive therapy. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: Higher Education: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the University of Missouri Law School must admit Negroes because of a lack of other facilities in the area.EducationThe Cloisters, endowed by Rockefeller (1839-1937), is built in upper Manhattan as a branch of the Metropolitan Museum to house medieval art.EducationHigher Education: Education of Women: African American Education: Harvard University grants and honorary doctorate to Negro singer Marian Anderson (1897-1993).Arts and LettersDrama: "Our Town," by Thornton Wilder (1897-1975), is performed publicly for the first time in Princeton, NJ.Arts and LettersDaphne du Maurier (1907-1989) writes “Rebecca.” Arts and LettersDrama: Robert Sherwood (1896-1955): “Abe Lincoln in Illinois." Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) builds Taliesin West in Phoenix, Arizona. Arts and LettersLiterature: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (1896-1953) writes “The Yearling,” a Pulitzer Prize novel.IdeasJohan Huizinga (1872-1945) writes “Homo Ludens.” IdeasAlfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) writes “Modes of Thought.” | | EconomicsDupont markets the first nylon product-a toothbrush.EconomicsThe Fair Labor Standards Act passed, enacting first national minimum wage law.Daily LifeThe 40 hour work week is established in the United States.Daily Life20,000 TV sets are in service in New York City. Daily LifeThe S.S. “Queen Elizabeth” is launched.Daily Life32,000 people die in auto accidents in the U.S. | Sports Horse Racing: Eddie Arcado rides his first Kentucky Derby winner, “Lawrin.”Popular CultureThe New Orleans jazz classic, "When the Saints Go Marching In," is recorded by Louis Armstrong (1901-1971).Popular CultureThe popular radio quiz show Information Please is broadcast by NBC.Popular CultureOrson Welles’s (1915- 1985) radio production of H.G. Well’s (1866-1946) “War of the Worlds” causes considerable panic. Popular CultureBenny Goodman’s (1909-1986) band brings new style to jazz music. Popular CultureKurt Weill (1900-1950): “Knickerbocker Holiday,” musical comedy, New York. | Social IssuesAnti-semitism: Anti-Jewish legislation enacted in July.ReformLabor Movement: Women''s Rights Movement: The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes minimum wage without regard to sex. |
1939 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawPresident Roosevelt appoints the first Jewish Associate Justice to the Supreme Court, Felix Frankfurter (1882-1965); at the same time, he appoints William O. Douglas (1898-1980), who hold the record for longest service on the Court -- 36 years, 7 months. WarThe Spanish Civil War ends.Rooseveltasks Congress for $552 million for defense and demands assurance from Hitler and Mussolini that they will not attack 31 named states. WarWorld War II: Germany occupies Bohemia and Moravia, places Slovakia under “protection,” annexes Memel, renounces nonaggression pact with Poland and naval agreement with England, and concludes both the 10-year alliance with Italy and the nonaggression pact with U.S.S.R.WarWorld War II: Japanese occupy Hainan and blockade British concession at Tientsin; U.S. renounces Japanese trade agreement of 1911. WarWorld War II: Britain and France recognize Franco’s government; U.S. recognition follows; Spanish Civil War ends; Spain joins Anti-Comintern Pact and leaves League of Nations. WarWorld War II: Germany invades Poland and annexes Danzig on September 1; Britain and France declare war on Germany on September 3; Roosevelt declares that the U.S. is neutral; Germans overrun western Poland and reach Brest-Litovsk and Warsaw; U.S.S.R. invades Poland from the east; the British Expeditionary Force (158,000 men) are sent to France. | ScienceJoliot-Curie demonstrates the possibility of splitting apart the atom. SciencePolyethylene is invented.ScienceNobel Prize for Physics awarded to Ernest O. Lawrence (U.S.) for the development of cyclotron.TechnologyIgor Sikorsky (1889-1972) constructs the first helicopter.TechnologyRadar stations are used in Britain to give early warning of approaching enemy aircrafts. | Arts and Letters“Grandma Moses” (Anna M. Robertson) becomes famous in the U.S.Arts and LettersDance: Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid” ballet opens in New York. Arts and LettersLiterature: C.S. Forester writes “Captain Horatio Hornblower.”Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce writes “Finnegan’s Wake.”Arts and LettersLiterature: Richard Llewellyn writes “How Green was My Valley.”Arts and LettersLiterature: John Steinbeck writes “The Grapes of Wrath.” Arts and LettersDrama: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart write “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”IdeasJohn Dewey (1859-1952) publishes “Freedom and Culture.” IdeasAdolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” is made available in a complete English translation. | | EconomicsAfter the 1938 recession, the U.S. economy begins to recover and, by autumn, is booming from orders of European countries for arms and war equipment.Daily LifeTransportation: Pan-American Airways begins regularly scheduled commercial flights between the U.S. and Europe on the “Dixie Clipper.” Daily LifeFashion: Nylon stockings appear for the first time. Daily LifeHolidays: President Roosevelt moves the national Thanksgiving Celebration to the third Thursday of November in order to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy. | Sports Baseball: The first televised major league game is broadcast from Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.Sports Baseball: Little League Baseball is founded.Sports Baseball: Baseball great Lou Gehrig sets of major-league record when he plays his 2,130th game.A baseball game is first televised in the U.S. Popular CultureThe first public television broadcast is made from the Empire State Building.Popular CultureWar songs in England are “Roll out the Barrel’ and “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”Popular CulturePopular Films include “Gone With the Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz” (Judy Garland), and “Stagecoach” (John Ford).Popular CulturePopular Songs in America are “God Bless America”, “Over the Rainbow”, and “I’ll Never Smile Again.” | ReligionPope Pius XI dies; Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli is elected to be Pope Pius XII (-1958).ReligionThe Methodist Church, rent by schisms of 1830 and 1844, is reunited.ReformLabor Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that sit-down strikes are illegal. |
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1940 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is re-elected to a third term as President of the U.S., and Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) is elected as the nation's 33rd Vice President.GovernmentStamps: Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) is the first African-American honored on a stamp. GovernmentImmigration: The Smith Act (Alien Registration Act) requires the registration of all aliens and makes it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the U.S. government by force. GovernmentConservation: Congress establishes the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop and administer a wildlife conservation program. GovernmentNeville Chamberlain (1869-1940) is succeeded by Winston Churchill (1874-1965) as Prime Minister of England.GovernmentThe U.S. does not renew its commercial treaty with Japan. GovernmentThe Transportation Act passes, giving ICC authority to regulate common carriers operating in interstate commerce in the coastal, inter-coastal, and inland waters of the U.S. WarNational Defense Advisory Commission coordinates U.S. civilian defense protection. WarCongress creates the Selective Service System, the first U.S. peacetime program of compulsory military service. It requires all men between ages 21 and 36 to register. | ScienceFritz A. Lipmann (1899-1986), biochemist, proposes that ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) is a common form of energy in many cells. MedicineN.M. Gregg discovers that German measles during pregnancy may cause birth defects in the unborn child. MedicineLinus Pauling (1901-1994) and Max Delbruck (1906-1981) determine that antigens cause the body to produce antibodies. InventionsV. Zworykin (1889-1982) and James Hillier (1915-) invent the electronic microscope. InventionsHellmuth Walter (1900-1980), a German engineer, invents a propulsion system for submarines. | EducationThe first large-scale urban college building of modern design, Hunter College, is built in New York City. Arts and LettersThe Museum of Modern Art sets up a separate department of photography.Arts and LettersPainting: Picasso’s (1882-1973) lithograph, “Dove” is selected as the symbol of the World Peace Congress. | | DiscoveryPrehistoric drawings that are at least 20,000 years old are found in the Lascaux Caves in France. Daily LifeThe first social security check is issued to Ida Fuller for $22.54.Daily LifeFashion: Nylon stockings go on sale for the first time in the U.S.Daily LifeThe suspension bridge over the Narrows at Tacoma, Washington called “Galloping Gertie,” collapses because of wind vibration; the Bridge tumbles into Puget Sound. | Sports Cornelius Warmerdam (1915-2001) is the first to pole-vault 15 feet. Two years later he sets the new record of 15 ft. 7.75 inches. Popular CultureOglethorpe University (Georgia) deposits a bottle of beer, an encyclopedia, and a movie fan magazine along with 1000 of other items in its “Crypt of Civilization,” a time capsule scheduled to be opened in the year 8113. Popular CultureJohn Ford (1894-1973) wins an Oscar for directing "The Grapes of Wrath." | ReformLabor Movement: The 40-hour workweek, part of Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, goes into effect. |
1941 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: After sixteen years of service as an Associate Justice, Harlan Fiske Stone (1872-1946) is nominated Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945); he is confirmed by the Senate and serves for five years until his death in 1946.GovernmentThe Lend-Lease Act passes, giving the president the authority to aid any nation whose defense he believed vital to the United States and to accept repayment "in kind or property, or any other direct or indirect benefit which the President deems satisfactory."GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated for a third term as President of the U.S., and Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) is inaugurated as the nation's 33rd Vice President.GovernmentThe Lend-Lease Act lends war materials to friendly nations.GovernmentThe Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supply is organized. It immediately freezes steel prices and later announces the need for tire rationing to conserve rubber. WarPuerto Rico: US Congress establishes two thirds of the island of Vieques as a military training ground. Residents are given 24 hours to leave their homes. WarThe Selective Service System repeals the 900,000-man limitation of the Army and extends the length of service of draftees to 18 months.WarU.S. lends the U.S.S.R. $1 billion worth of war material. WarWorld War II: Japan attacks the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, destroying many war ships; the U.S. declares war on Japan. WarWorld War II: U.S. forces land in Iceland to defend it against possible attack. | ScienceThe Manhattan Project, under the direction of Leslie Groves, begins top-secret research to develop an atomic bomb. MedicineWomen's Firsts: Eleanor J. Macdonald (1906-?1995), the first cancer epidemiologist, establishes the world’s first cancer registry in Connecticut.MedicineRadioactive iodine is used to treat cancer of the thyroid. InventionsAerosol spray cans are introduced. TechnologyRCA develops the “alert receiver,” a radio that is turned on or off by a special radio wave signal. TechnologyLORAN (long range aid to navigation) uses fixed radio signals to determine positions at sea. TechnologyAn electron microscope is used to obtain the first photograph of a virus. The virus, only 4 ten-millionths of an inch in diameter, is magnified 65,000 times. | | Reagan, NancyMaureen Reagan Revell (1941-2001), daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is born January 4. | EconomicsThe FCC authorizes TV broadcasting. By the end of the year, 1 million sets are sold. Daily LifeGasoline curfew begins in 17 eastern states; gasoline stations are closed from 7am-7pm. Daily Life“Utility” clothing and furniture are encouraged in Britain; clothes rationing starts. Daily LifeA National Nutrition Program begins; vitamins and minerals are added to milk, bread, and other common foods. Daily LifeHolidays: After much protest, President Roosevelt returns the official Thansgiving to the fourth Thursday of November. | Sports Baseball: New York Yankee center-fielder Joe DiMaggio (1914-1999) hits in 56 major league games and sets a major league record. Popular CultureThe classic movie, "Citizen Kane," starring Orson Welles (1915-1985), premiers in New York City.Popular CultureThe famous wartime phrase “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition” is said by Howell M. Forgy, chaplain on the U.S. cruiser New Orleans, which is attacked at Pearl Harbor. Popular CultureBilly Strayhorn (1915-1967), arranger-composer for Duke Ellington, composes the band’s theme song, “Take the A-Train.”Popular CultureThe USO is founded in New York City to raise the morale of American troops by supplying recreation, education, and entertainment. | Social IssuesImmigration: Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii galvanizes America’s war effort. More than 1,000 Japanese-American community leaders are incarcerated because of national security. Social IssuesImmigration: President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802, forbidding discrimination in federal hiring, job-training programs, and defense industries. The newly created Fair Employment Practices Commission investigates discrimination against black employees. |
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1942 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentFranklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs an executive order resulting in the internment of thousands of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast.GovernmentImmigration: Congress allows for importation of agricultural workers from within North, Central, and South America. The Bracero Program allows Mexican laborers to work in the U.S. WarWorld War II: Congress enacts measures to form the Women’s auxiliary corps of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. WarWorld War II: The Nazis formulate their “Final Solution” regarding the Jews at the Wannsee Conference. WarWorld War II: Government wartime agencies take control of housing, alien property, shipping and transportation, foreign relief, censorship, and scientific research. WarWorld War II: U.S. begins strict rationing of food and materials needed for the war effort. | ScienceRussian Academy of Sciences awards honorary memberships to Americans for the first time: W. Cannon, E.O. Lawrence, and G. Lewis. MedicineFrench chemists prepare the first usable antihistamines. InventionsHenry Ford (1863-1947) patents the plastic automobile body.InventionsMagnetic recording tape is introduced. InventionsBell Aircraft builds and tests the first U.S. jet, the XP-59. TechnologyHenry Kaiser (1882-1967) and Howard Hughes (1905-1976) design the Spruce Goose, an 8-engine airplane with room for 700 people.TechnologySonobuoys are used to detect submarines.TechnologyRadio signals (interference) are received from the Sun. TechnologyThe first V-mail is sent overseas from New York City to London. | Arts and LettersDance: Copland (1900-1990) composes the ballet Rodeo, staged and choreographed by Agnes DeMille (1881-1959). IdeasSister Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952) publishes "Kenny Concept of Infantile Paralysis and Its Treatment." | | EconomicsThe Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington State is completed. DiscoveryMildenhall Treasure, a hoard of Roman silverware, is discovered in Suffolk, England. Daily LifeDisasters: Mine explosions in Honkeiko, Manchuria kill 1549 people. Daily LifeDisasters: The ocean liner Queen Mary collides with a British cruiser; 388 people on board the cruiser are killed. | Sports Football: The Army-Navy football game that is usually seen by 100,000 fans in Philadelphia is played in Annapolis, Maryland for fewer than 12,000. By Presidential order, tickets are sold only to resident within a 10-mile radius of the stadium. Sports Baseball: Just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt declares, “it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.”Popular CultureBand leader Glenn Miller (1904-1944) receives the first ever gold record for selling a million copies of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” | ReligionC.S. Lewis (1898-1963) publishes "The Screwtape Letters," an extremely popular Christian novel. ReligionLloyd Douglas, a Lutheran clergyman, publishes "The Robe," a novel based on the New Testament. |
1943 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentImmigration: The Magnuson Act of 1943 repeals the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, establishes quotas for Chinese immigrants, and makes them eligible for U.S. citizenship. WarU.S. Army engineers complete the Pentagon building. This 5-sided building, headquarters of the Department of Defense, remains the largest office building in the world. WarWorld War II: President Roosevelt (1882-1945) and Prime Minister Churchill (1874-1965) meet at the Casablanca Conference.WarWorld War II: The Nazi siege of Leningrad is broken.U.S. bombers sink Japanese convoy of 22 ships at the Battle of Bismarck Sea. WarWorld War II: U.S. naval and amphibious forces begin island-hopping operations in the Pacific, capturing key bases. | ScienceThe hallucinogenic drug LSD is first produced by Albert Hoffman (1906-?) at Sandoz Laboratory in Basil, Switzerland.Science50,000 scientists and aides, all conducting secret atomic research suddenly populate the tiny town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. MedicineLarge-scale production of penicillin begins to meet the demand as the drug is being used to treat a variety of infectious diseases. MedicineEpidemics: An infantile paralysis (polio) epidemic kills 1151 people and cripples thousands more. InventionsAlvarez develops a radar-controlled bombsight. InventionsPolyethylene plastic is introduced. | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) begin their successful partnership when they produce the musical Oklahoma. Arts and LettersLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990), conductor and composer, becomes the assistant composer of the N.Y. Philharmonic. | | EconomicsThe “Big Inch,” world’s longest oil pipeline, is dedicated. It is 1300 miles long and stretches from Texas to Pennsylvania. Daily LifeDancing: The jitterbug is the most popular dance. Daily LifeWomen in England are no longer required to wear hats in law courts. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: While searching for a suspension device to ease rough sailing on battleships, navy engineer Richard James discovers that a torsion spring will "walk" end over end when knocked over. James brought the discovery home to his wife, who named the new toy "Slinky." | Sports Women in Sports: In its June 14th issue, Time estimates there are 40,000 semi-pro women's softball teams in the US.Sports Women in Sports: Baseball: Philip K. Wrigley starts what will become the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the country’s only professional female league.Sports The Detroit Red Wings win the last 4 games in the Stanley Cup finals, defeating the Boston Bruins 2-0 to become the National League Hockey Champions. | ReligionPublic Education: U.S. Supreme Court reverses 1940 decision and holds that children cannot be required to salute the flag in school if their religion prohibits it; case brought to court by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. |
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1944 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is reelected President for a fourth term; Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is elected the nation's 34th Vice President on the same Democratic ticket. GovernmentThe Declaration of Independence and other historical documents, sent from Washington D.C., for safekeeping in December 1941, are again displayed at the Library of Congress. WarWorld War II: U.S. planes bomb Berlin for the first time. WarWorld War II: U.S. troops establish beachheads at Utah Beach and Omaha Beach during the Allied invasion of Western Europe (D-Day). | ScienceUranium pile is built in Oak Ridge Tennessee. MedicineAlfred Blalock (1899-1964) and Marie Taussig introduce a surgical technique for saving “blue babies.”MedicineOswald Avery (1877-1955) proves that DNA is the genetic material responsible for heredity. MedicineClarence C. Little proposes that cancer is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. MedicineDDT is used to control a typhus outbreak in Naples, Italy. MedicineDaniel Bovet (1907-1992) discovers the antihistamine pyrilamine. InventionsSilicone resins are introduced as insulation capable of withstanding very high temperatures. | EducationHigher Education: President Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs The Serviceman Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill of Rights), establishing benefits for veterans after the war. One of the chief benefits of the law is the provision of funds for college for returning servicemen and women, thus providing access to higher education for many who would not have been able to afford it otherwise, and, in fact, making the idea of a college education a "normal" one for the next generation of young people.Arts and LettersDrama: Jean Anouilh (1910-1987) completes the play Antigone. IdeasVon Neumann (1903-1957) publishes "Theory of Games and Economic Behavior." | Johnson, Lady BirdLynda Bird Robb (1944- ), daughter of Lyndon and Claudia Johnson, is born March 19. | Daily LifeMeat rationing ends, except for steak and choice cuts of beef. Daily LifeTransportation: The first non-stop flight from London to Canada takes place. | Popular CultureBing Crosby (1903-1977) stars in the film, "Going My Way." Popular CultureThe popular radio show, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," debuts.Popular CultureJimmy “Trump” Davidson’s Big Band introduces Dixieland Jazz to Canada. | |
1945 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Arab League is founded in Cairo by Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.GovernmentThe Medal of Freedom is established. It is awarded to civilians for meritorious acts or service. GovernmentUnited Nations: The United Nations opens in San Francisco. Senate ratifies UN Charter by a vote of 89 to 2. GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated as President for a fourth term; Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is inaugurated as the nation's 34th Vice President. GovernmentVice President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) becomes the nation's 33rd President upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). No new Vice President is selected.WarWorld War II. The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan; the rationale is that it will shorten the war and save thousands of American and Japanese lives. Several days after the bombing, Japan surrenders, bringing World War II to an end.WarWorld War II: The Russians liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp, where the Nazis killed over 1.5 million people, including over 1 million Jews.WarWorld War II: U. S. Marines raise the American flag on Iwo Jima.WarWorld War II: The Yalta Agreement is signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965), and Soviet leader Josef Stalin (1879-1953).WarWorld War II: World War II ends; cold war begins; Soviet Union becomes prime adversary of U.S; President Truman (1884-1972) pressured to take a hard-line on Communists, foreign and domestic. | MedicineWoodward determines the chemical structure of penicillin by using a spectroscope. MedicineSpies proves that folic acid (a B-vitamin) is necessary for proper development of red blood cells. TechnologyRailroad History: The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, uses the first railroad car with an observation dome. The dome is 19.5 feet long and extends the full width of the railroad car. TechnologyWeather radar is developed. | EducationChildren's Books: E.B. White (1899-1985) publishes the children’s classic Stuart Little. Arts and LettersDrama: Sartre (1905-1980) writes the play "No Exit." | Roosevelt, EleanorFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd president of the United States, dies of a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his home in Warm Springs, Georgia. | EconomicsFCC sets aside 13 channels for commercial broadcasting. Daily LifeRationing of shoes, butter, and tires ends. Daily LifeBenito Mussolini (1883-1945), Italian dictator and ally of Nazi Germany, is executed.Daily LifeGerman dictator Adolph Hitler (1889-1945), and his newly married mistress, Eva Braun (1912-1945), commit suicide in his Berlin bunker.Daily LifeAnne Frank (1929-1945), the Dutch Jewish teenager who kept a diary of her wartime experiences, dies at 15 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. | Popular CulturePopular radio shows include: "The Red Skeleton Show," "The Green Hornet," "Superman," "Inner Sanctum," "The Fred Allen Show," "One Man’s Family," and "Queen for a Day." Popular CultureDizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) organizes an orchestra featuring the “bop” style of jazz. | ReligionItalian writer Carlo Levi (1902-1975) causes a sensation with his novel "Christ Stopped at Eboli." Social IssuesImmigration: The War Bride Act and the G.I. Fiancées Act allows immigration of foreign-born wives, fiancé(e)s, husbands, and children of U.S. armed forces personnel. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in France. |
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1946 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Harry S. Truman nominates Fred M. Vinson as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Senate confirms his nomination and he serves for seven years until his death in 1953.PoliticsMcCarthy Era: November 1946 -- Joseph R. McCarthy (1908-1957)is first elected Senator from Wisconsin, defeating progressive titan Robert Lafollette (1855-1925). Richard Nixon (1913-1994) is elected Congressmen from Whittier, CA. The Democrats lose 12 Senate seats and 55 House seats.GovernmentLeague of Nations: (April 18) The League transfers all its assets to the United Nations. Contract signed by W. Moderow, representative of the League, and Sean Lester, the last Secretary-General of the League of Nations. GovernmentUnited Nations: The first General Assembly of the United Nations convenes in London. GovernmentHo Chi Minh (1890-1969) is elected president of North Viet Nam.GovernmentThe United Nations accepts an $8.5 million donation from John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) to purchases the site for the new UN headquarters in New York City. WarCold War: Churchill (1874-1965) delivers a speech in Fulton, Missouri, warning about Soviet expansion and coining the phrase the “Iron Curtain.” This marks the beginning of the “Cold War.”WarThe Army and Navy are permitted to manufacture atomic weapons. WarChinese Communists tell the U.S. to stop supplying arms to the Nationalist Chinese Party. The U.S. gives up trying to mediate the civil war in China. | ScienceCarbon-12, and isotope is discovered. ScienceThe Atomic Energy Commission is established. InventionsPrinted circuits are developed. TechnologyComputer Technology: A computer begins working at the University of Pennsylvania, taking seconds to do calculations that normally take hours. It is named ENIAC, or Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985) publishes "This Side of Innocence." Arts and LettersArchitecture: The “ranch-type” home becomes popular; many find the low-slung, single story homes very appealing. IdeasLemaitre (1894-1966) publishes "Hypothesis of the Primeval Atom." | Nixon, PatTricia Nixon Cox (1946- ), daughter of Richard and Patricia Nixon, is born February 21.Bush, BarbaraGeorge Walker Bush (1946- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born July 6. | DiscoveryByrd (1888-1957) leads an expedition to the North Pole. Daily LifeMikhail Botvinnik (1911-1995) of the U.S.S.R. is considered the world’s finest chess player. Daily LifeThe government lifts most price and wage controls. U.S. Daily LifeDisasters: An Army plane crashes into the Manhattan Company in New York City; 5 people are killed. | Sports Women’s Firsts: Women in Sports: Edith Houghton becomes the first woman hired as a major-league baseball scout. Popular CultureAlfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) directs the film Notorious.Popular CultureIrving Berlin (1888-1989) writes the score for the Broadway musical, "Annie Get Your Gun." | ReligionMother Frances X. Cabrini (1850-1917) is canonized; she is the first U.S. citizen to become a saint in the Catholic Church. ReligionWomen’s Firsts: Mother Maria Frances Cabrini (1850-1917) is canonized by Pope Pius XII. She is the first U.S. citizen (she was born in Italy) to become a saint. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in Italy. ReformThe strike by the United Mine Workers begins. President Truman seizes the mines after employers reject the government’s negotiated contract. |
1947 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court upholds a state law permitting pupils attending parochial schools to ride on public school buses. This is the first of many cases on the separation of church and state in relation to schools.LawThe Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is passed by Congress.GovernmentMcCarthy Era: Senator McCarthy (1908-1957) is assigned to the Government Operations Committee in Senate; Congressman Nixon is appointed to the House Un-American Activities Committee. Mr. Nixon is first lawyer on The Committee and is noteworthy for raising the level of "respectability" of the Committee's proceedings.GovernmentMcCarthy Era: Criticized for loose scrutiny of federal employees, President Truman (1884-1972) initiates a loyalty program for civil servants -- the Federal Loyalty Board Program.GovernmentCongress approves economic and military assistance for Greece and Turkey. GovernmentCongress enacts the Labor Management Relations Act (Taft-Hartley Labor Act) over President Truman’s veto. It limits the power of labor unions and puts restrictions on strikes, closed shop, and political activities. GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) states the principle of Soviet Containment (Truman Doctrine).GovernmentBritain nationalizes coalmines, cable and radio communications, and the electrical supply industry. GovernmentThe Secretary of State proposes the European Recovery Program (The Marshall Plan) to give economic aid to certain war-torn European nations. WarWorld War II: U.S. ratifies peace treaties with Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Rumania. WarThe National Security Act unifies all branches of the armed services into a new Department of Defense. | ScienceWillard Frank Libby (1908-1980) develops radio-carbon dating (carbon-14) and uses this method to determine the age of several ancient artifacts. MedicineHeparin is synthesized. MedicineBovet discovers synthetic drugs that produce a non-poisonous, curare-like effect. TechnologyEdwin Land (1906-1991) introduces the Polaroid camera for instant photographs. TechnologyHoward Aiken (1900-1973) produces an improved electromechanical calculator, the Mark II.TechnologyPersonal Computers: Three scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratories, William Shockley (1910-1989), Walter Brattain (1902-1987), and John Bardeen (1908-1991) demonstrate their new invention of the point-contact transistor amplifier. The name transistor is short for "transfer resistance.” | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The principal approach to production (a theatricalized realism compounded of acting, which emphasized intense psychological truth, and of visual elements, which eliminated nonessentials but retained realistic outlines) is popularized. The method is made most renown by Elia Kazan (1909-2003) and Jo Mielziner (1901-1976) in the 1947 production of "Streetcar Named Desire" and the 1949 production of "Death of a Salesman."Arts and LettersDrama: Arthur Miller (1915-2005) publishes "All My Sons." Arts and LettersDrama: Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) publishes the Pulitzer Prize winning work, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Arts and LettersLiterature: James Michener (1907-1997) publishes "Tales of the South Pacific," the basis for the Broadway show "South Pacific." | Johnson, Lady BirdLuci Baines Johnson Turpin (1947- ), daughter of Lyndon and Claudia Johnson, is born July 2. Carter, RosalynnJohn William “Jack” Carter (1947- ), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born July 3. | Daily LifeCongressional proceedings are televised for the first time.Daily LifeThe wartime draft ends. Daily LifeTransportation: The first supersonic jet flight takes place. Daily LifeFashion: With wartime shortages over, Christian Dior introduces "The New Look" in women's fashions, featuring calf-lenth full skirts and large hats. | Sports Black Athletes: Baseball: Jackie Robinson (1919-1972), the first black baseball player in the major leagues, makes his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and scores the game-winning run.Sports John Cobb (1899-1952) establishes a world ground speed record of 394.196 mph. Popular CultureReports of “flying saucers” receive widespread publicity. | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In the Fay v. New York case, the U.S. Supreme Court says women are equally qualified with men to serve on juries but are granted an exemption and may serve or not as women choose. |
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1948 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court rules that religious instruction in public schools violates the Constitution.PoliticsMcCarthy Era: 1948 -- HUAC gets Whitaker Chambers to implicate Alger Hiss as a spy. Nixon destroys Hiss's reputation in the press, reveals "Pumpkin Papers" in conference.PoliticsDemocratic President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is re-elected as President of the U.S. and Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956) is elected as the nation's 35th Vice President.PoliticsSouthern Democrats bolt the Democratic Party in opposition to the civil rights platform. PoliticsCommunists take control of the government in Czechoslovakia.GovernmentPresident Harry Truman (1884-1972) signs the Marshall Plan, a major policy and financial commitment to aid in the recovery of Europe after World War II.GovernmentThe U.S. recognizes the new state of Israel. GovernmentBurma (now called Myanmar) and Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) gain their independence from Great Britain.WarCold War: Communist Party leaders in the U.S. are indicted and charged with instigating the overthrow of the U.S. government. | ScienceLovell determines that meteors are natural phenomenon of the solar system.ScienceOak Ridge National Laboratory begins to develop peaceful uses for atomic energy. MedicineThe U.S. Public Health Service devises a simple test for diabetes mellitus. MedicineYale University scientists develop a nylon respirator to replace the iron lung. MedicineThe World Health Organization (WHO) is organized. They first meet in Geneva, Switzerland. | EducationPublic Education: The Educational Testing Service is formed, merging the College Entrance Examination Board, the Cooperative Test Service, the Graduate Records Office, the National Committee on Teachers Examinations and others, with huge grants from the Rockefeller and Carnegie foundations. These testing services continued the work of eugenicists like Carl Brigham (originator of the SAT) who did research "proving" that immigrants were feeble-minded.Arts and LettersLiterature: William Faulkner (1897-1962) publishes "Intruder in the Dust." | Nixon, PatJulie Nixon Eisenhower (1948 - ), daughter of Richard and Patricia Nixon, is born July 5. | Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: The first female Army officer is sworn in. Daily LifeCrayola: To help art teachers learn about the many ways to use the growing number of Crayola products, a teacher workshop program begins to offer in-school training across the country. It continues today. | Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: The first woman to win an olympic gold medal is Alice Coachman (1923-…), who wins in the high jump.Sports Women in Sports: The Roller Derby is broadcast live on television from New York City with women skaters.Sports Baseball: Stan Musial (1920-) of the St. Louis Cardinals wins the Most Valuable Player Award for the third time. Popular CultureThe first motion-picture newsreel in color is taken in Pasadena, California at the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl. Popular CultureMiles Davis (1926-1991) leads a nine piece combo that pioneers “cool” jazz. | Social IssuesNative Americans: Native Americans win the right to vote in state elections. Social IssuesImmigration: The Supreme Court rules that California’s Alien Land Laws prohibiting the ownership of agricultural property violates the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. Social IssuesImmigration: The United States admits persons fleeing persecution in their native lands; allowing 205,000 refugees to enter within two years.ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in Belgium. |
1949 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) outlines his “Point Four” proposal for U.S. technical aid to underdevelopedcountries.GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) proposes a program of domestic litigation called the “Fair Deal.”GovernmentThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreement is signed.GovernmentThe country of Siam changes its name to Thailand.GovernmentThe German Federal Republic is established.GovernmentDemocratic President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is inaugurated as President of the U.S. and Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956) is inaugurated as the nation's 35th Vice President.
WarCold War: Soviets explode Hydrogen Bomb. Mainland China becomes Communist. | MedicineFirst implant of intraocular lens used by Sir Harold Ridley (1906- 2001).MedicineThe American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute warn that cigarette smoking may cause cancer. MedicineCommercial production of ACTH begins. It is used to treat arthritis, rheumatic fever, and gout. MedicineWaksman (1888-1973) prepares neomycin, an antibiotic.
MedicineEpidemic: 2,720 deaths occur from polio, and 42,173 cases are reported.InventionsThe Atomic Energy Commission designs a breeder reactor that produces power by nuclear fusion, creating more fuel than it uses. TechnologyComputer Technology: Eckert (1919-1995) and Mauchly (1907-1980) build BINAC (Binary Automatic Computer), the first computer with self-checking devices. TechnologyThe National Bureau of Standards builds an atomic clock that is accurate to within 1 second over the course of 3 million years. | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: There are only 150 legitimate professional theatres serving the entire U.S.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: 70 TV stations are serving 2 million receivers in urban areas; this is same number as those attending the remaining theatres. IdeasOrwell (1903-1950) foresees a grim future in his satirical masterpiece "1984," a novel that introduces the “Big Brother” concept of totalitarian government. IdeasMaria Geoppert-Mayer (1906-1972) develops a nuclear shell theory. | Bush, BarbaraPauline Robinson “Robin” Bush (1949-1953), daughter of George and Barbara Bush, is born December 20. | Daily LifeTransportation: The first non-stop around the world flight (23,452 miles) is completed by Captain James Gallagher in 94 hours, 1 minute.Daily LifeFashion: Bathing suits called “bikinis” are introduced to the American fashion scene. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Ole Christiansen, a Danish toy maker, begins to manufacture toy blocks with a new twist. Christiansen creates a plastic brick that can be locked together in different configurations. The Lego, which comes from the Danish leg godt, meaning "play well," was born. The continuing popularity of the Lego brick probably stems from its ability to stimulate a child''s imagination-just six bricks fit together in 102,981,500 different ways. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Eleanor Abbott designs Candy Land while recovering from polio in San Diego, California. | Sports U.S. wins unofficial championship of the 14th Olympic games in London with a team score of 547 points. Popular CultureThe first Emmy Awards are presented for excellence in television.Popular CultureThe movie "Hamlet," starring Laurence Olivier (1907-1989), becomes the first British film to win an Oscar. | |
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1950 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThree years after gaining its independence from Great Britain, India formally becomes a republic.GovernmentSenator Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957) claims he has evidence that there are card-carrying members of the Communist Party in the State Department.WarCold War: The Soviet Union announces its possession of the atomic bomb.WarKorean War: President Truman (1884-1972) authorizes the use of U.S. forces in Korea, following the invasion of South Korea by North Korean troops. A naval blockade of Korea is ordered. | SciencePresident Truman (1884-1972) authorizes the Atomic Energy Commission to produce the hydrogen bomb (H-bomb). ScienceCongress establishes the National Science Foundation. MedicineAlthough Americans spend more than $100 million annually on antihistamines, research shows that the drugs neither prevent nor cure the common cold, but merely relieve some symptoms. MedicineNobel Prize for the Physiology of Medicine goes to Phillip Hench (1896-1965) (American), Edward Kendall (1886-1972) (American), and T. Reichstein (1897-1996) (Swiss) for the discovery of cortisone and its medical uses. InventionsThe History of Toys: Silly putty is invented.TechnologyThe longest vehicular tunnel, the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel in New York City, opens to traffic. | EducationLibraries: First drive-through windows are established for book returns at Cincinnati's Public Library.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Children’s Theatres, College and University Theatres, Community Theatres, and Off-Broadway theatres experience some growth. | Ford, BettyMichael Gerald Ford (1950- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born March 14.Carter, RosalynnJames Earl “Chip” Carter III (1950-), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born April 12.Truman, BessAssassination: Two Puerto Rican nationalists make unsuccessful attempts to kill President Truman (1884-1972). | EconomicsU.S. bars trade shipments to Communist China. EconomicsThe Ford Thunderbird is introduced.DiscoveryArchaeological discoveries in La Jolla, California, indicate that North America has been inhabited for at least 40,000 years. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The FBI releases its “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list for the first time. | Sports Richard Button (1929-), age 19, world figure skating champion is selected as top U.S. amateur athlete. Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Althea Gibson becomes the first African-American— male or female—to play in a major United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) event.Popular CultureLeroy Anderson (1908-1975) writes the holiday song “Sleigh Ride.”Popular CultureLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990) writes the score to "Peter Pan," which stars Mary Martin (1913-1990) in the title role. | ReligionThe National Council of the Churches of Christ is formed; it unites 25 Protestant and 4 Eastern Orthodox groups. Membership is 32 million.ReligionPope Pius XII (1876-1958) proclaims the first Roman Catholic dogma since 1870-that the Virgin Mary, after her death, was assumed into Heaven physically and spiritually. Social IssuesImmigration: Bureau of Indian Affairs terminates federal services for Native Americans in lieu of state supervision. |
1951 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting presidents to two terms, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. LawThe Supreme Court upholds the Smith Act, under which eleven Communists in the U.S. are convicted. PoliticsWinston Churchill (1874-1965) again becomes the British Prime Minister. GovernmentThe United Nations headquarters opens in New York City.GovernmentThe Mutual Security Agency is set up to offer U.S. economic, military, and technical aid to other countries. GovernmentA Selective Service Bill lowers draft age to 18.5 and lengthens military service to two years. WarKorean War: During the Korean War, North Korean and Communist Chinese forces captured the city of Seoul. WarKorean War: President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) fires General Douglas McArthur.WarWorld War II: President Truman (1884-1972) declares that state of war with Germany is officially ended; the U.S.-Japanese treaty allows the U.S. to maintain military bases in Japan.
WarKorean War: North Korean and Communist Chinese forces captured the city of Seoul. | ScienceThe National Geographic Society estimates that there are 300 million stars in the Milky Way. MedicineWoodard synthesizes two steroids: cortisone and cholesterol. MedicineFluoridated water is shown to reduce tooth decay by 2/3. MedicineReuben L. Kahn (1887-1874) develops a “universal reaction” blood test for the early detection of several diseases.MedicineAntabuse, a drug that prevents alcoholics from drinking, is introduced. InventionsA video camera is developed that records both pictures and sound on magnetic tape. TechnologyThe United States Air Force starts atomic testing in the Nevada desert.TechnologyComputer Technology: UNIVAC I (Universal automatic computer) is the first commercially successful computer. It is 14 1/2 feet long, 7 1/2 feet wide, and 8 feet high. Forty-six UNIVACS are sold to businesses at prices starting at $600,000.TechnologyAn additional 70 broadcast frequencies are made available for TV in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range. | Arts and LettersLiterature: J.D. Salinger (1919- ) publishes "The Catcher in the Rye." IdeasRachel Carson (1907-1964) publishes "The Sea Around Us," which in effect launches the ecological movement. | | EconomicsThe employment of women reaches the highest point-even more than during WWII. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Julius (1918-1951) and Ethel (1915-1951) Rosenberg are found guilty of passing atomic secrets to the Russians and are sentenced to death as spies. | Sports Horse Racing: The first horse to win $1 million dollars is “Citation.” Winning total $1,085,760. Sports Boxing: The world heavyweight championship is won by Jersey Joe Walcott when he knocks out Ezzard Charles. At 37, Walcott is the oldest man to win the title. Sports Center fielder Willie Mays makes his major-league debut with the New York Giants. He goes on to win the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year award.Popular CultureThe first commercial color telecast is presented by the Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS) in New York City. Popular CultureRodgers (1902-1979) and Hammerstein II (1895-1960) write the score for the King and I. | |
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1952 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) is elected the 34th President of the U.S. and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) is elected the 36th Vice President on the Republican ticket. Eisenhower is the first Republican President since Hoover’s election in 1928. Republicans gain control of Congress. GovernmentEngland’s Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.GovernmentImmigration: Congress passes the McCarran-Walter Act (Immigration and Nationality Act) over President Truman’s (1884-1972) veto. It abolishes race as a barrier to immigration but retains the national origins quota system. GovernmentImmigration: The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals of all races to be eligible for naturalization. The act also reaffirms national origins quota system, limits immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere while leaving the Western Hemisphere unrestricted, establishes preferences for skilled workers and relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens; and tightens security and screening standards and procedures.GovernmentNative Americans: The Bureau of Indian Affairs begins selling 1.6 million acres of Native American land to developers. GovernmentPuerto Rico's constitution is proclaimed, establishing a commonwealth with autonomy in internal affairs. WarPrime Minister Churchill (1874-1965) announces that Great Britain has made an atomic bomb. | ScienceEdward Teller (1908-2003) successfully tests a hydrogen bomb, the world’s finest nuclear weapon. MedicineResearch shows that the genetic material of viruses is DNA. MedicineFloyd Lewis uses hypothermia (lowing a patients body temperature) in open heart surgery. MedicineEpidemic: In the worst polio epidemic since 1916, polio takes 3,300 lives out of 57,628 cases reported.MedicineVaccines: Jonas Salk (1914- 1995) develops the first polio vaccine.InventionsThe History of Toys: Jack Odell invents the original Matchbox car when he makes a small brass model of a Road Roller and puts it into a matchbox so that his daughter could bring it to school. Today, 100 million Matchbox cars are sold each year.TechnologyMore than 2000 new television broadcasting stations open; about 65 million people watch the presidential nomination conventions. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964) writes "Wise Blood," a novel about a religious fanatic. Arts and LettersHemingway (1899-1961) publishes "The Old Man and the Sea." | Ford, BettyJohn “Jack” Gardner Ford (1952- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born March 16. Carter, RosalynnDonnell Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter (1952- ), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born August 18. Reagan, NancyPatricia “Patti Davis” Ann Reagan (1952- ), daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is born October 22. | EconomicsA complaint is filed against IBM, alleging monopolistic practices in its computer business, in violation of the Sherman Act.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Banking on the idea that children like to play with their food, Hasbro introduces Mr. Potato Head. | Sports Racecar driver John Cobb is killed while attempting to set the water speed-record in Scotland. Sports The NFL buys the New York Yankees.Popular CulturePanty raids take place on college campuses throughout the country. Popular CultureHollywood develops three-dimensional movies. Natural Vision (3-D) films must be viewed through special glasses; after brief success, the novelty wears off. | ReligionThe Revised Standard Version of the Bible for Protestants is publishes; it is edited by 32 scholars who have been at work since 1937. ReformPeace Corps: Since the end of the Second World War, various members of the United States Congress have proposed bills to establish volunteer organizations in the Third World. In 1952 Senator Brien McMahon (1903-1952) (Dem. Connecticut) proposed an "army" of young Americans to act as "missionaries of democracy". Privately funded non-religious organizations have been sending volunteers overseas since the 1950s. |
1953 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Dwight D. Eisenhower nominates Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Senate confirms his nomination in 1954 and he serves for fifteen years until his retirement in 1969.PoliticsPresident Eisenhower (1890-1969) gets increasing pressure to take on McCarthy (1908-1957) from friends and advisors. Business leaders recognize that McCarthy is a danger to the party.GovernmentDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) is inaugurated as the 34th President of the U.S. and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) is inaugurated as the 36th Vice President.GovernmentImmigration: Congress amends the 1948 refugee policy to allow for the admission of 200,000 more refugees.GovernmentNative Americans: Congress proposes giving individual Indians the same civil status as U.S. citizens, thus ending all limitations on Indian tribes. GovernmentTito (1892-1980) is elected the first president of the Republic of Yugoslavia.GovernmentDag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) of Sweden becomes the Secretary General of the United Nations.GovernmentA new Cabinet-level Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is created. WarCold War: President Eisenhower (1890-1969) announces that the U.S. will not physically interfere in the affairs of countries behind the Iron Curtain. WarCold War: The U.S. Communist Party is ordered to register with the Department of Justice as an organization controlled and directed by the U.S.S.R.WarCold War: A federal jury in New York City convicts 13 Communists of conspiring to teach about how to overthrow the U.S. government. WarU.S blockade of Formosa is lifted, permitting attacks by Nationalists on China’s mainland. | ScienceFrancis H. Crick (1916-2004) and James Dewey Watson (1928- ) discover the structure of a DNA molecule; they call it the double helix.InventionsTransistorized hearing aids are introduced. TechnologyHarry Truman (1884-1972) announces that the U.S. has developed the hydrogen bomb.TechnologyA way of transmitting color TV signals that can be received by both color and black and white set is introduced. | Arts and LettersDrama: Arthur Miller (1915-1005) publishes "The Crucible." Arts and LettersLiterature: Richard Wright (1908-1961) publishes "The Outsider." | Bush, BarbaraJohn Ellis “Jeb” Bush (1953- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born February 11.Bush, BarbaraPauline Robinson “Robin” Bush (1949-1953), daughter of George and Barbara Bush, dies October 11 of leukemia. | EconomicsMotor Company: Ford Motor Company celebrates its 50th anniversary. DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: Jerrie Cobb (1931- …) is the first woman in the U.S. to undergo astronaut testing. NASA, however, cancels the women''s program in 1963. It is not until 1983 that an American woman gets sent into space. Daily LifeFashion: Fashion designers become interested in men’s clothes. Bermuda shorts for the businessman are promoted and worn during the summer months. | Sports Baseball: The New York Yankees defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 50th annual World Series. The Yankees are the first team to win 5 consecutive series titles. Sports Golf: Golfer Ben Hogan (1912-1997) wins the Masters Tournament and the U.S. and British Open championships.Sports Maureen Connolly (1934-1969), age 19, is the first woman to win a “grand slam” in tennis. Sports Black Athletes: Football: Willie Thrower (1930-2002) becomes NFL''s first African-American quarterback. Popular CultureLucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) (1911-1989) gives birth to baby Ricky on the TV show, "I Love Lucy." More people turned in to watch the show than did to see the inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969).Popular CultureThe first three-D movie, "Bwana Devil," opens in New York.Popular CultureThe Academy Awards are televised for the first time. | |
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1954 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court rules in Brown v. Topeka Board of Education that “separate but equal” educational facilities are unconstitutional. GovernmentThe Senate censures Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957) with a vote of 67-22, with 7 abstentions.GovernmentThe Communist Control Act deprives U.S. Communists of rights enjoyed by other U.S. citizens. GovernmentU.S. signs pact with Nationalist China (now Taiwan).WarSenate approves U.S. South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty.WarAmerica’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, is launched. | MedicineThe American Cancer Society reports higher death rates among cigarette smokers. InventionsKurchatov (1903-1960) develops an icebreaker powered by nuclear energy. TechnologyU.S. and Canada announce the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line of radar stations across northern North America.TechnologyBattery Technology: RCA develops a flashlight-sized atomic battery. TechnologyThe U.S. authorizes construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in cooperation with Canada. | EducationPublic Education: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The Supreme Court unanimously agrees that segregated schools are "inherently unequal" and must be abolished. Almost 45 years later in 1998, schools, especially in the north, are as segregated as ever.Arts and LettersLiterature: J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) publishes the epic fantasy trilogy "Lord of the Rings." Arts and LettersLiterature: William Golding (1911-1993) publishes "Lord of the Flies."Arts and LettersLiterature: Kingsley Amis (1922-1995) publishes "Lucky Jim." | | EconomicsThe Atomic Energy Act allows for the development of peaceful atomic energy project by private companies, which are also allowed to own nuclear materials. DiscoveryPlant fossils are discovered in the Great Lakes. DiscoveryTemple of Mithras (Roman god, 3rd century B.C) is discovered during rebuilding in London.Daily Life26 comic book publishers adopt a voluntary code to eliminate obscene, vulgar, and horror comics.Daily LifeThe average American’s favorite meal is a fruit cup, vegetable soup, steak and potatoes, peas, rolls and butter, and pie a la mode. | Sports Baseball: Hank Aaron (1934- ) hits the first of his 755 home runs.Sports Horse Racing: Gordon Richards (1904-1986) is the first professional jockey to be knighted. Sports British runner Diane Leather (1933-) is the first woman to run the mile in under 5 minutes. Popular CultureThe first Newport Jazz festival takes place. | |
1955 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentWinston Churchill (1874-1965) resigns as Prime Minister of England.WarCold War: Federal employees who are “security risks” continue to be dismissed an ongoing policy since 1953. WarCongress authorizes the President to use force, if necessary, to protect Nationalist China against Communist attack. | ScienceThe National Geographic Society suggests that the blue-green areas on Mars are living plants. MedicineVaccines: The polio vaccine created by Dr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995) is called “safe, effective and potent.”TechnologyElectricity for public use is produced on a limited and experimental basis at a nuclear reactor. | EducationLibraries: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County opens a new main library.EducationPublic Education: Brown v. Board: In Brown II, the Court orders that desegregation should occur “with all deliberate speed.” Unfortunately, the vagueness of this phrase, combined with the unwillingness of many states to desegregate, meant that many states were able to postpone any desegregation. Anger over these delays and a growing frustration over the continued disenfranchisement of African-Americans helped launch the Civil Rights Movement.Arts and LettersMarian Anderson (1897-1993) makes her Metropolitan Opera debut.Arts and LettersLiterature: Thomas Merton (1915-1968) publishes "No Man is an Island." Arts and LettersDrama: Tennesse Williams (1911-1983) writes "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." | Bush, BarbaraNeil Mallon Bush (1955- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born January 22. | EconomicsThe Labor Movement: American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merge. EconomicsCommercial television broadcasting begins in Britain. Daily LifeOn July 17, Arco, Idaho, becomes the first town to have all its electrical needs generated by a nuclear power plant. Daily LifeNew York also draws power from a nuclear power plant. | Popular CulturePresident Eisenhower (1890-1969) approves the first filming of a news conference for television. Popular CultureThe first McDonald’s restaurant is opened by Ray Kroc (1902-1984) in Des Plaines, Illinois.Popular CultureJim Henson (1936-1990) creates Kermit the frog.Popular CultureRock ‘n’ roll music is attacked as “immoral” and is thought to contribute to juvenile delinquency. | ReligionOrdination of women ministers is approved by the Presbyterian Church. ReformCivil Rights Movement: Blacks boycott city bus lines in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), boycott leader, gains national prominence for advocating passive resistance to segregation in public places. ReformThe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) encourages and supports segregation movement throughout the country. |
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1956 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) are reelected as President and Vice President of the United StatesGovernmentThe Agriculture (Soil Bank) Act pays farmers to take cropland out of production in order to reduce crop surpluses. GovernmentThe Federal Aid Highway Act authorizes a 13-year intra and interstate highway building program to be funded by tolls paid by motorists. GovernmentMorocco gains its independence from France. | ScienceThe neutrino, a subatomic particle with no charge, is observed. MedicineThe National Cancer Institute proposes that increased rates of lung cancer may be due to air pollution. MedicineThe National Academy of Science reports that any radiation, even small amounts, can cause genetic damage. InventionsThe Hovercraft is invented.TechnologyEngland opens the world’s first major atomic power plant for the production of electricity. TechnologyPersonal Computers: The first transistorized computer is completed, the TX-O (Transistorized Experimental computer), at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. | IdeasCharles T.R. Wilson (1869-1959) proposes a theory of thunderstorm electricity. | Ford, BettySteven Meigs Ford (1956- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born May 19. Bush, BarbaraMarvin Pierce Bush (1956- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born December 22. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company goes public and, on Feb. 24, 1956, they have about 350,000 new stockholders.EconomicsA U.S. District Court makes a final judgment on the complaint against IBM filed in January 1952 regarding monopolistic practices. A "consent decree" is signed by IBM, placing limitations on how IBM conducts business with respect to "electronic data processing machines.”DiscoveryThe Palace of Emperor Diocletian (Roman Emperor A.D. 285-305) is excavated in Split, YugoslaviaDaily LifeBarnum & Bailey Circus performs its last show under canvas. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Play-doh enters the market as a wallpaper cleaner. Non-toxic and less messy than regular modeling clay, it is soon recognized that the cleaner makes an excellent toy. | Sports Black Athletes: Mildred McDaniel's (1933-…) winning high jump in Melbourne, Australia, makes her the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.Sports Boxing: Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) retires as undefeated world heavyweight boxing champion.Popular CultureElvis Presley’s (1935-1977) record, "Heartbreak Hotel," hits No. 1 on the pop charts.Popular CultureMovies and movie stars are allowed to appear on TV for the first time.Popular CultureThe Broadway musical, "My Fair Lady" gains recognition. Popular CultureDizzie Gillespie (1917-1993) and his band are sent by the U.S. State Department on a goodwill tour-the first jazz musicians to be subsidized by the U.S. government. | Social IssuesSegregation: Southern Congressman call on states to resist “by all lawful means” the Supreme Court ruling against segregation in the public schools. |
1957 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe U.S. proposes a 10-month halt to nuclear testing as a first step toward disarmament. GovernmentStamps: The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee is created to provide advice to the Postmaster General on the subject matter and design of US stamps.WarWorld War II: U.S. occupation forces leave Japan. WarA Senate subcommittee holds hearings on U.S. preparedness to withstand Soviet military attack. | ScienceThe Federation of American Scientists urges a worldwide ban on nuclear weapon testing. ScienceSpace Race: In October, the Soviet Union successfully launches the first artificial satellite, called Sputnik I (the Russian word for "traveler"; in November, they launch Sputnik 2, which carries a small dog named Laika into orbit.MedicineVaccines: Albert Sabin (1906-1993) begins human trials on his oral polio vaccine.MedicineWalter Grey Walter (1910-1977) invents the brain EEG topography (toposcope).MedicineDaniele Bovet (1896-1980) wins the Nobel Prize for his discovery of antihistamines and muscle relaxing drugs. TechnologyPerceptron, a bionic computer that prints, writes, and responds to spoken commands is developed. | EducationPublic Education: A federal court orders integration of Little Rock, Arkansas public schools. Governor Orval Faubus sends his National Guard to physically prevent nine African American students from enrolling at all-white Central High School. Reluctantly, President Eisenhower sends federal troops to enforce the court order not because he supports desegregation, but because he can't let a state governor use military power to defy the U.S. federal government. | Kennedy, JackieCaroline Kennedy Schlossberg (1957-), daughter of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, is born November 27.Ford, BettySusan Ford Vance Bales (1957- ), daughter of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born July 6. | EconomicsAmerica’s first large nuclear power plant opens in Shippingport, Pa. EconomicsAmerican Money: Paper currency is first issued with "In God We Trust" as required by Congress in 1955. Daily LifeFashion: The sack dress, unfitted material that drapes the body, is the fashion of the year. | Sports Baseball: The Dodgers leave Brooklyn for Los Angeles. The Giants leave New York for San Francisco. Major league baseball finally reaches the west coast.Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Althea Gibson (1927-2003) becomes the first black person to play in and win Wimbledon and the United States national tennis championship. She won both tournaments twice, in 1957 and 1958. Popular CultureThe Beatles: John Lennon (1940-1980) meets Paul McCartney (1942- ) on July 6, 1957. | |
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1958 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNikita Khrushchev (1894-1971) becomes Soviet premier and first secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union.GovernmentThe Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) is established to ensure air safety. WarThe Defense Reorganization Act centralizes defense structure so that the U.S. can respond more quickly to a nuclear attack by the U.S.S.R. | ScienceSpace Race: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is established. TechnologySpace Race: Explorer I, the first U.S. earth satellite, is launched; Explorer II is launched, but fails to make orbit; the Soviet Union launches Sputnit 3; the U.S. launches Vanguard 1, which functions for 3 years.TechnologyStereo LPs are introduced. TechnologyThere are 160 electronic computers in use in Europe (1000 in U.S.)TechnologyPersonal Computers: At Texas Instruments, Jack Kilby (1923-2005) completes building the first integrated circuit, containing five components on a piece of germanium half an inch long and thinner than a toothpick. | EducationCrayola: Prussian blue, the first Crayola crayon color to get a new name, becomes "midnight blue." Teachers prompted the change, as children could no longer relate to Prussian history.EducationThe Supreme Court orders states to not delay public school desegregation. EducationThe National Defense Education Act is signed; this authorizes low-interest, long-term tuition loans to college and graduate students. Arts and LettersDrama: Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) publishes "Suddenly Last Summer." Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Television penetration reaches 85% of population.IdeasBionics is a word coined to describe artificial machines or systems that work and or look like living systems. | Reagan, NancyRonald Prescott Reagan (1958- ), son of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is born May 20. | DiscoverySir Edmund Hillary (1919- ) reaches the South Pole overland.DiscoveryExplorer Sir Vivian Fuchs (1908-1999) completes the first crossing of Antarctica by land.Daily LifeThe first parking meters are used in London. Daily LifeCrayola: The Crayola 64 Box with its signature built-in sharpener debuts, becoming the perennial favorite of Crayola colorers for more than 40 years. | Sports Black Athletes: Willie O’Ree (1935-…) is one of the NHL hockey players in Boston Bruins.Sports Women in Sports: Women are admitted to the international cycling championships.Popular CultureAt age 14, Bobby Fischer (1943- ) wins the U.S. Chess Championship for the first time.Popular CultureRock ‘n’ roll star Elvis Presley (1935-1977) begins a two-year hitch in the U.S. army.Popular CultureDuke Ellington (1899-1974) composes the song "Satin Doll." | ReligionU.S. churches report large increases in membership since 1950. ReligionJudaism: The Supreme Religious Center for World Jewry is dedicated in Jerusalem, Israel. |
1959 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court rules that a person can be tried for the same offense in both state and federal courts (double jeopardy). GovernmentNew State: Alaska becomes the 49th state in the Union.GovernmentCharles de Gaulle (1890-1970) becomes the first president of France’s Fifth Republic.GovernmentFidel Castro (1926- ) becomes the leader of Cuba after having ousted the right-wing dictator, Fulgencio Batista (1901-1973).GovernmentAmerican Flag: The Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 establishes the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically. | ScienceInternational Atomic Energy Agency is formed to explore peaceful uses of atomic energy. ScienceHeat produced in a nuclear reaction is converted directly into electricity via a plasma thermocouple. ScienceSpace Race: NASA selects the first 7 astronauts. TechnologySpace Race: The first spacecraft to orbit the Sun, Mechta (Luna 1) is launched by the USSR in January; Luna 2 impacts the moon in September; Luna 3 orbits the moon in October, photographing 70% of its surface.TechnologyGE demonstrates a radio-optical telescope tracking station for following and monitoring space vehicles. TechnologyPersonal Computers: At Fairchild Semiconductor, Robert Noyce (1927-1990) constructs an integrated circuit with components connected by aluminum lines on a silicon-oxide surface layer on a plane of silicon.TechnologySpace Race: The U.S. launches Pioneer 4, which passes within 37,000 miles of the moon. | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The San Francisco Mime Troupe created by R. G. Davis is established. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Ford Foundation funds the regional theatre program but it cannot continue because of a lack of subsequent investments. Arts and LettersDrama: Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965) publishes "Raisin in the Sun." Arts and LettersDrama: Eugene Ionesco (1912-1994) writes the play "Rhinoceros." | Bush, BarbaraLives of the First Ladies: Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch (1959- ), daughter of George and Barbara Bush, is born August 18. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company establishes what today is the industry’s largest automobile leasing company known as Ford Credit. More than 40 years later, it’s still helping make vehicle ownership a more affordable reality for many. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The Barbie doll is introduced at the American Toy Fair in New York City by Elliot Handler, founder of Mattel Toys, and his wife, Ruth. | Sports The largest fish ever hooked with a rod and reel is landed by Alfred Dean in South Australia; the fish is a white shark measuring 16 feet and 10 inches and weighed 2,664 pounds.Sports Football: The American Football League is formed. Popular CultureRichard Rodgers (1902-1979) and Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960) compose the score for "The Sound of Music." | ReligionThe Dalai Lama receives political asylum from India, after fleeing Chinese repression of a Tibetan revolt.ReligionPope John XXIII (1881-1963) calls for Vatican Council II, the first ecumenical council since 1870.Social IssuesImmigration: Fidel Castro’s Cuban revolution prompts mass exodus of more than 200,000 people within three years. ReformLabor Movement: Nationwide steel strike lasts 116 days; this is the longest steel strike in U.S. history. |
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1960 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution, enabling residents of the District of Columbia to vote for President and Vice President in national elections, is passed by Congress.PoliticsJohn F. Kennedy (1917-1963) is elected as the 35th President of the United States, and Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) is elected as the nation's 37th Vice President.PoliticsPresident Eisenhower (1890-1969) makes goodwill tours in the Far East and Latin America.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Oveta Culp Hobby (1905-1995) becomes the first woman to serve as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. She is also the first director of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), and the first woman to receive the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal. WarCuban Missile Crisis: December 19, Cuba openly aligns itself with the Soviet Union and their policies.WarCold War: U-2 photographic reconnaissance plane is shot down over Soviet territory. Premier Khrushchev denounces U.S. spying missions. WarU.S. warns North Vietnam and Communist China not to intervene militarily in Laos. | ScienceNobel Prize in chemistry goes to W. Libby (1908-1980) for developing radiocarbon dating. ScienceD. Glaser (1926-) is awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for inventing the bubble chamber. TechnologySpace Race: The world’s first meteorological satellite, Tiros I, is launched to provide pictures of cloud cover.TechnologyAirplanes: The X-15, an experimental rocket powered airplane, is flown at 2196 mph.TechnologyPersonal Computers: Digital Equipment introduces the first minicomputer, the PDP-1, selling for $120,000. It is the first commercial computer equipped with a keyboard and monitor. TechnologySpace Race: The U.S. launches Discoverer XIV, its first camera-equipped spy satellite. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Harper Lee (1926- ) publishes "To Kill a Mockingbird." | Kennedy, JackieJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999), son of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, is born November 25. | EconomicsPeace Corps: John F. Kennedy launches the idea of the Peace Corps at the University of Michigan during a campaign stop in his presidential bid. Critics of the program (including Kennedy''s opponent, Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994)) claim the program will be nothing but a haven for draft dodgers. Others doubt whether college-aged volunteers have the necessary skills.DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: Jacqueline Cochran (1906-1980) breaks the sound barrier by flying an F-86 over Rogers Dry Lake, California, at the speed of 652.337 miles per hour. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Ohio Art markets the first Etch-a-Sketch, invented by Arthur Granjean in the late 1950s, and originally called L'Ecran Magique. Daily LifeDisasters: A United Airlines plane collides with a Trans World Airlines plane in a fog over New York City; the crash kills a total of 134 people on board and on the ground. Daily LifeWomen’s transcontinental air race is won by Mrs. Aileen Saunders. She flies 2709 miles in 18 hours and 7 minutes. | Sports Black Athletes: Rafer Johnson 91935-…) is named by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to be the recipient of the James E. Sullivan Memorial Award in 1960, the highest award for an amateur athlete in the United StatesPopular CultureThe Beatles: Coming together as The Fabulous Silver Beatles, later shortened to The Beatles, the name of the band is a tribute to Buddy Holly's (1936-1959) band, The Crickets, combined with beat music, a common British term for rock and roll at the time. Popular CultureAlfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) releases the suspense thriller, "Psycho." Popular CultureChubby Checker (1941-) causes an international dance craze when he records "The Twist." Popular CulturePopular musicals include "The Fantasticks," "Bye, Bye Birdie," and "Camelot." | ReligionThree women are ordained as priests in the Swedish Lutheran Church. ReformCivil Rights Movement: Four black college students begin a series of sit-ins at a white-only lunch counter in Woolworth’s, Greensboro, South Carolina.
ReformPeace Corps: John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) first announces his idea for a volunteer organization during the 1960 presidential campaign at a late-night speech at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 14. |
1961 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution, enabling residents of the District of Columbia to vote for President and Vice President in national elections, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.GovernmentJohn F. Kennedy (1917-1963) is inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States, and Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) is inaugurated as the nation's 37th Vice President.
GovernmentSpace Race: President Kennedy (1917-1963) addresses Congress, challenging the nation to go to the moon before the end of the decade.GovernmentPeace Corps: President Kennedy (1917-1963) signs an Executive Order which officially starts the Peace Corps, and names Sargent Shriver (1915-) to be the program's first director. Concerned with the growing tide of revolutionary sentiment in the Third World, Kennedy saw the Peace Corps as a means of countering the notions of the "Ugly American" and "Yankee imperialism," especially in the emerging nations of postcolonial Africa and Asia.
WarCuban Missile Crisis: Fifteen hundred Cuban exiles unsuccessfully attempt to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs; U.S. support for the attack is equally unsuccessful; President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) accepts sole responsibility for the Bay of Pigs failure.
| ScienceThe Institute for Space Studies holds a two-month seminar on the origin of the solar system. MedicineThe Chicago Heart Association begins recording children’s heart sounds as a means of detecting defects. TechnologySpace Race: Soviet cosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin becomes the first human in space and also the first human to orbit the earth in a spacecraft; later in the year, Gherman Titov spends a day in space aboard Vostok 2.TechnologyTransit 4A, a communications satellite, is the first spacecraft to use nuclear power. | Arts and LettersLiterature: "Tropic of Cancer" and "Tropic of Capricorn," two novels by Henry Miller (1891-1980), are published in the U.S. after a 30- year ban for obscenity. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Bread and Puppet Theatre is created; the form is expressionistic and propagandistic. It uses puppets and masked actors who ritually offer bread to the audience. IdeasMurray Gell-Mann (1929- ) develops the Eight-Fold Way, a method of grouping subatomic particles into families. | | EconomicsPeace Corps: President Kennedy (1917-1963) establishes the Peace Corps to give trained manpower and technical assistance to underdeveloped countries.DiscoverySpace Race: Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space; Gus Grissom is launched in a sub-orbital flight.Daily LifeFrance and England connect their electrical grids with a cable submerged in the English Channel. Daily LifePresident John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) holds the first presidential news conference carried live on radio and television.Daily LifeDisasters: A fire in Bel Air-Brentwood destroys 447 homes, including some owned by well-known Hollywood figures. | Sports Baseball: Roger Maris (1934-1985) of the New York Yankees hits his 60th home run and sets the record for a 162-game schedule. Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) is the first African-American woman to receive the Sullivan Award (1961), the highest award in U.S. amateur sports.Popular CultureThe Beatles: Brian Epstein (1934-1967) agrees to become the band's full-time manager.Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles play their first gig at Liverpool's Cavern Club, return to Hamburg, record backing for the singer Tony Sheridan; the single, "My Bonnie", was released in Germany, and credited to Tony Sheridan and the Beat Boys. It was the Beatles' first commercial release.Popular CulturePete Seeger (1919- ) composes “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.” | ReligionThe American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merge to form the Unitarian Universalists Social IssuesImmigration: The Cuban Refugee Program handles influx of immigrants to Miami with 300,000 immigrants relocated across the U.S. during the next two decades. Social IssuesNative Americans: Over 500 Native Americans gather for the American Indian Chicago Conference to support tribal sovereignty and survival.ReformCivil Rights Movement: This year marks the beginning of the Freedom Rides, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s only visit to Seattle where he spoke at two assemblies at Garfield High School.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In Hoyt v. Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds rules adopted by the state of Florida that made it far less likely for women than men to be called for jury service on the grounds that a “woman is still regarded as the center of home and family life.” |
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1962 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twenty-Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, banning poll taxes, is passed by Congress.LawEducation: The Supreme Court rules that public schools cannot require the recitation of prayers because it violates the First Amendment to the Constitution.GovernmentStamps: The first U.S. Christmas stamp is issued.GovernmentThe Trade Expansion Act gives the President the right to reduce tariffs and to assist companies hurt by lower duties. WarCold War: The Soviet Union exchanges captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers (1929-1977) for Rudolph Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States.WarVietnam War: U.S. troops on a training mission in Vietnam are ordered to fire if fired upon by enemy troops. A new military command, known as the Military Assistance Command (MAC) is set up in South Vietnam. WarCuban Missile Crisis: In a face-to-face standoff with Cuba over Russian missils on the island 90 miles from the continental United States, President Kennedy and Nikita Krushchev bring the world to the brink of war, the Kremlin ultimately agrees to remove the missiles. | ScienceMarshall Nirenberg (1927- ) discovers the genetic code (DNA structure) for amino acid. ScienceJacques Cousteau (1910-1997) publishes "The Living Sea," a work about underwater life. MedicineVaccines: First Oral Polio Vaccine is used.MedicineCadrioversion, the use of electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat, is introduced. TechnologySpace Race: John Glenn (1921- ) becomes the first American to orbit the Earth three times; Scott Carpenter repleats that feat; Walter Schirra orbits six times. Mariner 2 flies past Venus, and NASA selects its second group of astronauts.TechnologySpace Race: The Soviets launch two manned spacecrafts: Vostok 3 and Vostok 4. | IdeasJessica Mitford (1917-1996) publishes the controversial book "The American Way of Death;" it creates a great deal of interest in low cost yet very dignified burials. | | Daily LifeThe World’s Fair, Century 21 Exposition, opens in Seattle. The 600-ft Space Needle with a revolving restaurant on top is a popular attraction. Daily LifeBritish weather reports give temperatures in Celsius as well as Fahrenheit. Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola: The Company renames the flesh crayon "peach" to recognize that not everyone’s skin color is the same. | Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Jackie Robinson (1919–1972) becomes the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sports Basketball: Philadelphia basketball star Wilt Chamberlain (1936-1999) scores an NBA-record 100 points in a single game.Popular CultureThe Beatles: Brian Epstein arranges for the Beatles to audition for Decca Records, which rejects the band on the grounds that guitar music is "on the way out"; they are later signed by EMI. | ReligionPope John XXIII (1881-1963) excommunicates Fidel Castro (1926).ReligionThe Vatican Council II opens in Rome, called by Pope John XXIII (in 1959) to promote Christian unity. ReformAmerican Protest Music: “The Death of Emmett Till” is composed by Bob Dylan (1941-) during the Civil Rights Movement. |
1963 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawIn "Gideon v. Wainwright," the Supreme Court holds that public defenders must be provided for indigent defendants in felony cases.GovernmentGeorge Wallace (1919-1998), sworn in as Alabama’s governor, promises “segregation forever.”GovernmentLyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) is inaugurated as the nation's 36th President upon the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963). No new Vice President is selected.GovernmentStamps: The Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code -- a five digit number -- began on July 1, 1963. The first number designates the state or area; the next two numbers, the area within that state or area; and the last two digits, the office itself. WarThe U.S. and the U.S.S.R. agree to set up a “hot-line,” a direct telephone link between Washington and Moscow, to prevent the start of nuclear war by accident. | MedicineDr. Michael E. DeBakey (1908-2008) develops a mechanical heart that is implanted in the chest to help the patient’s own heart pump.MedicineVaccines: John F. Enders (1897-1985), T. H Weller (1915-2005), and Frederick C. Robbins (1916-2003) develop an effective measles vaccine.InventionsComputers: Douglas Engelbart (1925- ) invents the mouse pointing device for computers.TechnologyPolaroid introduces color film. TechnologyColor TV is relayed via satellite for the first time. | EducationAn education report in Britain indicates that children should not be allowed to leave school before age 16. EducationLibraries: Detroit Public Library issues skates to library student assistants so they can move quickly in the 230-foot-long stacks.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Free Southern Theatre is formed with the intention of raisin cultural awareness of blacks through white tradition. Arts and LettersLiterature: Susan Sontag (1933- ) publishes "The Benefactor," a novel about people who are unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. Arts and LettersSoviet authorities begin a campaign to suppress “artistic rebels.” | Kennedy, JackiePatrick Bouvier Kennedy (1963), son of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, is born prematurely on August 7 at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts and dies August 9 of the same year in Boston because his lungs were too undeveloped to sustain him. | Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay, is closed.Daily LifeWinston Churchill (1874-1965) posthumously becomes the first honorary U.S. citizen. | Popular CultureThe first discotheque, the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, opens in Los Angeles.Popular Culture"General Hospital," the daytime soap opera, airs on ABC for the first time.Popular Culture"Cleopatra," the most expensive motion picture to date ($37 million), opens in New York City and in theatres nationwide.Popular CultureThe Beatles: Beatlemania as a chaotic cultural phenomenon begins in Britain on October 13, 1963 with a televised appearance at the London Palladium. | ReligionThe Catholic Church approves the use of vernacular languages- English in the U.S. - in place of Latin for parts of the Mass and for sacraments.ReformCivil Rights Movement: Civil rights demonstrations occur throughout the country. Medgar W. Evers (1925-1963), Field Secretary for the NAACP, is shot an killed in Jackson, Mississippi. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The Equal Pay Act is passed by Congress, promising equitable wages for the same work, regardless of the race, color, religion, national origin or sex of the worker. |
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1964 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe 24th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting poll taxes, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.PoliticsLyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) is elected President of the U.S. in his own right, and Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-1978) is elected the 38th Vice President.GovernmentStamps: The United States starts printing stamps of different designs on one sheet known as se-tenants. The Christmas issue of 1964 was the first year different designs were printed on the same pane of stamps. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Margaret Chase Smith (1897-1995), of Maine, becomes the first woman nominated for president of the United States by a major political party, at the Republican National Convention in San Francisco. GovernmentCivil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures voting rights and prohibits housing discrimination. GovernmentLyndon Johnson (1908-1973) announces his war on poverty. | ScienceThe U.S. Navy begins its Sealab experimental program to determine if people can live and work for extended periods of time at the bottom of the ocean. ScienceBritish scientists leave England in large numbers for the U.S. - the “Brain Drain.”MedicineThe first government report regarding the dangers of cigarette smoking is issued by Luther Terry (1911-1985), the U.S. Surgeon General.MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Measles is used.InventionsBullet train transportation is invented.TechnologyPersonal Computers: At Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire, the BASIC programming language runs for the first time. Developed by professors John Kemeny (1926-1992) and Thomas Kurtz (1928 -), BASIC is an acronym for Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
| EducationLibraries: Twenty-five Freedom Libraries are established throughout Mississippi by a group of librarian volunteers in the civil rights movement.EducationPublic Education: Civil Rights Movement: In response to protests, and the often violent reaction to them, Congress passed several pieces of legislation seeking to end racial discrimination. These included the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Higher Education Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Bilingual Education Act.EducationPublic Education: Despite a number of Supreme Court cases and national legislation, less than 1 percent of all black children in the south went to a desegregated school.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Black Arts Repertoire Theatre School is formed. Arts and LettersArchitecture: Edward Durell Stone (1902-1978) designs the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. D.C.IdeasWalter R. Hess (1881-1973) publishes "The Biology of the Mind." | | EconomicsFord introduces its Mustang at the New York World''s Fair.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Jack Ruby (1911-1967) is found guilty of the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald (1939-1963), alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963).Daily LifeDisasters: The most violent earthquake (8.3) in North America strikes Anchorage, Alaska. | Sports Boxing: Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) (1942- ) becomes world heavyweight boxing champion for the first time by knocking out Sonny Liston (1932-1971) in Miami Beach.Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles arrive in the U.S. for the first time, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show; they also release their first album, "Meet the Beatles."Popular CultureThe Rolling Stones release their first album.Popular Culture"Mary Poppins," a film starring Dick van Dyke (1925- ) and Julie Andrews (1935- ) becomes the most successful Disney film to date. | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act passes including a prohibition against employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. |
1965 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, establishing Presidential succession, is passed by Congress.GovernmentLyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) is inaugurated President of the U.S. in his own right, and Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-1978) is inaugurated as the 38th Vice President.GovernmentCapital Punishment: The death penalty is abolished in Britain. GovernmentImmigration: The Immigration Act of 1965 abolishes quota system in favor of quota systems with 20,000 immigrants per country limits. Preference is given to immediate families of immigrants and skilled workers.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927—2002), of Hawaii, is the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 years. GovernmentThe Maple Leaf Flag officially becomes the new national flag of Canada. | ScienceNobel Prize for Chemistry goes to R. Woodard for developing methods of synthesizing organic substances. MedicineFrank Pantridge (1916- 2004) installs the first portable defibrillator.TechnologySpace Race: Soviet cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov becomes the first man to walk in space. | EducationPublic Education: The U.S. spends more than $26.2 billion for public school education: $654 per student. Arts and LettersPoetry: "Ariel," a collection of poems by Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), is published posthumously by her husband, English poet, Ted Hughes (1930-1998). Arts and LettersDrama: Neil Simon (1927- ) writes the play "The Odd Couple." Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The El Teatro Campesino is established by Luis Valdez for National Farm Workers Association; the purpose of the organization is to perform dramatizations that can educate farm laborers in California. Arts and LettersThe National Endowment of the Arts is established and begins a period of development of federal public support for major regional arts institutions. | | DiscoverySandage (1926- ) discovers blue galaxies. They are similar to quasars, but do not give off radio waves. DiscoverySpace Exploration: France becomes the third country with space exploration capabilities when they launch their satellite A-1.Daily LifeThere are more than 5 million color television sets in the U.S. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Stanley Weston creates a doll for boys--G.I. Joe--based on a new television show called "The Lieutenant." | Sports Women in Sports: Golf: The Women''s Golf Open is televised nationally for the first time.Popular CultureThe popular game show "Jeopardy" debuts on television.Popular CultureSonny Bono (1935-1998) and his wife Cher (1946- ) achieve fame with their song “I Got You, Babe.”Popular CultureThe Beatles: Queen Elizabeth II (1926- ) awards each of the four Beatles Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles start their second North American tour at Shea Stadium, which is the first rock concert to be held in a venue of that size. | Social IssuesImmigration: “Freedom flight” airlifts begin for Cuban refugees assisting more than 260,000 people over the next eight years.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Weeks v. Southern Bell, 408 F. 2d. 228 (5th Cir. 1969), marks a major triumph in the fight against restrictive labor laws and company regulations on the hours and conditions of women's work, opening many previously male-only jobs to women.ReformCivil Rights Movement: Peaceful civil rights marchers from Selma, Alabama, and brutally attacked with billy clubs and tear gas by police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge; the event becomes known as “Bloody Sunday.”ReformCivil Rights Movement: Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) again leads the start of a civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama; on March 25, the 25,000-person march ends its journey on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery. |
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1966 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court upholds the Voting Rights Act of 1965. PoliticsIleana Ros-Lehtinen (1952- …), of Florida, becomes the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress. She serves in the U.S. House of Representatives. GovernmentImmigration: The Cuban Refugee Act permits more than 400,000 people to enter the United States.GovernmentIndira Gandhi (1917-1984) is elected prime minister of India.GovernmentThe Cabinet-level Department of Transportation is established. WarVietnam War: The U.S. increases its military strength in Vietnam and its bombing of the North. | SciencePresident Johnson’s (1908-1973) Science Advisory Committee publishes "Effective Use of the Sea." InventionsThe History of Toys: Elliot Handler, one of the co-founders of Mattel, Inc., invents Hot Wheels when he decides to add axles and rotating wheels to small model cars. TechnologyPersonal Computers: Steven Gray founds the Amateur Computer Society, and begins publishing the ACS Newsletter. (Some consider this to be the birth-date of personal computing). TechnologySpace Race: Neil Armstrong (1930- ) and David Scott (1932- ), astronauts on board Gemini 8, rendezvous and dock with an unmanned target vehicle. TechnologySpace Race: Survivor I achieves a soft landing on the Moon and sends back 11,237 photographs. | Arts and LettersDrama: Elia Kazan (1909-2003) writes the play, "The Arrangement." IdeasFrancis Crick (1916-2004) publishes "Of Molecules and Men." | | EconomicsRailroad History: The Interstate Commerce Commission approves the merger of the New York Central and the Pennsylvania railroads. EconomicsThe Motor Vehicle Safety Act sets the standard for all American automobiles built after 1968. Daily LifeThe Uniform Time Act establishes that daylight savings time is to be observed throughout the country from the last Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.Daily LifeThe Salvation Army celebrates its 100th anniversary. Daily LifeCongress enacts the truth and packaging law, which requires that clear and correct statements about the ingredients in about 8000 drug, cosmetic, and food products are printed for the consumer. Daily LifeFashion: Miniskirts come into fashion. | Sports Soccer: England defeats West Germany to win the World Cup in soccer. Sports Baseball: Astroturf, the first artificial sports surface, is installed in the Houston Astrodome.Popular CultureThe Beatles: On July 2, 1966, The Beatles became the first musical group to perform at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo. The performance ignited a lot of protest from local citizens who felt that it was inappropriate for a rock-and-roll band to play at Budokan.Popular Culture"Batman" debuts on television.Popular CultureTolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" enjoys cultish popularity in the U.S. | Social IssuesHate Groups: Ku Klux Klan makes attacks against blacks and civil rights workers in the South. ReformCivil Rights Movement: Race riots occur in slum areas of Chicago, Cleveland, and other cities. Congress authorizes funds to assist rebuilding programs. |
1967 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe 25th Amendment to the Constitution, establishing presidential succession, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.LawAppointed by President Lyndon Johnson 1905-1973), Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) becomes the first African American to sit on the Supreme Court. GovernmentThe first African-American senator elected by popular vote, Edward Brooke (1919- ) of Massachusetts, takes his seat. GovernmentPeace Corps: Until about 1967, applicants to the Peace Corps had to pass a placement test that tested "general aptitude" (knowledge of various skills needed for various Peace Corps assignments) and language aptitude. | ScienceKornberg (1918- ) synthesizes biologically active DNA. MedicineElectroencephalographs (EEG) are teamed with computers to test the hearing of infants. Medicine10 million children are vaccinated against measles. MedicineAspirin is found to be a possible cause of ulcers. MedicineHigh blood cholesterol is determined to be a factor in heart disease. TechnologySpace Race: A fire on the launching pad kills astronauts Grissom (1926-1967), White (1930-1967), and Chaffee (1935-1967), and destroys the Apollo 1 spacecraft during a simulated launch at Cape Canaveral.Technology3-D holographic movies are developed, and computers are used to create music electronically. | EducationEvolution: Tennessee formally repeals the 1925 law banning the teaching of evolution made famous in the Scopes TrialArts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The New Lafayette Company is formed. | Johnson, Lady BirdWhite House Wedding: Lynda Bird Johnson (1944-), daughter of Lady Bird (1912 -) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973), marries Charles S. Robb (1939 -) in the White House.Carter, RosalynnAmy Carter Wentzel (1967- ), daughter of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born October 19. | EconomicsThe establishment of Ford of Europe takes place. EconomicsWomen’s Firsts: Muriel "Mickey" Siebert (1932- …) becomes the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange and the first woman to head one of its member firms. Daily LifeDisasters: An oil tanker, the Torrey Canyon, is wrecked off the coast of Cornwall in England, spilling 919,000 barrels of oil into the sea. | Sports Football: The first Super Bowl is played: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10.Sports Baseball: Mickey Mantle (1931-1995) of the New York Yankees hits his 500th career homerun. Sports Women’s Firsts: Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Althea Gibson (1927-2003) is the first African-American tennis player to win a singles title at Wimbledon. Popular CultureThe Beatles: On June 25, 1967 The Beatles performed "All You Need Is Love" for the Our World television special. It was the first television special to air worldwide. Singing backup for the Beatles were a number of artists including Eric Clapton (1945- ), and members of the Rolling Stones and The Who.Popular CultureIra Levin (1929-2007) publishes "Rosemary’s Baby."Popular CultureTwiggy (1949- ), a British model, takes world fashion by storm. | ReformCivil Rights Movement: Riots occur in black areas of Cleveland, Detroit, Newark, Boston, New Haven, and other cities. |
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1968 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsRichard M. Nixon (1913-1994), a Republican, narrowly defeats Democrat Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978) to become the 37th President of the United States; Spiro T. Agnew (1918-1996) is elected as the nation's 39th Vice President. GovernmentNative Americans: Title II of the Civil Rights Act gives full civil rights to individuals living under tribal law.GovernmentCivil Rights Movement: President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) signs the 1968 Civil Rights Law.WarNorth Korea seizes the U.S. Navy ship Pueblo (the crew is released 11 months later).WarVietnam War: Viet Cong guerillas and North Vietnamese soldiers launch the Tet (New York) offensive.WarVietnam War: The My Lai massacre occurs in Vietnam. | ScienceGeneticists reveal that some male criminals have an extra Y chromosome. ScienceJames Watson (1928- ) publishes "The Double Helix," describing the DNA molecule. ScienceThe discovery of a pulsar is announced.MedicineSurgeons experiment with animal hearts for transplants to human beings. MedicineVaccines: The mumps vaccine, developed in 1966, is improved for human use. InventionsComputers: Hewlett-Packard introduces the first programmable scientific desktop calculator, called "the new Hewlett-Packard 911A personal computer". (This is claimed as coining the term "personal computer"). InventionsComputers: Dr. Robert Dennard, of the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center patents a one-transistor DRAM cell and the basic idea in the three-transistor cell, which will become the standard short-term storage medium for programs and data during processing (RAM). TechnologySpace Race: Surveyor 7, the last of America’s unmanned lunar probes, lands on the moon. | EducationHigher Education: Student unrest because of the Vietnam War and other social causes creates wide confusion and changes in university life. EducationPublic Education: African American Education: African American parents and white teachers clash in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville area of New York City, over the issue of community control of the schools. Teachers go on strike, and the community organizes freedom schools while the public schools are closed.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Negro Ensemble Company is formed. Arts and LettersLiterature: Kurt Vonnegut (1922- ) publishes "Welcome to the Monkey House." | | DiscoveryThe skull of a 28 million year old ape is discovered in Egypt. Daily LifeThe nation’s first 911-phone system goes into service in Haleyville, Alabama.Daily LifeLondon Bridge is sold to an American, who rebuilds it in Arizona.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Violent crimes have increased 57% since 1960. | Sports Hugh Porter of Britain wins the world cycling championship in Rome. Sports Black Athletes: The first black male champion in tennis tournament is Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) who won the 1968 U.S. Open, the 1970 Australian Open, and the 1975 Wimbledon championship. Popular CultureThe classification of movies by “G,” “PG,” “PG-13,” and “R” begins.Popular CultureMike Nichols (1931- ) directs the film "The Graduate," starring Dustin Hoffman (1937- ) and Anne Bancroft (1931-2005). Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles release a full-length musical cartoon, "Yellow Submarine." Popular CultureDisney’s Mickey Mouse celebrates his 40th birthday. | ReligionThe foundation of the Temple of Herod is found in Israel.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Executive Order 11246 prohibits sex discriminationby government contractors and requires affirmative action plans for hiring women. |
1969 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) nominates Warren E. Burger (1907-1995) as Chief Justice of the United States; he is confirmed by the Senate two weeks later and serves in that position for seventeen years until his retirement in 1986. PoliticsLarge antiwar demonstrations take place, including Vietnam Moratorium Days in Washington, D.C. PoliticsVice President Agnew (1918-1996) accuses network television and the press of biased news coverage. GovernmentThe Palestine National Congress appoints Yasser Arafat (1929-2004) as head of the Palestine Liberation Organization. GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Golda Meir (1898-1978) is sworn in as Israel’s first female prime minister.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), of New York, becomes the first African-American woman in Congress. Her motto is, "Unbought and unbossed." She serves in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years.GovernmentRichard M. Nixon (1913-1994), is inaugurated as the 37th President of the U.S.. amd Spiro T. Agnew (1918-1996) is inaugurated as the nation's 39th Vice President. WarVietnam War: President Johnson (1908-1973) announces proposed withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam. | ScienceA fossil skull found in Antarctica proves “without question” the theory of continental drift.ScienceThe fourth or “D” ring of Saturn is discovered. ScienceThe National Audubon Society begins a national campaign to ban DDT because the chemical is killing bald eagles. ScienceRibonuclease is the first enzyme to be synthesized. TechnologySpace Race: The first manned mission (Apollo) to the Moon takes place. TechnologyNeil Armstrong (1930- ) is the first man to walk on the Moon, thus "winning" the space race for the U.S. | EducationLibraries: The Cooperative College Library Center, the first consortium of black academic libraries, opens in Atlanta.EducationHigher Education: Education of Women: Several traditionally all-male colleges, including Yale, Bowdoin, and Colgate, admit women students. Arts and LettersPainting: Rembrandt’s (1606-1669) “Self Portrait” sells for $1,256,000 at Christie’s in London.Arts and LettersDance: Arthur Mitchell (1934- ) establishes the Dance Theatre of Harlem. IdeasArthur Jensen (1923- ) stirs widespread debate by his published claim that blacks are genetically less intelligent than whites. | Hoover, LouHerbert Hoover Jr. (1903-1969), son of Herbert and Lou Hoover, dies April 9 from cancer. | EconomicsThe United States attorney general charges IBM with unlawful monopolization of the computer industry, and requests the federal courts break it up.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Sirhan Sirhan (1944- ) is convicted for the murder of Robert F. Kennedy.Daily LifeApproximately 225 million telephones are in use throughout the world. Daily LifeThe U.S. government removes cyclamates (artificial sweeteners) from the market; laboratory experiments link these food additives with cancer. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Parker Brothers markets the first Nerf ball, a polyurethane foam ball that is safe for indoor play. By year's end, more than four million Nerf balls are sold. Daily LifeFashion: Pants suits become acceptable for everyday wear by women. | Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles begin recording their final album, entitled "Abbey Road," returning to the EMI studios in West London and the production team led by George Martin (1926- ). It proves to be a relatively smooth and peaceful production and a highly acclaimed album. Lennon announces to the other Beatles that he will be leaving the band just before that album's release but is persuaded to remain quiet in public.Popular CultureKatherine Hepburn (1907-2003) and Barbara Streisand (1942- ) share the Best Actress Oscar; Hepburn breaks the record as the only actress winning three such awards.Popular CultureThe Rolling Stones release an album and a movie, both entitled Gimme Shelter. | ReformAmerican Protest Music: “One Tin Soldier” is written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter during the Vietnam War. ReformAmerican Protest Music: “Blowing in the Wind” is written by Bob Dylan (1941- ) during the Vietnam War.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: California adopts the nation’s first “no fault” divorce law, allowing divorce by mutual consent. |
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1970 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Postal Service, an independent agency, replaces the Post Office Department. GovernmentThe National Air Quality Control Act calls for a 90% reduction in automobile pollution. GovernmentRailroad History: Congress passes the Rail Passenger Service Act creating Amtrak, which today serves more than 20 million customers annually on its national network of intercity trains and employs 23,000 people. | ScienceLysosomes, structures in the human cell, are synthesized. MedicineAfter great success as an experimental treatment for Parkinson’s disease, L-dopa is approved as a prescription drug. MedicineHeart pacemakers powered by nuclear energy are used for the first time in France; the device is estimated to work 10 years before needing to be refueled. MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Rubella (German measles) is used.InventionsComputers: Bell Labs develops Unix. (Unix will become the dominant operating system of high end microcomputers, or workstations). InventionsTransportation: The first jumbo jet is invented. InventionsBell Telephone invents the Picturephone. TechnologyJapan becomes the fourth country to put a satellite into orbit.TechnologyGE synthesizes a gem-quality diamond. | EducationReports show that “Sesame Street,” a nationwide TV program, helps to improve skills of preschool children. EducationHigher Education: The University of California charges tuition for the first time in the school’s 102-year history. EducationCivil Rights Movement: The struggle for an end to racial discrimination continues. Nationally, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools in North Carolina were ordered to desegregate under a court ordered mandatory busing plan.EducationCivil Rights Movement: Seattle becomes the largest city to voluntarily enter into a mandatory busing program. The Seattle School District continues mandatory busing until 1996.Arts and LettersAleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918- ) wins the Nobel Prize for literature.Arts and LettersLiterature: Hemingway’s (1899-1961) "Island in the Stream" is published posthumously. | | DiscoverySpace Exploration: When an oxygen tank bursts on the way to the moon, Apollo 13 astronauts make the famous announcement, “Houston, we’ve got a problem.”DiscoveryIsraeli archeologists uncover the first evidence of the destruction of Jerusalem by Roman troops in A.D. 70. Daily Life20 million Americans take part in activities and demonstrations against pollution to celebrate Earth Day. Daily LifeHospital care costs reach an average of $81 per day. | Sports Women in Sports: Just 294,000 American high school girls take part in interscholastic sports.Popular CultureWomen’s Firsts: Women and Sports: Horse Racing: Diane Crump becomes the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby. Popular CultureThe Beatles: The band officially brakes up. Popular Culture“Doonesbury,” a satirical comic strip created by Gary Trudeau (1948-), has its debut in 30 newspapers. | Social IssuesPolution: The National Air Quality Control Act calls for a 90% reduction in automobile pollution. ReformAnti-War Movement: The National Guard troops fire on 1000 antiwar protestors at Kent State University in Ohio; 4 students are killed. U.S. withdraws more troops from Vietnam. Reform1970's Protest Music: The Coca-Cola Coke Company integrates their original song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”, sung by The Hillside Singers, in their commercial advertisements. |
1971 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court upholds the busing of children to integrate public schools where state laws have allowed segregation. LawThe New York Times publishes classified Pentagon papers about the U.S.’s involvement in Vietnam. The Supreme Court upholds the right of the Times and the Washington Post to publish the papers.LawThe Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, lowering the voting age to 18, is passed by Congress, ratified by two-thirds of the states, and added to the Constitution.GovernmentIdi Amin (1925-2003) becomes dictator of Uganda.GovernmentEast Pakistan proclaims its independence, taking the name Bangladesh. | ScienceC.H. Li synthesizes a human growth hormone. TechnologyAstronaut Alan B. Shepard (1923-1998) hits three golf balls on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. | Arts and LettersDrama: Neil Simon (1927-) writes the play The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Arts and LettersLiterature: Philip Roth (1933- ) publishes the political satire "Our Gang." | Nixon, PatWhite House Wedding: Tricia Nixon (1946 - ), daughter of Patricia (1912-1993) and Richard Nixon (1913-1994) marries Edward F. Cox (1946 -) in the White House. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company establishes its North American Automotive Operations, consolidating U.S., Canadian, and Mexican operations more than two decades ahead of the North American Free Trade Agreement.DiscoveryWomen''s Firsts: Canadian Fran Phipps becomes the first woman to reach the North Pole.DiscoveryEgyptian scientists discover drawings that date back to 6000 B.C. in caves in Egypt’s western desert. DiscoverySpace Exploration: Mariner 9 orbits Mars and returns 6876 photographs of the planet’s surface. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Charles Manson is found guilty of murdering Sharon Tate and six others in California.Daily LifeCigarette advertisements are banned from television. | Sports Boxing: Joe Frazier (1944- ) defeats Muhammad Ali (1942- ) (Cassius Clay) to win the world heavyweight boxing championship in New York City. It is Ali’s first lost after 31 professional wins. Sports Baseball: Henry "Hank" Aaron (1934- ) hits 600th career home run, the 3rd player ever to reach this mark. Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in Sports: Billie Jean King becomes the first woman athlete to win more than $100,000 in a single season in any sport. She is the only woman to have won US singles titles on grass, clay, carpet and hard court.Popular CultureBritish rock musician Elton John (1947- ) achieves superstar status with his albums, "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water." | ReligionThe “Jesus movement” is a highly publicized part of religion in America. ReformCivil Rights Movement: Ten black activists are convicted of firebombing a Wilmington, Delaware store and draw prison terms of 29-34 years. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women in Switzerland are finally granted suffrage.ReformPeace Corps: In July 1971, President Nixon (1913-1994) brought the Peace Corps under the umbrella agency, ACTION. Peace Corps would remain under ACTION until President Jimmy Carter (1924-) declared it fully autonomous in a 1979 executive order. This independent status would be further secured when Congress passed legislation in 1981 to make the organization an independent federal agency.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Phillips v. Martin Marietta Corporation, 400 U.S. 542 (1971): The U.S. Supreme Court outlaws the practice of private employers refusing to hire women with pre-school children. |
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1972 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCapital Punishment: The Supreme Court rules that the death penalty as administered in the U.S. is “cruel and unusual punishment” and therefore unconstitutional. LawWomen's Rights Movement: The "Equal Rights Amendment" or ERA, a proposed Constitutional Amendment prohibiting sex discrimination against women, is passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. PoliticsRichard M. Nixon (1913-1994) is re-elected as President of the United States, as is Vice President Spiro Agnew (1918-1996).GovernmentPresident Richard Nixon (1913-1994) becomes the first American president to visit China.GovernmentBritain and China resume diplomatic relations after 22 years; Britain withdraws is consulate from Taiwan.WarThe military draft ends and all membership is on a volunteer basis. | ScienceThe Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to C. Anfinsen, Stanford Moore, and William Stein for their molecular studies of proteins and enzymes. Science12 western European countries agree upon the establishment of a European Molecular Laboratory. The intent of the lab is to study the molecular basis of life.MedicineThe controversy over whether smoking causes a pregnant woman to have a smaller baby continues. InventionsThe History of Toys: Magnavox introduces Odyssey, the first video game machine, featuring a primitive form of paddle ball. Other companies soon invested in the video game business and, by 1976, hockey, tennis, and squash were available. TechnologyPresident Nixon (1913-1994) orders the development of the space shuttle. | EducationWomen's Rights Movement: Title IX (Public Law 92-318) of the Education Amendments prohibits sex discrimination in all aspects of education programs that receive federal support.EducationLibraries: The Martin Luther King Memorial Library opens in Washington, replacing the old District of Columbia Central Public Library.EducationWomen’s Colleges: Women were among the leaders of the struggle for achieving civil rights for minorities, and they compared their situation once more to that of the minority groups. One response to the activism by women was the implementation of virtually universal coeducation in 1972. | | EconomicsWomen’s Firsts: Juanita Kreps (1921- …) becomes the first woman director of the New York Stock Exchange. She later becomes the first woman appointed Secretary of Commerce. EconomicsPersonal Computers: The People's Computer Company is founded.
DiscoveryJapanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi (1915-1997) is discovered in Guam, having spent 28 years hiding in the jungle thinking World War II was still going on. DiscoveryRichard Leakey (1944-), British anthropologist, discovers a 2.5 million-year-old human skull in northern Kenya, Africa. DiscoveryPioneer 10 is launched to explore the asteroid belt and Jupiter. Daily LifeChina gives President Richard Nixon (1913-1994) two giant pandas.Daily LifeThe FDA proposes a ban on the use of antibiotics used to fatten cattle and other animals. | Sports The U.S. tennis team wins the Davis Cup for the 5th straight year.Sports Women in Sports: Congress passes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any education program or activities receiving Federal financial assistance.” Sports Women in Sports: Women''s Rights Movement: The New York City Court of Appeals upholds a woman’s right to be an umpire in professional baseball. Popular CultureIra Levin (1929-2007) publishes "The Stepford Wives." | ReligionWomen’s Firsts: Judaism: Sally Jean Priesand (1948- …) is ordained in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the first woman rabbi in the United States. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438 (1972), the Supreme Court rules that the right to privacy encompasses an unmarried person's right to use contraceptives. |
1973 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen's Rights Movement: In the "Roe v. Wade" decision, the Supreme Court legalizes abortion.GovernmentConservation: The Endangered Species Act prohibits the federal government from supporting any activities or projects that may be harmful to any endangered species. GovernmentVice President Spiro Agnew (1918-1996) is forced to resign his office on Justice Department charges of corruption in ofice. Under the newly ratified 25th Amendment, Gerald Ford (1913- ) is appointed Vice President.WarVietnam War: President Nixon (1913-1994) orders halt to offensive operations in North Vietnam. WarVietnam War: The Vietnam War peace accords are signed in Paris. | ScienceScientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology determine the structure of transfer-RNA (tRNA). ScienceThe Center for UFO Studies is established in Evanston, Illinois. MedicineMonocytes, a type of white blood cells, are proposed as a key to conquering cancer. MedicineMarijuana is used as a treatment for glaucoma. MedicineVaccines: Rabies vaccine is developed. | Arts and LettersArchitecture: The 110-story World Trade Center in New York City is completed and briefly becomes the tallest building in the world. Arts and LettersGeorge Lucas (1944- ) directs American Graffiti, a film that causes a wave of 1950’s nostalgia. Arts and LettersBilly Joel (1949- ) releases the Piano Man album. Arts and LettersStamps: Valentine's Day "Love" stamps are first issued. IdeasPersonal Computers: At the Lakeside prep school in Washington State, Bill Gates (1955- ) tells a friend "I'm going to make my first million by the time I'm 25.” | Johnson, Lady BirdLyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) dies at age 64. | EconomicsCongress approves the Alaskan pipeline. EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company is fined $7 million for violating the Clean Air Act by improperly servicing 1973 model cars during tests for emission controls.DiscoveryPioneer 11 is launched to fly by Jupiter and Saturn.DiscoveryA “cold star” is discovered that has 30,000 times more energy than the Sun. Scientists think that this star is in the early stage of development. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: 14 states restore the death penalty. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Dungeons & Dragons is invented by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax. | Sports Baseball: Baseball’s American League adopts the “designated hitter” rule, which allows another player to bat for the pitcher.Sports Football: The Miami Dolphins become the first NFL team to go undefeated and have a perfect season by beating the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII.Popular CultureGeorge Lucas (1944- ) directs "American Graffiti," a film that causes a wave of 1950’s nostalgia.Popular CultureBilly Joel (1949- ) releases the "Piano Man" album. | ReligionPresbyterians form a new church, the National Presbyterian Church. ReligionJudaism: Conservative Jews allow women in the minyan- 10 or more adult Jews are required for communal worship. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Pittsburgh Press v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, 413 U.S. 376 (1973): The U.S. Supreme Court bans sex-segregated “help wanted” advertising as a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. |
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1974 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawIn "United States vs. Nixon," the Supreme Court rules that presidential executive privilege is not unlimited. GovernmentThe Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is charged with foreign and domestic abuse of its power. GovernmentScandal: President Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) resigns the Presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal; he is the only President to resign the office; Vice President Gerald R. Ford (1913- )is inaugurated as the nation's 38th President. Nelson A. Rockefeller (1908-1979) becomes the nation's 41st Vice President.GovernmentStamps: The first U.S. self adhesive stamp is issued. | ScienceThe National Academy of Sciences urges a ban on genetic experiments with bacteria, especially those involving E. coli, a helpful type of bacteria that lives in the intestines. MedicineHigh-energy neutrons, produced in cyclotrons, are used to treat cancer. MedicineA government report indicates that moderate drinkers live longer than nondrinkers. It also states that heavy drinkers have higher rates of mouth, throat, and liver cancer. MedicineVinyl chloride, commonly used in making plastics, is shown to cause cancer. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: The Boston school committee rejects a court-ordered busing plan for desegregation. EducationWomen's Rights Movement: The Women’s Educational Equity Act, drafted by Arlene Horowitz and introduced by Representative Patsy Mink (D-HI), funds the development of nonsexist teaching materials and model programs that encourage full educational opportunities for girls and women. EducationPublic Education: In Milliken v. Bradley, a Supreme Court made up of Richard Nixon's appointees rules that schools may not be desegregated across school districts. This effectively legally segregates students of color in inner-city districts from white students in wealthier white suburban districts.Arts and LettersLiterature: Peter Benchley (1940-) publishes "Jaws," a novel about a huge shark that terrorizes a Long Island Beach resort. Arts and LettersAleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918- ), Nobel Prize winner in literature, is deported from the Soviet Union. | | EconomicsThe U.S. ends all price and wage controls.EconomicsThe U.S. is hit by a recession. DiscoveryLarge quantities of historical manuscripts, philosophical works, and medical texts more than 2000 year old are discovered in ancient tombs in China. | Sports Baseball: Hank Aaron (1934- ) hits the 715th home run of his career, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.Sports Baseball: Little League Baseball Inc. bars foreign teams from future Little League World Series and accepts female players into the league. Sports The U.S. Olympic Committee adopts a bill of rights for athletes. Sports Baseball: Black Athletes: Frank Robinson (1935- ), of the Cleveland Indians, is the first black manager in professional baseball. Sports Women in Sports: Football: The inaugural season of the first women''s professional football league kicks off with seven US teams.Popular CultureThe Beatles: A jam session between John Lennon (1940-1980) and Paul McCartney (1942- ) is recorded on March 31, 1974, when McCartney visits Lennon in Los Angeles, California. Popular Culture"Happy Days" premiers on television.Popular CultureThe popular rock groups of the time are Chicago, Steeley Dan, Yes, Jefferson Starship, Santana, The Eagles, and Utopia. Popular CultureMel Brooks produces "Blazing Saddles," a parody of westerns. | ReligionPope John Paul VI (1912-1978) opens the Holy Year of the Roman Catholic Church, the 25th since 1450 (The first Holy year was proclaimed in 1300).ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Housing discrimination on the basis of sex and credit discrimination against women are outlawed by Congress.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974), determines it is illegal to force pregnant women to take maternity leave on the assumption they are incapable of working in their physical condition. |
1975 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNative Americans: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act give Native Americans more control in administering federal programs and services to their people.GovernmentScandal: John Mitchell (1913-1988), H. R. Haldeman (1926-1993), and John Ehrlichman (1925-1999) are convicted of obstruction of justice in the Watergate affair.WarCivil war begins in Lebanon when gunmen kill 4 Christian Phalangists who retaliate by killing 27 Palestinians.WarVietnam War: The Vietnam War ends with South Vietnam’s surrender to North Vietnam. | MedicineHeart valves in pigs are used to replace defective valves in human hearts. MedicineThe National Cancer Institute links cancer with pollution. TechnologyPersonal Computers: Bill Gates (1955-) and Paul Allen (1953- ) write to MITS, saying they have a BASIC language for the Intel 8080 processor. They propose licensing it for use on the Altair in exchange for royalty payments. (They then spend the next eight weeks writing the software). | EducationNative Americans: Native American Education: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act gives Native Americans more control in administering federal programs and services to their people.IdeasE. O. Wilson publishes "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis," which argues that genes control social behavior patterns. | Roosevelt, EleanorLives of the First Ladies: Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Dall Boettiger Halsted (1906-1975), daughter of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, dies December 1 from cancer. | EconomicsInsurance companies drop malpractice insurance coverage for doctors because the losses in suits are so high. DiscoveryUniversity of California astronomers discover a new galaxy that is at least 10 times larger than the Milky Way and about 8-million light years away from earth. DiscoveryPaleontologists discover the oldest American fossil- a 620-year-old marine worm. DiscoveryViking 1 and 2 are both launched and scheduled to land on Mars one year later. Daily LifeThe Metric Conversion Act suggests that a voluntary change be made to the metric system. Daily LifeThe National Association of Broadcasters agrees to assign a two-hour period of time to programs suitable for family viewing. | Sports Women in Sports: Chris Evert (1954- ) wins $40,000, the highest prize in the history of women’s tennis, on the Virginia Slims Tour.Sports Basketball: The European basketball league finishes its first season; Israeli Sabres finishes in first place out of 5 teams. Sports Women in Sports: Title IX goes effect on June 21.Sports Baseball: An arbitrator’s ruling leads to a modification of the reserve clause and the start of free agency. Baseball salaries begin to skyrocket.Popular Culture"The Jeffersons" debuts on television; it is the first sitcom about an African American family.Popular CultureThe film "Jaws" breaks box office records across the U.S. and causes a nationwide “Jawsmania.”Popular CultureThe film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo''s Nest" is the first movie since 1934 to win the top four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Popular Culture"A Chorus Line" opens on Broadway. | |
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1976 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsJames Callaghan (1912-2005) succeeds Harold Wilson as the British Prime Minister. PoliticsJimmy Carter (1924 - ) is elected as the 39th President of the United States and Walter F. Mondale (1928- ) is elected the nation's 42nd Vice President.GovernmentThe U.S. celebrates the 200th anniversary of its independence. Six million people view the parade of tall ships from 31 countries on the Hudson River. GovernmentThe U.S. and the U.S.S.R. sign a treaty that limits the size of underground nuclear explosions. Some on-site inspection of compliance is approved for the first time. GovernmentU.S. intelligence agencies are charged with unlawful investigation and surveillance of citizens. GovernmentThe U.S. vetoes the admission of Vietnam to the UN, reasoning that the Hanoi government has failed to account for 800 U.S. servicemen still mission in action. | ScienceThe chronon is selected as the smallest unit of time. ScienceThe 143 members of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) develop methods to standardize weather data. MedicineVaccines: A malaria-causing organism is cultured in the lab-this is the first step in developing a vaccine. MedicineLyme arthritis, a new infectious form of arthritis, is discovered near Lyme, Connecticut. The disease is thought to be spread by virus-carrying insects. TechnologyPersonal Computers: The Apple I computer board is sold in kit form, and delivered to stores by Steve Jobs (1955- ) and Steve Wozniak (1950- ); the price is: US$666.66. | Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Sarah Caldwell (1924- …) becomes the first woman to conduct at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. Arts and LettersLiterature: Kurt Vonnegut (1922- ) publishes "Slapstick." | | EconomicsConsolidated Railroad Corporation (Conrail), a private government-financed corporation, takes control of the freight service of six bankrupt Northeast railroads. EconomicsPersonal Computers: In November, The trademark "Microsoft" is registered.DiscoveryPioneer 10 travels through Saturn’s rings and heads toward a 1987 examination of Pluto. DiscoveryViking 1 and Viking 2 land on Mars and begin sending back information about the planet’s surface. Daily LifeTransportation: A Pan-American airliner completes the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight (8,088 miles in over 13 hours of travel). Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Nolan Bushnell sells his video game company, Atari, to Warner Brothers. Atari''s popular Pong and Super Pong video tennis games soon gave way to a home video cartridge system that ran full-color games, from baseball to Pacman. | Popular CultureErma Bombeck (1927-1996), humorist, publishes 'Life is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank." Popular CultureWomen's Firsts: Barbara Walters (1929- ) becomes the first female network television news anchor.Popular CultureBarbara Walters (1929- ) becomes the first female network television news anchor.Popular CultureStevie Wonder (1950- ) releases the immensely popular album, "Songs in the Key of Life." Popular Culture"Rocky," a film starring Sylvester Stallone (1946- ), wins the Oscar for Best Picture. | Religion6 women in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada are ordained as priests in the Anglican Church. ReformWomen win 13 of 32 Rhodes Scholarships awarded to Americans; this is the first time since the scholarships were made in 1902 that women are eligible recipients. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: General Elec. Co v. Gilbert, 429 U. S. 125 (1976), the Supreme Court upholds women’s right to unemployment benefits during the last three months of pregnancy. |
1977 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Carter (1924- ) makes “human rights” a part of U.S. foreign policy. GovernmentJimmy Carter (1924 - ) is inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States and Walter F. Mondale (1928- ) is inaugurated as the nation's 42nd Vice President.GovernmentThe Justice Department investigates alleged illegal bribery by South Korean officials to influence members of Congress. GovernmentPresident Carter (1924- ) pardons most Vietnam War and draft evaders.GovernmentCongress creates a new cabinet-level Department of Engineering. | ScienceMethanogens are identified as a totally separate and previously unknown form of life that existed about 3.5 million years ago. MedicineAfter extensive hearings, the FDA declares that laetrile is not a vitamin and is of no value in treating cancer.MedicineThe FDA claims that saccharin may cause cancer. InventionsComputers: Bally completes designs of a home computer.TechnologyVoyager 1 and Voyager 2 are launched on a journey that will bring them near Jupiter and Saturn in 1979 and 1980. | | | EconomicsHigh oil consumption in the U.S. makes energy conservation necessary (energy crisis). EconomicsPersonal Computers: The first Computer Shack franchise is opened in Morristown, New Jersey. 112 people visit in the first day.DiscoveryAstronomers aboard NASA’s Airborne Observatory discover rings around Uranus. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Gary Gilmore (?-1977) becomes the first person executed in the U.S. since the death penalty was reintroduced.Daily LifeDisasters: The greatest aviation disaster in history kills 542 people when two planes collide on a runway in the Canary Islands.Daily LifeTravel bans on U.S. citizens to Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, and North Korea are lifted. Daily LifePersonal Computers: Total shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year total 48,000.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Kenner Toys introduces a line of Star Wars action figures, capitalizing on the popularity of George Lucas''s blockbuster film. They dominate the action figure market. | Sports Baseball: The St. Louis outfielder Lou Brock (1939- ) sets the new base-stealing record of 893. Popular CultureThe film "Saturday Night Fever" helps popularize disco dance music. Popular CultureGeorge Lucas (1944- ) directs "Star Wars," a film that signals the beginning of a new, more polished science-fiction genre of films. | ReligionJohn Neumann (1903-1957) is made a saint in the Roman Catholic Church; he is the first American male to be selected. ReligionAmericans explore forms of spiritualism: 6 million are active in transcendental meditation; 5 million practice yoga; 3 million follow the charismatic movement; 3 million involved in mysticism; and 2 million in Eastern religions. ReligionThe Roman Catholic Church prohibits ordination of women as priests. |
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1978 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentCongress extends ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to 1982. GovernmentThe U.S. and Communist China establish full diplomatic relations. GovernmentPresident Carter (1924- ) invokes the Taft-Harley Act to end the coal strike. GovernmentStamps: A new 15-cent stamp goes into use after its approval by the Postal Rate Commission. GovernmentElectrification: Congress passes the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which spurs the growth of nonutility unregulated power generation. | ScienceChromosomes are discovered in parts of the cell other than the nucleus. ScienceThe Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University conducts controlled fusion experiments. MedicineVitamin C is proposed as a cancer-fighting drug. MedicineThe AMA concludes a 14-year study that shows that cigarette smoking causes heart disease and may cause cancer.TechnologyTexas Instruments introduces magnetic bubble memories for computers. | EducationHigher Education: Civil Rights Movement: In Regents of California v. Bakke, the Supreme Court considered whether affirmative action programs violated the Equal Protection Clause. Without a clear majority, the Court held that it was permissible to use race as a factor in school admissions, but that the rigid racial quotas used by the University did violate the 14th Amendment.EducationPublic Education: Education of Women: The federal judge in Ohio rules that high school girls should not be prevented from participating with boys on the same sports teams. EducationPublic Education: The so-called "taxpayers' revolt" leads to the passage of Proposition 13 in California, and copy-cat measures like Proposition 2-1/2 in Massachusetts. These propositions freeze property taxes, which are a major source of funding for public schools. As a result, in twenty years California drops from first in the nation in per-student spending in 1978 to number 43 in 1998.EducationNative Americans: Native American Education: Higher Education: The federal Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act provides the Educationbasis for a system of higher education on or near Indian reservations, which allows young people to go to college without leaving their families.Arts and LettersLiterature: John Irving (1942-) publishes "The World According to Garp." | | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company celebrates its 75th anniversary. Celebrations were very much in order, and they took place at World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan as well as at locations throughout the world. DiscoveryJames Cristy, discovers Charon, a moon of Pluto.Daily LifeEducation: The Federal Communication Commission studies children’s television to see if the TV industry is showing a reasonable amount of children’s shows, including educational programming. Daily LifeCrayola: The first box of Crayola markers is introduced in 8 bright, bold colors. | Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Lillian Greene-Chamberlain, the first African-American woman distance runner in international events is named as the first woman to be director for Physical Education and Sport Programs for UNESCO.Popular CultureDolly Parton (1946- ) wins the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year Award for the song “Here You Come Again.”Popular Culture"Star Wars" is all-time leader in worldwide film rentals; it takes in $202 million and passes revenue records previously set by "Jaws." | Social IssuesStem-Cell Research: Widespread controversy surrounds claims that a human being has been cloned. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans employment discrimination against pregnant women. |
1979 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentDictator Idi Amin (1928-2003)of Uganda is overthrown.GovernmentAyatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1900-1989) returns to Tehran after 15 years of exile; Iran is proclaimed an Islamic Republic.WarPresident Sadat (1918-1981) of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin (1913-1982 ) of Israel sign a peace treaty at the White House, ending 30 years of war.WarPakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1928-1979) is executed by the military.WarVietnamese forces capture the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing Pol Pot’s (1928- ) Khmer Rouge government. | ScienceMIT researchers discover that DNE molecules spiral to the left, not to the right as was previously believed. MedicineDoctors in Maryland use a metal cylinder to replace a section of a woman’s spine removed earlier because of cancer. | EducationThe new Cabinet-level Department of Education is established. | | EconomicsCongress approves a $1.5 billion federal loan guarantee plan for the Chrysler Corporation; this is the largest government bailout of a U.S. company. EconomicsThe Department of Energy sues nine large U.S. oil companies for allegedly over-charging customers nearly $1billion since 1973. DiscoveryA black hole is discovered in the center of the Milky Way. Daily LifeDisasters: A nuclear power accident occurs at Three-Mile Island, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.Daily LifeBecause of a major shortage, gasoline sales on odd-even days are instituted in many states. | Popular CultureElton John (1947- ) is the first rock star from the West to tour the U.S.S.R. | ReligionPope John Paul II (1920- ) visits Poland; this is the first time a pope has visited a Communist country. ReligionMother Teresa (1910-1997), of India, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work among the sick and the poor. |
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1980 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsRonald W. Reagan (1911-2004) is elected the 40th President of the U.S. and George H. W. Bush (1924- ) is elected the nation's 43rd Vice President. PoliticsVoters in Quebec reject separatism. PoliticsThird Parties: U.S. Representative John B. Anderson of Illinois loses the Republican nomination for President to Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), who defeats Democratic President Jimmy Carter (1924- …). Anderson runs as an Independent, and gains 6 percent of the popular vote but no electoral votes. GovernmentImmigration: The Refugee Act redefines criteria and procedures for admitting refugees. GovernmentPresident Carter (1924- ) signs Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax; this is possibly the largest tax ever imposed on an industry. | ScienceVolunteers at Duke University emerge from a pressure tank after 28 days, setting a world record for simulating a dive 2132 feet below sea level. MedicineVaccines: New York Blood Center scientists report finding a successful, experimental vaccine against hepatitis B. TechnologyIn California more than 17,000 wind machines, ranging in output from 20 to 350 kilowatts, are installed on wind farms. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: By the late 1980s, the rising Latino population increased the complexity of desegregation issues, and there was growing objection to busing as a solution for segregation.EducationUNESCO reports that almost 1/3 of the world’s population are illiterate. Arts and LettersPainting: The Museum of Modern Art in New York city shows “Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective.” It is the first time the near 1000 items, representative of the artists work in various media, are shown together. | Clinton, HillaryChelsea Victoria Clinton (1980- ), daughter of William and Hillary Clinton, is born February 27. | EconomicsChrysler Corporation receives government-guaranteed $400 million loan.EconomicsGold bullion prices soar to record heights on international markets, reaching $835 an ounce on London’s market. EconomicsGovernment supported United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation is created to develop synthetic energy sources. DiscoveryA major diamond field is discovered in Western Australia. Daily LifeDisasters: The U.S. declares a state of emergency at the Love Canal in Niagara Falls, N.Y., an area contaminated by toxic chemical waste. | Sports In a major upset, the U.S. Olympic hockey team defeats the Soviets 4-3 at Lake Placid, New York.Sports Women in Sports: The Women's Sports Foundation establishes the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.Popular CultureThe Beatles: On December 8, 1980, John Lennon (1940-1980) is murdered in front of his New York City apartment by a mentally deranged fan, Mark David Chapman (1955-), forever crushing any hope of a Beatles reunion. | ReligionPope John Paul II (1920-2005) reaffirms his opposition to divorce at the synod of Roman Catholic bishops in Rome. The Vatican also condemns euthanasia. |
1981 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen’s Firsts: Sandra Day O'Connor (1930- …) is appointed by President Reagan (1911-2004) to the Supreme Court, making her its first woman justice. GovernmentRonald W. Reagan (1911-2004) is inaugurated as the 40th President of the U.S. and George H. W. Bush (1924- ) is inaugurated as the nation's 43rd Vice President.
Ronald Reagan is the oldest President to take office (69 years and 349 days).GovernmentChilean President Augusto Pinochet (1915-) is sworn in for an eight-year-term as president.War52 American hostages seized from the American Embassy in Tehran are released after 444 days in captivity. | ScienceAmid growing debate over genetic engineering, the German drug firm Hoechst invests $50 million in DNA research at Massachusetts General hospital in Boston. ScienceThe first test-tube baby is born in London. MedicineScientists identify the virus that causes the fatal condition called A.I.D.S. (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Hepatitis B is used. TechnologyThe space shuttle is launched. TechnologyThe first sun-powered aircraft flies across the English Channel. Earlier attempts failed because of cloudy skies. TechnologyPersonal Computers: IBM introduces its model of the personal computer (PC), destined to revolutionize office automation and move corporations away from mainframe computers. | Arts and LettersLiterature: John Updike wins the National Book Critics Circle Award, American Book Award, and a Pulitzer Prize for "Rabbit is Rich." Arts and LettersPainting: Italy begins a $3 million restoration of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. | Roosevelt, EleanorJohn Aspinwall Roosevelt (1916-1981), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, dies of a heart attack on April 27.Bush, LauraBarbara Pierce Bush (1981- ), daughter of George W. and Laura Bush, is born the first of fraternal twins on November 25. Bush, LauraJenna Welch Bush (1981- ), daughter of George W. and Laura Bush, is born the second of fraternal twins on November 25. Reagan, NancyPresident Ronald Reagan (1911-2204) is shot in the chest by John Hinckley (1955- ) as he leaves a Washington hotel. | EconomicsHonolulu has the highest cost of living of any American city. Rising prices are driven by wealthy tourists and development financed by Japanese investors. Daily LifeAfrican elephants are decimated by poachers of ivory, now selling at $34 per pound. | Popular CultureThe Rolling Stones play for 2 million fans in a smash U.S. tour. Scalpers command as much as $500 for a pair of $15 seats. Popular CultureBarbara Mandrell is named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association amid a popular resurgence of country music. Popular CultureFilm star Meryl Streep receives wide-spread critical acclaim for her portrayal of the mysterious Sarah in "The French Lieutenant’s Woman." Popular CultureThe Beatles: The three surviving Beatles reunite for the first time since the break-up for George Harrison's (1943-2001) tribute to fallen Beatle John Lennon (1940-1980) "All Those Years Ago". | ReligionPope John Paul II is shot and seriously wounded as he greets worshippers in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that excluding women from the draft is constitutional.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Kirchberg v. Feenstra, 450 U.S. 455, 459-60 (1981), overturns state laws designating a husband “head and master” with unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife. |
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1982 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Reagan (1911-2005) proposes that the U.S. and the Soviet Union reduce their nuclear arsenals by one-third. GovernmentStrategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) begin in Geneva, Switzerland. GovernmentPresident Reagan (1911-2005) orders reinstatement of the U.S. military draft registration for 18-year olds. GovernmentA government survey of income tax returns shows the IRS is twice as likely as taxpayers to make mathematical errors. | MedicineMedical history is made at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City when doctors successfully implant a permanent artificial heart designed by Dr. Robert K. Jarvik in 61-year old Barney Clark. TechnologyThe space shuttle Columbia lands safely after orbiting the earth for 7 days. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: In the Bob Jones University v. U.S. case, the Court held that racial discrimination in education violated a “fundamental national policy” and permitted the IRS to withhold tax exempt status from private schools with discriminatory policies.EducationEvolution: A federal judge in Arkansas rules it unconstitutional to require schools to teach “creationism” if they teach the theory of evolution. | | EconomicsThe AT&T Bell System telephone monopoly agreed to divest itself of 22 Bell System companies and split itself into seven “Baby Bells.”EconomicsPersonal Computers: Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer firm to reach $1 billion in annual sales. EconomicsThe Dow Jones industrial average tops the 1000 level for the first time as Wall Street is bullish over sliding interest rates. DiscoveryPaleontologists in Antarctica make the first discovery of mammal fossils on the continent. Daily LifeEPCOT Center- The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow- opens at Disney world in Florida. Daily LifeUnder a geodesic dome called Spaceship Earth, EPCOT offers educational exhibits of the future. | Sports Football: National Football League players go on strike against the league’s 28 teams, demanding a share of the gate and TV revenues. They settle 2 months later, receiving relatively little of what they asked for. Sports Women in Sports: The NCAA adds nine women's national collegiate championships during the 1981-82 school year. Lacrosse is one of the original sports. Massachusetts wins the championship over Trenton State, 9 to 6.Popular CultureCritics and audiences rave over "Cats," the British musical that makes its Broadway debut. Andrew Lloyd Webber based the show on poet T.S. Eliot’s "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats." | ReligionEnding some 450 years of absolute separation between the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, Pope John Paul II and the Archbishop of Canterbury join in an emotional religious service. As a result Britain and the Vatican resume diplomatic relations. ReformPeace Corps: At this time, the Peace Corps began branching out past its traditional concerns of education- and agriculture-related projects. For the first time, a large number of conservative and Republican volunteers joined the contingent of overseas volunteers, and the organization continued to reflect the evolving political and social conditions in the United States. |
1983 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsPresident Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) refers to the Soviet Union as an “Evil Empire.”WarTerrorism: Simultaneous suicide truck-bombings destroy both the French and the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, killing 241 US servicemen, 58 French paratroopers and 6 Lebanese civilians. | MedicineHealth care officials assure a nervous public that there is little risk of catching AIDS via blood transfusions. TechnologyApple Computer unveils a new computer device called a “mouse”; it allows users to point an arrow in order to access computer functions rather than entering complicated instructions on a keyboard. | EducationPublic Education: A blue-ribbon panel publishes A Nation at Risk, finding that the nation's educational standards “are being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity,” threatening the nation’s future. Arts and LettersThe Nobel Prize for literature goes to Britain’s William Golding (1911-1993), author of "The Lord of the Flies."Arts and LettersAmerican playwright Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) dies. | | EconomicsCable television increasingly threatens the former monopoly of broadcast TV. EconomicsVideo rental stores begin to attract an increasing amount of business. EconomicsSolar Electric Generating Stations (SEGs) producing as much as 13.8 megawatts are developed in California and sell electricity to the Southern California Edison Company.DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: Dr. Sally K. Ride (1951- …) becomes the first American woman to be sent into space. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: A Japanese company, Nintendo, brings the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a home video game system, to the United States. With fifty-two colors, realistic sound, and high-speed action, it catches the attention of retailers who were initially skittish due to Atari''s collapse. Daily LifeFifty million households tune in to the last episode of M*A*S*H. | Sports For the first time in its 132-year history, the America’s Cup, yachting’s most prestigious prize, leaves the U.S. It is won by an Australian vessel that comes from behind in 4 races to beat the defending Liberty. | ReligionThe National Council of the Churches of Christ issues a new Bible that no longer refers to God in masculine terms only. God is called either “Father”, “Mother”, or “The One.” References to “mankind” are replaced by “humankind”or “humanity.”ReformCivil Rights Movement: Chanting the theme of “Jobs, Peace, and Freedom,” some 250,000 Americans converge on Washington to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1963 civil rights march. |
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1984 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court holds that exhibiting a publicly financed nativity scene does not violate the First Amendment. PoliticsRonald Reagan (1911-2004) is re-elected as President of the U.S., as is George H. W. Bush (1924 -) as Vice President.GovernmentThe United States and the Vatican reestablish diplomatic relations after 117 years.GovernmentGreat Britain agrees to return Hong Kong to China in 1997 when Britain’s 99-year lease on the crown colony runs out. GovernmentCivil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Commission votes to end use of numerical quotas in employment promotions of African Americans. | MedicineNonsmokers can get cancer by inhaling smoke from smokers’ cigarettes declares the Surgeon General. TechnologyThe compact disc (CD), developed by the Dutch company Phillips and Japan’s Sony, is hailed as the music-recording medium of the future. | Arts and LettersLiterature: George Orwell’s classic novel "1984" becomes a best seller once again; his grim forecasts about totalitarianism have not come to pass. | | EconomicsCrayola: The Crayola® brand becomes part of Hallmark Cards, Inc. of Kansas City, Mo., the world’s leader in social expression. | Sports Women in Sports: Dorothy Hamill wins the first of four straight World Professional Figure Skating championships.Sports The Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games open with Hollywood glitz – an enormous symphony, a huge marching band, gospel singers, break dancers, and 84 pianists. The U.S. dominates the games, which are boycotted by the Soviet Union and some other Communist nations in retaliation for the U.S. boycott of Moscow’s 1980 games. Popular CultureMichael Jackson (1958-) is nominated for 12 Grammy Awards and "Thriller" becomes the best-selling album ever.Popular CultureBruce Springsteen (1949-) stirs millions with "Born in the U.S.A.," an album featuring a song of the same name, reflecting his bittersweet view of U.S. society. | ReligionThe National Conference of Catholic Bishops says that capitalism fails to provide a just economic system. Bishops cite homelessness and hunger in a wealthy nation and ask the government to play a bigger role in correcting the problems. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In Roberts v. U.S. Jaycees, 468 U.S. 609 (1984), sex discrimination in membership policies of organizations, such as the Jaycees, is forbidden by the Supreme Court, opening many previously all-male organizations (Jaycees, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions) to women.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Hishon v. King and Spaulding, 467 U.S. 69 (1984): The U.S. Supreme Court rules that law firms may not discriminate on the basis of sex in promoting lawyers to partnership positions. |
1985 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court bars a moment of silence in public schools, declaring it fosters religious activity in schools, which was declared unconstitutional in 1962. GovernmentCongress passes the Gramm-Rudman bill, requiring a balanced budget for the federal government by 1991. GovernmentMikhail Gorbachev becomes head of the Soviet Union, replacing Konstantin Chernenko.GovernmentRonald Reagan (1911-2004) is inaugurated as President of the U.S., as is George H. W. Bush (1924 -) as Vice President.GovernmentIn his State of the Union message, President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) begins his second term by calling for reform in federal income tax policy. | ScienceThe world’s largest particle accelerator goes into operation in Batavia, Illinois. MedicineObesity is called a major killer, particularly among those who are more than 20% overweight, a category that includes 34 million Americans. | Arts and LettersJohann Sebastian Bach’s 300th birthday is marked by performances in his hometown of Leipzig, Germany, and dozens of other cities in Europe and the U.S. IdeasTipper Gore (1948- ), wife of Tennessee Senator Albert Gore (1948- ), tries to clean up rock lyrics, urging warning labels on “offensive” albums. Rocker Frank Zappa (1940-1993) speaks out in opposition, calling it censorship. | | EconomicsCoca-Cola markets a controversial new formulation of its soft drink, but after sales plummet it brings back the original, now dubbed “Coke Classic.” DiscoveryDivers find the hull of the luxury liner Titanic, which hit an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic in 1912. The vessel was in 12,00 feet of water.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: U.S. journalist Terry Anderson is kidnapped in Beirut; he was released 2,454 days later on December 4, 1991.Daily LifeThe cold snap of the century hits the U.S. citrus crop. Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Native Americans: Wilma Mankiller (1945- …) becomes the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. | Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in sports: Libby Riddles (1956-), is the first woman to win the Iditarod.Popular Culture45 of the world’s top recording artists get together and record "We Are the World" to raise money for world hunger.Popular CulturePop star Madonna captures a vast audience and makes her first movie, "Desperately Seeking Susan." | Social IssuesPhiladelphia police try to subdue the radical group Move by dropping a bomb on its headquarters, causing extensive fires and 11 deaths. |
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1986 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) nominates William H. Rehnquist as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; he is confirmed by the Senate after considerable debate by a vote of 65-33. He serves in this position for nineteen years, until his death in 2005.GovernmentImmigration: The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) legalizes illegal aliens residing in the U.S. unlawfully since 1982. GovernmentConservation: The federal government makes the environmental danger from toxic wastes a priority by enacting a $9 billion clean-up law. GovernmentNew federal legislation weakens the existing gun control law. GovernmentPresident Ferdinand Marcos (1917-1989) flees the Philippines.WarPresident Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) authorizes and air attack on Libya for its terrorism, specifically the bombing of a West Berlin disco popular among American GI’s. Libyan assets are frozen, and U.S. trade with Libya is banned. | MedicineAfter 620 days, the first artificial heart recipient dies. TechnologyAirplanes: Voyager, a lightweight experimental airplane, circles the Earth non-stop without refueling. Its 25,000 miles trip takes 9 days and uses 1500 gallons of fuel. | EducationStudies show that 13% of American adults are illiterate. | | EconomicsManufacturing in the U.S. declines as a percentage of the gross national as industrial firms transfer production to lower wag countries; service industries increase in the national economy, creating 10 million jobs in 7 years. DiscoveryDisasters: The U.S. shuttle Challenger explodes 72 seconds after lifting off, killing all seven crew members aboard, including school teacher Christa McAuliffe (1948-1986).Daily LifeDisasters: The worst nuclear power plant accident in history occurs at Chernobyl, near Kiev, U.S.S.R.Daily LifeHolidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Artist Xavier Roberts introduces his Cabbage Patch Kids into the mass market. Each of the dolls comes with an adoption certificate and unique name. Although more than three million of the dolls are produced, supply cannot keep up with demand. Cabbage Patch Kids become the most successful new dolls in the history of the toy industry. | Sports Women in Sports: Basketball: The three-point field goal is introduced in women''s basketball.Popular CultureThe world’s largest shopping mall achieves success in Alberta, Canada. The West Edmonton Mall boasts 836 stores and 20 movie theatres, plus restaurants and rides. | ReligionPope John Paul II (1920-2005) pays a historic visit to Rome’s main synagogue, a gesture seen as a step toward the Vatican’s recognition of Israel. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57 (1986), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a hostile or abusive work environment can prove discrimination based on sex. |
1987 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev sign a treaty in Washington to eliminate short and medium range nuclear weapons. GovernmentThe Reagan administration proposes the government’s first trillion-dollar budget. | ScienceUniversity of California astronomers witness the birth of a galaxy containing 1 billion stars for the first time.ScienceA human growth hormone is transplanted in pig embryos to increase the size and value of hogs for slaughter, a procedure that stirs ethical and scientific debate. MedicineSurgeon Ben Carson (born September 18, 1951) leading a 70-member medical team in Germany, was the first to separate occipital craniopagus twins. TechnologyExpanded possible uses of superconductors make the news as a very promising scientific and technical revolution. | Arts and LettersPainting: Van Gogh’s “Irises” is auctioned for a record $53.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York City. He painted it only days after entering a mental asylum in France. | Reagan, NancyFirst Lady Nancy Reagan (1921- ) undergoes a mastectomy after a biopsy reveals cancerous cells. | EconomicsThe Dow Jones industrial average plunges 508 points – 22.6%- on “Black Monday,” by far the largest one-day loss in history. EconomicsJapan’s Honda Motors sells 100,000 Acuras in the U.S., spurring Toyota and Nissan to bring out their luxury Lexus and Infiniti models. EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company purchases the Hertz Corporation’s rental car business. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Engineer Scott Stillinger invents the Koosh Ball in an effort to teach young children how to catch. He tied rubber bands together to make a small, easy-to-catch ball. The name "koosh" comes from the sound the ball makes as it lands in a person's hand.Daily LifeAt least 36 states pass laws against the breed of dog known as a “pit-bulls.” Owners are required to keep these dogs on leashes at all times while in public. | Sports Al Unser wins his 4th Indianapolis 500 auto race. Popular CultureAretha Franklin (1942-) becomes the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Popular Culture"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is re-released by Disney on its 50th anniversary. Popular CultureThe 10th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death spurs TV specials, books, and the releases of new collections of his music. | ReligionPope John Paul II (1920-2005) visits 9 U.S. cities in a 10-day tour. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court upholds a voluntary affirmative action plan for public employees to correct sex discrimination. |
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1988 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsGeorge H. W. Bush (1924-) is elected 41st president of the U.S., and J. Danforth Quayle (1947 -) is elected as the 44th Vice President. GovernmentCongress passes and President Reagan (1911-2004) signs a bill establishing the cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs. GovernmentImmigration: The Civil Liberties Act provides compensation of $20,000 and a presidential apology to all Japanese-American survivors of the World War II internment camps. WarLieutenant Colonel Oliver L. North and Vice Admiral John M. Poindexter of the National Security Council are indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States for their role in the Iran-contra affair. | TechnologyFax machines emerge as an integral business tool around the world. The advent of cheap machines that can transmit documents over telephone lines begins to change the way the business world communicates. | Arts and LettersOpera: Climbing attendance at Broadway theatres is led by the success of "The Phantom of the Opera" and the Tony-winning "Madame Butterfly." Arts and LettersLiterature: Toni Morrison (1931-) wins the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her book "Beloved," a novel about a runaway slave who kills her daughter rather than let her be raised as a slave. | Roosevelt, EleanorFranklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (1914-1988), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, dies August 17. | EconomicsRodeos become big business as U.S. corporations begin to underwrite large cash prizes for competitors. EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company continues its record-setting-trend when the company’s worldwide earnings reach 5.3 billion, the highest to date for any automotive company. Daily LifeTokyo’s Disneyland becomes Japan’s favorite play land. It resembles its American counterpart but with a Japanese style; visitors are greeted by a smiling “Mickey-San.”Daily Life“No Smoking” signs go up on Northwest Airlines. Daily Life“Hypermarkets” become the rage. These mega-size retail stores are as big as 5 football fields and sell everything from bananas to bedroom sets. Kmart and Walmart set up dozens of these “malls without walls.” | Sports In the Olympic Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea, U.S. diver Greg Louganis repeats his 1984 triumphs by taking 2 gold medals. Sports Professional tennis player Steffi Graf (1969- ) of West Germany wins the Grand Slam by taking titles at Wimbledon and the Australian, French, and U.S. OpensSports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Olympic medalist (winter games): Debi Thomas (1967-…) wins the bronze in figure skating. Sports Women in Sports: Congress enacts the Civil Rights Restoration Act over President Ronald Reagan's veto. It prohibits sex discriminations throughout educational institutions receiving federal funds, restoring Title IX.Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lennon (1940-1980), McCartney (1942-) , and Harrison (1943-2001) are also inducted separately in later years (1994, 1999, and 2004, respectively).Popular CultureSuperman marks the 50th anniversary of his first appearance in Action Comics. A birthday exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution is one of the many tributes to the enduring supermyth. | ReligionDissident Roman Catholic Archbishop Marcel LeFebvre (1905-1991) defies papal orders by consecrating 4 bishops in Switzerland. The Vatican excommunicates him. |
1989 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe U.S. Supreme Court declares that the U.S Constitution protects the right of protestors to burn the U.S. flag. LawThe Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the Constitution, requiring an election of Representatives and Senators before a raise in pay for these positions can take effect, is passed by Congress.PoliticsThousands of Chinese students and workers demonstrate in Tiananmen Square to protest government policies.GovernmentIran breaks off diplomatic relations with Britain over Salman Rushdie’s (1947-) novel Satanic Verses.GovernmentGeorge H. W. Bush (1924-) is inaugurated as the 41st president of the U.S., and J. Danforth Quayle (1947 -) is inaugurated as the 44th Vice President. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (1952- …), of Florida, becomes the first Hispanic woman elected to congress. She serves in the U.S. House of Representatives. WarMore than 100,000 Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan almost 10years after the USSR invaded the country. | ScienceThe University of Cincinnati scientists report that even minor exposure to lead can stunt growth in children and make them lose their balance. MedicineCigarette smoking increases the risk of eye cataracts, says Johns Hopkins University. | Arts and LettersChinese art draws thousands to U.S. museums when the exhibit “Masterworks of the Ming and Qing: Painting from the Forbidden City” tours 5 U.S. cities. | | DiscoveryThe space shuttle Atlantis returns to Earth after launching the Galileo spacecraft on a 6-year exploration voyage to Jupiter.Daily LifeDisasters: The oil tanker Exxon Valdez runs aground and spills 240,000 barrels of oil into Prince William Sound.Daily LifeFears of nuclear contamination rise after Soviet nuclear submarine sinks off the Norwegian coast following a fire on board. | Sports Baseball: Pete Rose (1941- ), Cincinnati Reds manager, is banned from baseball for life for betting on games. Popular CultureThe comic book hero Batman becomes a national phenomenon with the release of the movie "Batman," starring Michael Keaton (1951-) and Jack Nicholson (1937- ). Popular CultureThe centennial of silent film star Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) is marked by film festivals worldwide in his honor. | ReligionWomen’s Firsts: In Boston, the Reverend Barbara C. Harris (1930- …) becomes the first woman consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Church. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, 492 U.S. 490 (1989), the Supreme Court affirms the right of states to deny public funding for abortions and to prohibit public hospitals from performing abortions. |
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1990 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentCivil Rights Movement: Discrimination against people with disabilities is banned under the Americans with Disabilities Act. GovernmentDouglas Wilder (1931- ) of Virginia becomes the first elected African American governor in the United States. GovernmentIndependence from the Soviet Union is declared by a newly elected parliament in Lithuania.GovernmentMikhail Gorbachev (1931- ) is elected the first executive president of the Soviet Union; at the same time, the Soviet parliament rules that Lithuania’s declaration of independence is invalid.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Dr. Antonia Novello (1944- …) is sworn in as U.S. Surgeon General, becoming the first woman (and first Hispanic) to hold that job. WarManuel Noreiga (1938- ) surrenders to U.S. forces. | TechnologyNASA reports a major manufacturing flaw in the main mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope that renders its pictures fuzzy and disappointing. TechnologyThe U.S. space shuttle Atlantis, with a 5-member crew, completes a secret military mission. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: The public strongly opposes bilingual education. | Roosevelt, Eleanor Elliot Roosevelt (1910-1990), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, dies on October 27 of congestive heart failure. | EconomicsGeneral Motors unveils the Saturn, a compact car aimed at a young market.EconomicsIn an important court decision, Eastman Kodak is ordered to pay Polaroid more that $900 million for patent infringements. EconomicsAmerican Money: A security thread and micro printing are introduced, first in $50 and $100 notes, to deter counterfeiting by advanced copiers and printers. Daily LifeSouth African resistance leader, Nelson Mandela (1918- ), is released from prison after more than 27 years. | Sports Women in Sports: Jennifer Capriati (1976- ), age 13, becomes the youngest player ever to reach the final of a professional tennis tournament.Sports Football: The New England Patriots and 3 of its players are fined for demeaning a female sports reporter.Sports Women in Sports: The number of women playing college sports has jumped to 160,000.Popular Culture"The Simpsons" premier on television.Popular CultureRap music engenders controversy as an album by 2 Live Crew is ruled obscene by a Florida court. Popular CultureRussians get their first taste of American-style fast food when a McDonald’s opens in Moscow. Line are long until the prices are doubled. Popular Culture"A Chorus Line" closes after 15 years, the longest run in the history of the Broadway theatre. | |
1991 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentLithuanians vote overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: On January 2, Sharon Pratt Dixon (1944- …) is sworn in as mayor of Washington, DC, becoming the first black woman to serve as mayor of a major city. WarPersian Gulf War: A divided Congress gives President Bush (1924- ) the go-ahead on the Persian Gulf War. WarPersian Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm is launched against Iraq.WarPersian Gulf War: Kuwait is liberated in the Gulf War. | ScienceEuropean scientists produce a significant amount of energy from controlled nuclear fusion for the first time. MedicineAlzheimer’s emerges as a major U.S. public health issue. Some 4 million Americans suffer from the incurable disease that claims 100,000 lives yearly. Symptoms are gradual loss of memory, speech, and orientation. MedicineThe Bush administration initiates a study to find ways to cut the rapid rise in health care costs. TechnologyComputers continue to be miniaturized. Hewlett-Packard introduces a hand-held model that weighs less than a pound. TechnologyDuring a 6-day flight, the space shuttle Atlantis puts the Gamma Ray Observatory into orbit. | Arts and LettersNew York City’s Carnegie Hall celebrates its centennial. Arts and LettersThe 200th anniversary of Mozart’s death spurs musical tributes around the world; the largest takes place at New York’s Lincoln Center. | Roosevelt, EleanorJames “Jimmy” Roosevelt (1907-1991), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, dies August 13.Bush, BarbaraPresident Bush (1924- ) is hospitalized for 2 days for an irregular heartbeat. | EconomicsJapan again assumes the title of the world’s largest automaker, turning out almost 10 million cars compared to the 6 million produced by the U.S.EconomicsBoth Pan Am and Eastern Airlines go out of business. DiscoveryA radar image of the planet Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft shows huge volcanoes and large craters. | Sports Basketball: Led by superstar Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls capture their first National Basketball Association championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. Sports Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson discloses that he has the HIV virus that causes AIDS and retires from basketball. Sports Women in Sports: Basketball: The women''s Final Four of college basketball is televised live for the first time. Tennessee edges Virginia 70-67 for its third NCAA title in the first OT game in the tournament''s 10-year history.Popular CultureRap music, reflecting inner-city social conditions, extends its influence to mainstream America through artists such as MC Hammer (1962- ), 2 Live Crew, and Run DMC.Popular CultureCountry star Garth Brooks (1962-) is the dominant solo performer on the concert and recording scene. | ReligionPope John Paul II (1920-2205) names 22 new cardinals, including 2 Americans – Archbishops Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia and Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles. Social IssuesRacism: Four white policemen are indicted by a Los Angeles, California grand jury for the beating of a black motorist, Rodney King. The brutal beating, captured on videotape by an amateur, is widely seen on TV. ReformCivil Rights Movement: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 strengthened existing civil rights laws. However, the acquittal of the white police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King triggered the largest and most violent race riots in many years. |
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1992 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the Constitution, requiring an election of Representatives and Senators before a raise in pay for these positions can take effect, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.PoliticsDemocrat William J. Clinton (1946- …) is elected the 42nd President of the U.S. and Albet A. Gore (1948-) is elected the 45th Vice President.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Carol Moseley-Braun (1947- …), of Illinois, becomes the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. GovernmentStamps: Full-scale production of U.S. self-adhesive stamps begins. GovernmentThe Energy Policy Act establishes a permanent 10 percent investment tax credit for solar and geothermal powergenerating equipment. GovernmentThe European Community recognizes Croatia and Slovenia as separate states, effectively ending the Yugoslav Federation, founded in 1918. GovernmentMongolia’s new non-communist constitution takes effect.WarThe El Salvador government signs a peace treaty with guerilla forces, formally ending 12 years of civil war. | TechnologyDell Computer brings out a trend-setting 3.5-pound laptop, accelerating the use of these small computers. | Arts and LettersWomen''s Firsts: Poetry: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mona Van Duyn (1921-2004) is the first woman chosen as U.S. poet laureate. Arts and LettersUNESCO begins a 5-year project to photograph the world’s cultural and natural wonders before they are further harmed by war or environmental problems. | | EconomicsU.S. unemployment soars to 7.8%, its highest rate since 1983. DiscoveryA sculptured head of a giant bird that was one of the main Mayan gods is discovered in what was the ancient Mayan city of Nakbe. DiscoveryArcheologists uncover Ubar, a 5000-year-old trading city famous for its frankincense, under the desert sands in Oman. DiscoveryPioneer 10 continues to send back deep-space data 20 years after its launch. 5 billion miles out, the probe still has 7 functioning instruments. DiscoveryU.S. launches the Mars Observer, an unmanned spacecraft designed to orbit and study Mars. DiscoverySpace Exploration: Women’s Firsts: Mae Jemison (1956- …) becomes the first black female astronaut. Daily LifeCrayola: Crayola multicultural crayons, an assortment of skin tone-based colors that let children more accurately color themselves, are introduced.Daily LifeCrayola: Crayola brings washability — an all-new innovation to crayons — with the first crayons that wash off walls. | Sports Women in Sports: "A League of Their Own," a movie by director Penny Marshall about the first year of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, is a box office hit, due in large part to the many women who went to see female sports role models on the screen.Sports Europe hosts both Olympics, with the XVI Winter Games in Albertville, France and the XXV Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. Popular CultureJohnny Carson (1925-2005) retires as host of NBC’s "The Tonight Show" after nearly 30 years. Popular CultureA young Elvis Presley (1935-1977) is portrayed on a postage stamp; some $20 million worth are kept by collectors. Popular CultureThe hit TV show "Murphy Brown" becomes controversial when the campaigning Vice President Dan Quayle (1947- ) says it undermines U.S. moral values by presenting its star as a single mother. | ReligionBible Lands Museum opens in Jerusalem, Israel, with the purpose of dramatizing the people and events of the Bible in its original environment. ReligionThe Church of England allows the ordination of women priests. ReligionBloody religious conflicts erupt in India after Hindus desecrate a historic Muslim mosque.Social IssuesRacism: A jury in Los Angeles acquits four police officers accused of beating Rodney King, Jr.; the verdict leads to massive rioting and looting.Social IssuesNative Americans: New Mexico observes Columbus Quincentenary, welcomes Cristobal Colon XX. |
1993 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFidel Castro’s daughter wins political asylum in the U.S.GovernmentCzechoslovakia peacefully splits into the Czech Republic and Slovakia; the playwright, Vaclav Havel (1936-), is elected President of the Czech Republic. GovernmentCongress passes the Family and Medical Leave Act. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Janet Reno (1938- …) becomes the first woman U.S. attorney general.GovernmentWilliam J. Clinton (1946-) is inaugurated as the 42nd President of the U.S. and Albert A. Gore (1948-) is inaugurated as the 45th Vice President.WarTerrorism: Terrorists bomb the World Trade Center on February 26, killing five. WarWomen’s Firsts: Sheila Widnall (1938- …) becomes the first secretary of a branch of the U.S. military when she is appointed to head the Air Force. | MedicineThe Food and Drug Administration says second hand smoke causes 6,000 U.S. deaths yearly.MedicineThe measles epidemic in the U.S. is finally over.TechnologyThe blurry Hubble Space Telescope is brought into focus by astronauts from the U.S. space shuttle Endeavor, whose astronauts fit new optics and devises that corrected the $3 billion observatory. | Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Literature: Toni Morrison (1931- …) becomes the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize for literature. | Hoover, LouAllan Henry Hoover (1907-1993), son of Herbert and Lou Hoover, dies November 8.Clinton, HillaryThe President and First Lady Hillary Clinton (1947- ) push for national health care reform, but the controversial bill succumbs to political pressure. | EconomicsWestern Europe’s economic slump is the worst in 20 years. EconomicsFord Motor Company: FMC accomplishes another great fear when five of the United States’ eight top selling vehicles were Fords.DiscoveryArcheologists in Israel uncover a stone monument with text in Aramaic mentioning King David and his descendents-the only known reference to him outside the Bible. Daily LifeDisasters: Four federal agents are killed in Waco, Texas, after trying to serve an arrest warrant for weapons charges against Branch Davidian sect leader David Koresh (1959-1993), starting a 51-day standoff.Daily LifeDisasters: The siege at Waco, Texas ends when the FBI moves into the Branch Davidian compound with tear gas and cult members set fire to the compound killing over 80 people.Daily LifeHolidays: All 50 states join in the observance of Martin Luther King Day.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: H. Ty Warner begins to market understuffed plush bean bag toys called Beanie Babies. | Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in Sports: Basketball: Ann Meyers becomes the first woman inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.Sports Tennis’s top-ranked player Monica Seles (1973- ) is stabbed in the back by an obsessed German fan of Steffi Graf (1969- ) and has to leave the tennis tour.Popular CultureThe 1993 Oscar for the best picture goes to "Schindler’s List." Popular CultureTom Hanks (1956- ) is awarded the best actor award for his portrayal of an AIDS victim in the movie entitled "Philadelphia." | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The Family and Medical Leave Act goes into effect. |
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1994 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe first multi-racial elections are held in South Africa.GovernmentThe North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect. GovernmentRudolph Giuliani (1944- ) is inaugurated as New York City’s mayor. WarPuerto Rico: Sep 7, U.S. Marines began training on a Puerto Rican island amid talk in Washington of a U.S.-led intervention in Haiti. | MedicineThe Food and Drug Administration extends approval of Prozac, the best selling anti-depressant drug, to treat bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder. | EducationWomen's Rights Movement: Education of Women: Congress adopts the Gender Equity in Education Act to train teachers in gender equity, promote math and science learning by girls, counsel pregnant teens, and prevent sexual harassment.EducationPublic Education: Immigration: Proposition 187 passes in California, making it illegal for children of undocumented immigrants to attend public school. Federal courts hold Proposition 187 unconstitutional, but anti-immigrant feeling spreads across the country.EducationLibraries: The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History opens as a special branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System. | Kennedy, JackieJacqueline Kennedy Onassis, widow of President Kennedy, noted for her glamour and style, dies in New York City. Reagan, NancyThe disclosure that Ronald Reagan has Alzheimer’s disease heightens concern about the degenerative illness that afflicts 4 million elderly Americans. | DiscoveryArchaeologists in Colorado find an 8000-year-old skeleton in a cave, the first confirmation that humans lived at high elevations in prehistoric America. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Byron De La Beckwith (1920-2001) is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Medgar Evers, 30 years after the crime in Jackson, Mississippi.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Four Muslim fundamentalists are found guilty in the World Trade Center bombing in New York. | Sports Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan (1969- ) is clubbed on the leg by a group of men including the husband of her rival skater Tonya Harding (1970- ).Sports Baseball: The year without a World Series: the longest and costliest strike in baseball history begins on August 12, 1994, and lasts until the following spring.Popular CultureThe entertainment industry’s wedding of the year unites megastar singer Michael Jackson (1958-) and Lisa Marie Presley (1968- ), Elvis’s daughter. Popular Culture"Forrest Gump" is Hollywood’s biggest money-maker, attracting moviegoers with its positive vision of life. | ReligionThe Church of England (Anglican) ordains women as priests for the first time.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: The Violence Against Women Act funds services for victims of rape and domestic violence, allows women to seek civil rights remedies for gender-related crimes, provides training to increase police and court officials’ sensitivity and a national 24-hour hotline for battered women. |
1995 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe United States and Vietnam established full diplomatic relations. GovernmentThe U.S. federal government begins a partial shut down of government services after the U.S. Congress cannot pass a budget. GovernmentPresident Bill Clinton (1946-) becomes the first U.S. president to visit Northern Ireland. WarThe Korean War Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, DC. | ScienceThe Hale-Bopp comet is discovered by Alan Hale (1958- ) and Thomas Bopp (1949- ). ScienceDr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995), the medical pioneer who developed the first polio vaccine, dies. TechnologyColonel Eileen Collins (1956- ) becomes the first woman to pilot the space shuttle when the Discovery blasts off. TechnologyThe shuttle Atlantis and the Russian space station Mir dock, forming the largest man-made satellite ever to orbit Earth. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: In the Hopwood v. University of Texas Law School court case, the 5th Circuit holds that “educational diversity is not recognized as a compelling state interest.” | | EconomicsFord Motor Company: FMC initiates Ford 2000, a restructuring plan that begins with the merging of North American and European automotive operations and the creation of the global management team. Ford 2000 aims to combine the power, resources, and reach of a world company with the immediacy, intimacy, agility, and spirit of a small one. Daily LifeTerrorism: Poisonous gas is released in a Tokyo subway station by two members of the Japanese cult Aum Sinrikyo, killing 12 people and sending over 5,000 people to hospitals for treatment.Daily LifeTerrorism: A car bomb destroys the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, killing 168 people, including 19 children, in the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. | Sports Baseball: Major League Baseball players agreed to end the sport’s longest strike in history after a judge ordered a preliminary injunction against team owners. Sports Boxing: Boxer Mike Tyson (1966- ) is freed from an Indiana prison where he served three years for sexual assault.Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: Steve Fossett (1944- ) becomes first person to cross the Pacific Ocean solo in a balloon. | |
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1996 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawGay Rights Movement: In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court rejects a Colorado measure banning laws that protect homosexuals from discrimination. LawFamous Trials: Rwanda's first genocide trial opens for the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis.PoliticsWilliam J. Clinton (1946 - )is re-elected President of the U.S., as is Albert A. Gore (1948 - ) re-elected Vice President.PoliticsRussia votes in its first independent presidential election. Boris Yeltsin (1931- ) eventually wins in a runoff. GovernmentThe United States and the world's other major nuclear powers sign a treaty to end all testing and development of nuclear weapons. WarMoslem-Croat authorities take control of the last Serbian-held district in Sarajevo, enabling the city to become united after four years of fighting. | ScienceDolly, the first sheep cloned from adult cells, is born. | EducationHigher Education: Education of Women: The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, votes to admit women. EducationWomen's Rights Movement: Education of Women: United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996), affirms that the male-only admissions policy of the state-supported Virginia Military Institute violates the Fourteenth Amendment.EducationPublic Education: Civil Rights Movement: Leading the way backwards again, California passes Proposition 209, which outlaws affirmative action in public employment, public contracting and public education. Other states jump on the bandwagon with their own initiatives and right wing elements hope to pass similar legislation on a federal level. | | EconomicsAmerican Money: In the first significant design change in 67 years, U.S. currency is redesigned to incorporate a series of new counterfeit deterrents.Daily LifeTerrorism: A shooting that killed 16 children and 1 teacher in a school in Dunblane, Scotland, occurs.Daily LifeTerrorism: A pipe bomb explodes in an Atlanta park during the Olympic Games. | Sports The 100th Boston Marathon is won by Moses Tanui of Kenya.Sports Women in Sports: Spalding Sports introduces the first baseball glove specifically designed to fit a woman's hand.Popular CultureChess champion Garry Kasparov (1963- ) beats the IBM computer, Deep Blue, winning the six-game match. | |
1997 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsIn Scotland, voters approve the establishment of a parliament to run their domestic affairs, after 290 years of union with England. GovernmentRepresentatives from more than 150 countries gather at a global warming summit in Kyoto, Japan, and over the course of ten days forge an agreement to control the emission of greenhouse gases. President Bush pulls the U.S. out of the Kyoto Protocol in 2001. GovernmentYasser Arafat (1929-2004) returns to Hebron for the first time in 30 years, as Israel hands over control of the West Bank city to the Palestinians.GovernmentNorth and South Korean representatives meet for the first time in 25 years for peace talks. GovernmentTony Blair (1953- ) becomes Prime Minister of Britain, ending 18 years of conservative rule. At 44, he is the youngest prime minister in 185 years. GovernmentAfter 156 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong is returned to China. GovernmentBritish prime minister Tony Blair (1953-) and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams meet—the first time in 76 years that a British leader and an IRA ally meet. GovernmentStamps: U.S. Postal Service introduces linerless coil self-adhesives (Linerless coils mean there is no backing paper on the stamps). GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Madeleine Albright (1937- …) is sworn in as U.S. secretary of state. She is the first woman in this position as well as the highest-ranking woman in the United States government. GovernmentWilliam J. Clinton (1946 - )is inaugurated President of the U.S., as is Albert A. Gore (1948 - ) inaugurated as Vice President.WarTerrorism: Timothy McVeigh (1968-2001) is found guilty of the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. | ScienceScottish scientists announce the successful cloning of a sheep, Dolly.ScienceThe comet Hale-Bopp makes its closest approach to Earth in the skies over the northern hemisphere; the comet’s next pass is predicted for the year 4397.ScienceThe first joint U.S.-Russian space walk is made by Jerry Linenger and Vasily Tsibliyev from space station Mir. ScienceThe U.S. Air Force releases The Roswell Report, closing the case on the 1947 Roswell, N.M. incident concerning UFOs and alien bodies. TechnologyQueen Elizabeth II launches the first royal website. TechnologyIBM’s computer, Deep Blue, beats the world chess champion, Garry Kasparov (1963). | EducationChildren''s Books: The first volume of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer''s Stone" is published. | | EconomicsUnder international pressure, three of Switzerland’s biggest banks create a fund worth 100 million Swiss francs for Holocaust victims and their families.EconomicsThe Dow Jones industrial average falls 554.26 points, forcing the stock market to shut down. DiscoveryLinda Finch completes Amelia Earhart''s (1898-1937) attempted around-the-world flight.DiscoveryThe U.S. Pathfinder probe lands on Mars. DiscoveryThe Mars rover Sojourner rolls onto the Martian surface. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Timothy McVeigh (1968-2001) is found guilty of the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola: New crayon colors are issued commemorating eight true blue heroes nominated by kids. The new colors include: outer space, mountain meadow, fuzzy wuzzy brown, brink pink, shadow, banana mania, torch red and purple heart. | Sports Women in Sports: The NBA hires two female referees, Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer, the first to work regular-season games in a major men's pro sports league.Sports Black Athletes: Tiger Woods (1975- ) becomes the youngest person to win the Masters Tournament and the first of African descent to win a major golf title. Sports Baseball: Inter-league play begins in baseball, ending a 126-year tradition of separating the major leagues until the World Series. Sports The Women''s National Basketball Association makes its debut. Sports Boxing: Boxer Mike Tyson (1966- ) bites Evander Holyfield''s (1962- ) ear during their heavyweight title fight, earning a 16-month suspension. | Religion39 members of the Heaven’s Gate religious cult commit suicide in California, believing that they would then “board” a spacecraft traveling with the Hale-Bopp comet.Social IssuesNative Americans: Corporation for Public Broadcasting establishes Native American Public Telecommunications, Inc., (NAPT) to promote, produce and distribute Native American television and radio programming.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Elaborating on Title IX, the Supreme Court rules that college athletics programs must actively involve roughly equal numbers of men and women to qualify for federal support. |
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1998 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Clinton (1946-) becomes the first sitting U.S. president to testify as a defendant in a criminal or civil suit. GovernmentTony Blair becomes the first British prime minister to speak to the Irish parliament. GovernmentStamps: U.S. Postal Service issues its first semi-postal.(Semi-postals are postage stamps which are used to raise funds for a charity). GovernmentThe U.S. House of Representatives approves two of four proposed Articles of Impeachment against President Bill Clinton (1946 …); the House Judiciary Committee approves a final Article of Impeachment against President Clinton. He is later acquitted of all charges by the Senate.WarThe remains of a Vietnam War serviceman buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers are identified as those of Air Force pilot Michael J. Blassie. WarTerrorism: Terrorists bomb U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, some 224 are killed and more than 5,500 are injured. WarTerrorism: U.S. cruise missiles hit suspected terrorist bases in Afghanistan and the Sudan. WarThe “Good Friday Accord” is reached, suspending hostilities in Northern Ireland. | ScienceNineteen European countries sign an agreement that bans human cloning. | EducationPublic Education: A California multi-millionaire named Ron Unz manages to put a measure on the June 1998 ballot outlawing bilingual education in California. It passes.EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the first of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." | | DiscoverySpace Exploration: John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, returns to space at age 77.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, Ramzi Yousef, is sentenced to life in prison. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, is sentenced to four life terms plus 30 years for his series of bombings that killed three and injured 23. Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola: The Crayola 64 Box is reintroduced in its original packaging, complete with built in sharpener. A 1958 Crayola 64 Box becomes part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: During Operation Desert Fox in Iraq, Lt. Kendra Williams (1972- …), USN, becomes the first U.S. female combat pilot to bomb an enemy target. | Sports Women in Sports: According to a survey conducted by the Chronicle of Higher Education, 40% of athletes at Division I schools in 1997-98 were women, a 5% increase from 1996-97. Women also received 40% of athletic scholarship budgets, up 14% from the previous year.Sports Women in Sports: Tara Lipinski (1982) wins the Olympic figure skating gold medal.Sports Women in Sports: The U.S. women’s hockey team wins the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.Sports Baseball: Mark McGwire''s (1963-) 62nd home run breaks Roger Maris''s record of 61 homers set in 1961. Sports Baseball: Baltimore Oriole shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr., sits out a game, ending his consecutive game-playing streak. Ripken played 2,632 consecutive games over 16 seasons. Popular CultureThe movie "Titanic" surpasses "Star Wars" as the highest grossing U.S. film of all time. | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America agrees to pay $34 million to settle an E.E.O.C. lawsuit contending that hundreds of women were sexually harassed.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth; The Supreme Court balances employee and employer rights. It rules that employers are liable for sexual harassment even in instances when a supervisor’s threats are not carried out. But the employer can defend itself by showing that it took steps to prevent or promptly correct any sexually harassing behavior and the employee did not take advantage of available opportunities to stop the behavior or complain of the behavior. |
1999 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentFormer wrestler Jesse Ventura (1951- ) is sworn in as Minnesota’s governor. GovernmentLos Alamos scientist Wen Ho Lee is arrested and charged with stealing classified information. WarNATO begins air strikes over Serbia in an attempt to force the Serbs to stop hostilities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. | ScienceScientists announce the creation of Element 114. | EducationWomen's Firsts: The Citadel in South Carolina graduates its first female cadet, Nancy Mace.Education14 students (including the 2 student shooters) and 1 teacher are killed, and 23 others are wounded at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the second and third books in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." | Kennedy, JackieJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999), son of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, dies tragically July 17 in a plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard. | EconomicsThe U.S. Mint begins distribution of the 50 State Quarters.EconomicsThe Dow Jones industrial average closes above 10,000 for the first time.DiscoverySpace Exploration: Women’s Firsts: Lt. Col. Eileen Collins (1956- …) is the first woman astronaut to command a space shuttle mission. Daily LifeDisasters: Kansas and Oklahoma are hit by an outbreak of more than 55 tornadoes, including one measured at F5 on the Fujita scale. | Sports Basketball: B lack Athletes: Michael Jordan (1963-) announces his second retirement from the NBA. He comes back to play in 2001. Sports Hockey great Wayne Gretzky (1961- ) announces his retirement. Sports Baseball: New York Yankee David Cone (1963- ) pitches the 16th perfect game in baseball history. Sports Baseball: Sammy Sosa (1968- ) becomes the first player in major league baseball history to hit 60 homers in two seasons. Popular CultureSusan Lucci (1947- ) finally wins a Daytime Emmy on her 19th nomination. | ReligionA Protestant and Catholic cabinet convene for the first time in Northern Ireland. |
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2000 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court rules unanimously that an anonymous tip does not justify a stop-and-frisk action against a person. LawThe U.S. Supreme Court stops the presidential election recount in Florida and declares George W. Bush the 43rd President of the United States; Richard B. Cheney (1941-) is elected as the 46th Vice President.PoliticsSen. Joseph Lieberman (1942- ) of Connecticut is selected by Al Gore (1948- ) to be the first Jewish vice-presidential candidate on a major party ticket. PoliticsThird Parties: Green Party candidate Ralph Nader (1934-…) takes votes that may otherwise have been cast for Gore in this election. PoliticsIndependent Counsel Robert Ray announces the end of the Whitewater investigation, saying there is insufficient evidence to charge President Clinton and his wife, Hilary.GovernmentFinland elects its first female president.GovernmentImmigration: INS Commissioner Doris Meissner rules that 6-year old Elian Gonzalez (1994- ) must be returned to Cuba. GovernmentColin Powell (1937- ) is selected to become the first African American Secretary of State and Condoleeza Rice to become the first African American National Security Advisor. WarTerrorism: 17 U.S. sailors are killed during the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. | ScienceThe first map of the human genome, which required decoding more than 3 billion biochemical "letters" of human DNA, is completed. MedicineThe mapping of the human genome promises to open whole new avenues of medical knowledge and the treatment of such diseases as cystic fibrosis and diabetes.InventionsThe Segway Human Transporter (a two-wheeled scooter-like vehicle using five gyroscopes and a built-in computer to remain upright) is invented.TechnologyAfter years of preparation for Y2K, only minor problems occur as the world "ticks" over into a new millennium. | EducationThe Supreme Court rules that student-led prayers at high school football games violate the Constitutional provision against the establishment of religion by the government.EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the fourth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."Arts and LettersThe fourth of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is published. | Coolidge, GraceJohn Coolidge (1906-2000), son of Calvin and Grace Coolidge, dies May 31 at the age of 93. At this time, he is the oldest living child of an American President.Clinton, HillaryHillary Clinton (1947-) becomes the first former First Lady to be elected to the United States Senate. | EconomicsThe Dow Jones stock average hit $11,722.98.EconomicsPopulation: The 2000 census reveals a population of 281,421,906.DiscoveryThe International Space Station becomes fully staffed.Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola: Mess-free art makes moms happy! Color Wonder™, a brand new coloring and drawing technology, is launched. Colorless ink inside Color Wonder Markers pops into living color only on special paper —not walls, skin or clothing.Daily LifeDisasters: The supersonic airliner Concorde crashes after takeoff outside Paris. Daily LifeSouth Carolina passes legislation that mandates the Confederate flag be removed from the South Carolina statehouse. | Sports Black Athletes: Tiger Woods (1974- ) wins the PGA Championship becoming the first player since Ben Hogan in 1953 to win three majors in one year.Sports The Summer Olympics are held in Sydney, Australia.Sports Baseball: For the first time, the Major League baseball season opens in Tokyo, Japan (Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets).Sports Women in Sports: ABC airs a movie about the life of Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne who was born partially blind, ran in 25 marathons, and carried the torch in the International Special Olympics where she has won medals in dozens of events. “The Loretta Claiborne Story” details her life both on and off the track.Popular CultureThe Beatles: The Beatles release a "best of" collection, entitled "1." The CD includes 27 number one hits by the band and, within five weeks, becomes the best selling album of the year. | ReligionThe Catholic Church releases a document called "Memory and Reconcilliation," in which it seeks forgiveness for such past errors as persecution of the Jews, the Inquisition, and the practice of coercing conversions.ReligionPope John Paul II becomes the first Roman Catholic leader to vitit Israel.ReformGay Rights Movement: Vermont Governor, Howard Dean (1948- ), signs the nation's first bill allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions. ReformWomen's Rights Movement: United States v. Morrison, 529 U.S. 598 (2000). The U.S. Supreme Court invalidates those portions of the Violence Against Women Act permitting victims of rape, domestic violence, etc. to sue their attackers in federal court. |
2001 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsVermont senator James Jeffords quits the Republican Party and becomes an Independent, giving Democrats control of the Senate. GovernmentThe United States, a member of the UN Human Rights Commission since its inception, loses its seat. It is restored the following year. GovernmentGeorge W. Bush is inaugurated as the 43rd President of the United Stgates; Richard B. Cheney (1941-) is inaugurated as the 46th Vice President.WarTerrorism: Terrorists attack the United States on September 11 by flying two airplanes into the World Trade Center, and one into the Pentagon. A fourth plane, destined for the Capitol, crashes into the ground in Pennsylvania because some of its passengers made a failed but heroic attempt to recover the aircraft from its terrorist pilots.WarA memorial honoring Japanese-American veterans and detainees opens on the edge of the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. WarWar on Terror: The U.S. announces plans to hold Taliban and al-Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. WarWar on Terror: The Pentagon orders combat aircraft to the Persian Gulf following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. WarWar on Terror: U.S. and British forces launch a bombing campaign against the Taliban government and al-Qaeda terrorist camps in Afghanistan. Taliban forces flee from Kandahar, their last stronghold in Afghanistan.
| ScienceAstronomers announce the discovery of the first solar system outside our own.InventionsApple Computer introduces the iPod, their portable digital music player.TechnologyRussia's Mir space station ends its 15-year orbit of the Earth, splashing down in the South Pacific. | EducationEvolution: The Kansas Board of Education reverses its 1999 ruling and restores evolution to the state's science curriculum. EducationHigher Education: Civil Rights Movement: A federal judge rules that the University of Michigan’s affirmative action policy is invalid, a ruling that later is reversed in an appeal. EducationPublic Education: Congress passes a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, called No Child Left Behind. It is the largest, most invasive measure ever taken by the federal government in public education. | Bush, LauraLaura Welsh Bush (1946-) becomes the First Lady of the United States. | EconomicsPresident Bush (1946- ) permanently normalizes trade relations with China.EconomicsEnron Corp., under CEO Kenneth Lay, files for bankruptcy. DiscoveryDennis Tito (1940) becomes the first space tourist. DiscoveryThe Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft is the first vehicle to land on an asteroid (433 Eros).Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Timothy McVeigh, the 1995 Oklahoma City bomber, is executed.Daily LifeVermont''s civil unions law goes into effect, allowing legal unions between gay couples. Daily LifeTwelve Senate offices are closed when a letter to Senator Tom Daschle is found to contain anthrax. | Sports Women in Sports: In Brentwood Academy v. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, the U.S. Supreme Court rules 5-4 that state high school athletic associations are "state actors" and therefore subject to the U.S. Constitution’snondiscrimination requirements. The ruling will help ensure equality for female and minority students in school sports.Sports Baseball: October 30, just weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, President George W. Bush throws out the first ball of the third game of the World Series in New York’s Yankee Stadium.Popular CultureThe Beatles: Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications reportedly sends out of a list of 150 songs that were recommended to be pulled from airplay. Four Beatles songs were on the list: "A Day in the Life", "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", "Ticket To Ride", and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da". John Lennon's (1940-1980) "Imagine" was also listed. | ReligionEducation: The Supreme Court rules that elementary schools must allow after-school activities that are religious in nature to meet in school buildings.ReformGay Rights Movement: The Netherlands becomes the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage. |
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2002 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Nancy Pelosi (1940- ) of California becomes the first woman to lead a party in Congress. GovernmentIn his State of the Union Address, President Bush (1946- ) labels Iraq, Iran, and North Korea an “axis of evil.” GovernmentPresident Bush proposes a new Cabinet department: The Department of Homeland Security. WarWar on Terror: The first al-Qaeda prisoners arrive at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.WarWar on Terror: John Walker Lindh, the "American Taliban," receives a 20-year sentence. | ScienceAustralian scientists announce that they have "teleported" a laser beam—breaking it up and reconstructing it in another location.MedicineIn the past 20 years (since 1981), total world AIDS cases are 38 million; total world AIDS deaths are 20 million. In the U.S., 501,669 deaths have occured due to AIDS, out of 886,575 reported cases.InventionsRobotic land rovers for exploration on Mars are invented by NASA. | Arts and LettersAfter 17,162 performances, "The Fantasticks" ends its almost 42-year off Broadway run. | Carter, RosalynnFormer president Jimmy Carter (1924- ) is the first U.S. president (in or out of office) to visit Fidel Castro's Cuba. | EconomicsEuro coins and notes go into circulation in twelve European nations. EconomicsWorldCom files for bankruptcy, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history. DiscoverySpace shuttle Endeavor is launched: Shuttle to deliver a new crew from to the international space station, Alpha, and will bring the outgoing space station crew back to Earth.Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola: The first Crayola colors named for a region of the United States are introduced to commemorate the grand opening of Crayola Works™ Creativity Studio & Store, the first-ever interactive Crayola retail experience, located near Baltimore.Daily LifeThe color-coded terror alert system is unveiled by Homeland Security. | Sports A French judge is accused of throwing the pairs skating decision to the Russians at the Olympics; the issue is resolved by awarding two medals--to the Canadian and the Russian pairs. Sports Baseball: Baseball's All-Star Game ends in a tie after 11 innings. Both sides run out of pitchers. Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Basketball: Lisa Leslie (1972- ) becomes the first woman to dunk in a professional basketball game. Sports Baseball: Tsuyoshi Shinjo, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, became the first Japanese player to take part in a World Series Game.Sports Black Athletes: Olympic gold medalist (winter games): Vonetta Flowers (1973-…) wins gold medal for bobsled. Sports Women in Sports: Serena Williams wins the NASDAQ 100 Open Tennis Masters Series over Jennifer Capriati in Key Biscayne. Popular CultureHalle Berry (1966- ) becomes the first African-American actress to win a best actress Oscar and Denzel Washington (1954- ) becomes the second African-American actor to get the best actor award. Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: Steve Fossett (1944- ) becomes the first to circumnavigate the globe solo in a balloon. | ReligionBoston archbishop Cardinal Bernard Law resigns as a result of the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals and cover-up of priest-child molestation. Social IssuesIllegal drugs: England to Relax Marijuana Laws: Police will not arrest people who use drug in small amounts, but will vigorously pursue dealers. |
2003 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentCapital Punishment: Outgoing Illinois governor George Ryan clears the state’s death row by commuting the sentences of 167 inmates. GovernmentIraq's interim governing council is inaugurated. GovernmentThe U.S. House passes the "Amber Alert" bill. It provides a system for alerting the public about missing or abducted children. WarMillions of protesters around the world demonstrate against the threat of a U.S. war on Iraq. WarIraq War: President Bush (1946- ) delivers an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein: leave Iraq within 48 hours or face an attack. WarIraq War: Operation Iraqi Freedom is launched with air strikes on Baghdad, the beginning of the war with Iraq (March 20 in Iraq). WarIraq War: American Marines pull down Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad after U.S. commanders declare that his rule has ended. WarIraq War: President Bush (1946- ) makes a speech aboard an aircraft carrier proclaiming “major combat operations in Iraq have ended.” WarAmerican forces capture Saddam Hussein (1937- ) who is hiding in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit. WarMuammar al-Qaddafi of Libya announces that his country will discontinue development of weapons of mass destruction. | ScienceDolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, is euthanized because of incurable lung cancer. ScienceMars makes its closest approach to earth in 60,000 years. ScienceThe most distant object ever found in our solar system, named Sedna, is discovered by astronomers at the Mount Palomar Observatory. InventionsPutting two "hot button" items together, the camera phone is invented.TechnologyThe Space Shuttle Columbia blasts off on what is intended to be its final mission; tragically, the craft breaks apart during its final descent on February 1, killing all aboard. TechnologyNASA launches the infrared Spitzer Space Telescope. | EducationCivil Rights Movement: In the Grutter v. Bollinger case, however, the Supreme Court determines that point system by which Michigan admits undergraduate freshmen is too mechanistic and thus is unconstitutional. EducationCivil Rights Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the University of Michigan's School of Law affirmative action policy because it serves “a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body.” EducationChildren's Books: The fifth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is published. | | EconomicsAmerican Money: U.S. currency begins to feature diferent colors, starting with the $20 note, which has subtle background colors of green, peach, and blue.EconomicsThe UN Security Council approves a resolution lifting the economic sanctions against Iraq and supporting the U.S.-led administration in Iraq. EconomicsPresident Bush (1946- ) signs a $350 billion tax cut into law; the third largest tax cut in U.S. history. EconomicsThe national do-not-call registry, formed to combat unwanted telemarketing calls and administered by the Federal Trade Commission, enrolls almost three-quarters of a million phone numbers on its first day. DiscoveryThe European Space Agency launches the Mars Express probe. DiscoveryContact with the lander Beagle 2 is lost in December. Daily LifeThe largest blackout in North American history hits the northeast. Daily LifeThe U.S. Census Bureau reports that Hispanics have surpassed Blacks as the largest minority group. | Sports Lance Armstrong (1971- ) wins his fifth straight Tour de France, tying Miguel Indurain's record. Sports Baseball: Red Sox switch hitter Bill Mueller becomes the first baseball player to hit grand slam home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game.Sports Women''s Firsts: Women in Sports: Basketball: Pat Summitt becomes the first coach in women''s basketball to win 800 career games when her Lady Vols beat DePaul 76-57. She is just the fourth coach in Division I to post 800 victories, and the first woman. Her record stands at 800-161 in 29 seasons with six national championships.Popular CultureThe Beatles: In March, 2003, the Anthology television series was released on DVD with additional bonus material.Popular CultureArnold Schwarzenegger (1947- ) announces his candidacy to replace Gray Davis as governor of California to Jay Leno on the Tonight Show. | ReligionSpain opens its first mosque (in Granada) since the Moors were expelled in 1492. ReligionAlabama's chief justice, Roy Moore, is suspended for refusing to move a Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse. ReligionReverand V. Gene Robinson is elected the first openly gay bishop by New Hampshire Episcopalians. ReformMarriage Equality: Ontario, Canada issues the first full same-sex marriage licenses in North America. ReformThe Georgia legislature votes to scrap the "Confederate flag" design from its state flag. ReformGay Rights Movement: Belgium becomes the second nation to leagalize same-sex marriage, with some restrictions, which were lifted in 2004. |
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2004 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsGeorge W. Bush (1946 -) is re-elected as the President of the United States and Richard B. Cheney (1941-) is re-elected as Vice President.GovernmentPresident Hamid Karzai (1957- ) signs the new constitution of Afghanistan. WarIraq War: The Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal first comes to light when graphic photos of U.S. soldiers physically abusing and humiliating Iraqi prisoners are shown on CBS's 60 Minutes II. WarIn his second State of the Union Address, President Bush (1946- ) presents case for war with Iraq.
| ScienceScientists report the discovery of Sedna, the most distant object in the solar system. ScienceA small asteroid makes the closest approach to Earth ever recorded, only about 26,500 miles away. TechnologyMichael Melville (1964- ) pilots the first privately developed spacecraft, Space Ship One, into space. | EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the fifth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."Arts and LettersPablo Picasso's (1881- 1973) "Boy with a Pipe" becomes the most expensive painting ever sold. Arts and LettersA version of Edvard Munch's (1863-1944) painting "The Scream" is stolen in Norway; another version had been stolen in 1994. | Reagan, NancyFormer president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) dies of pneumonia at his home in California, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a decade. He is the longest-living U.S. President--93 years, 120 days, breaking the record previously held by John Adams (1735-1826). | EconomicsAmerican Money: The new $50 note features subtle background colors and highlights historical symbols of Americana--specific to the $50 note are background colors of blue and red, and images of a waving American flag and a small silver-blue star.Daily LifeTerrorism: Over 200 people are killed and over 1,400 are injured when bombs explode in Madrid train stations; Al-Qaeda takes responsibility for the attacks.
| Sports Lance Armstrong (1971- ) wins the Tour de France for a record-breaking sixth time. Sports The National Hockey League lockout begins. The 2004-2005 season will ultimately be canceled. Sports Baseball: After an 86-year wait, the Boston Red Sox finally capture a World Series trophy. Sports Women in Sports: The National Women's Party presents the 2004 Alice Award to Billie Jean King for her contributions to women in sports. | ReformGay Rights Movement: In Massachusetts, same-sex couples exchange marriage vows for the first time in the United States.
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2005 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCapital Punishment: The U.S. Supreme Court rules the death penalty unconstitutional for juveniles who committed their crimes under age 18.LawChief Justices: President George W. Bush (1946--) nominates John Roberts (1955--) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and he is confirmed by the Senate.GovernmentGeorge W. Bush (1946 -) is inaugurated as the President of the United States and Richard B. Cheney (1941-) is inaugurated as Vice President.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Condoleezza Rice (1954- ) becomes the first African-American female Secretary of State. WarIraq War: U.S. troops begin major offensive in Anbar Province, the heart of the Iraqi insurgency.WarTerrorism: A massive suicide bomb blast in central Beirut kills Lebanon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri and at least 15 other people. At least 135 other people were also hurt.WarUzbek troops kill up to 700 during protests in eastern Uzbekistan over the trials of 23 accused Islamic extremists. President Islam Karimov defends the act. | ScienceThe Huygens probe lands on Saturn's moon Titan MedicineThe first human face transplant is performed in France. InventionsYouTube, the online video sharing and viewing community, is invented.TechnologySony's PlayStation 3 makes it's debut at the E3 trade show.TechnologyApple Computer announces they will switch to Intel processors in 2006. | EducationThe 6th Harry Potter book by J. K. Rowling is released: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the sixth Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." | | EconomicsOil prices rise sharply following economic effects of Hurricane Katrina.EconomicsThe world's largest bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is formed by the merger of two Japanese banking conglomerates.DiscoverySpace Exploration: Space Shuttle Discovery is launched; this is the first Space Shuttle flight in the nearly two and a half years since the breakup of Columbia on its return from space.Daily LifeDisasters: At least 1,383 are killed, and severe damage is caused along the U.S. Gulf Coast, as Hurricane Katrina strikes the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama coastal areas. Within hours, levees give way and New Orleans is flooded.Daily LifeThe United States' 11th Circuit Court of Appeals' 2-1 decision refuses to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube.Daily LifeThe Huffington Post weblog makes it's debut. | Sports Women in Sports: the organizers of the New York City Marathon, announce they will award its women's champion $30,000 more than its men's winner for the November 2005 race. The $130,000 for the women's champion will be the biggest first prize for any marathon. This may be the first time a sports event pays more to a woman than a man in the same competition.Sports Football: The New England Patriots defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 to win their third Super Bowl in four years.Sports The National Hockey League cancels its 2004-2005 season becoming the first North American professional league to cancel a season due to a labour dispute.Sports Baseball: The Chicago White Sox sweep the Houston Astros to win their first World Series in 88 years. Sports Lance Armstrong wins a record seventh straight Tours de France before his scheduled retirement.Popular Culture"Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" is released, effectively completing the Star Wars movie saga begun by George Lucas in 1977 and shattering the opening day box-office record with $50,013,859.Popular CultureMicrosoft releases the Xbox 360 gaming console in North America. | ReligionPope John Paul II dies, causing widespread grief in the world; Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is elected Pope Benedict XVI on the second day of the Papal conclave.
ReformGay Rights Movement: Spain and Canada join Belgium and the Netherlands in legalizing same-sex marriage.
ReformLabor Movement: New York City transit strike: New York City's Transport Workers Union Local 100 goes on strike for three days, shutting down all New York City Subway and Bus services. |
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2006 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court rules that military tribunals cannot be set up to try prisoners in the absence of Congressional authorization and that prisoners are entitled to fair trials under the Geneva Conventions.PoliticsDemocrats win both houses of Congress in the mid-term election on November 7.GovernmentThe Conservative Party of Canada becomes a minority government in Canada's Parliament, replacing the Liberals after 13 years in power. Stephen Harper becomes the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Michelle Bachelet (1951-) is inaugurated as first female president of Chile.GovernmentDonald Rumsfeld (1932-) resigns as U.S. Secretary of Defense; Robert Gates is sworn in as the new Secretary of Defense.GovernmentPresident Bush signs a law renewing the Patriot Act, including a signing statement stating that he does not consider himself bound by its requirement to tell Congress how the law is being used.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (1951-) is sworn in as Liberia’s new president. She becomes Africa's first female elected head of state.WarThe Israel-Lebanon war begins; a cease-fire goes into effect on August 14.WarThe F-14 Tomcat is retired from the United States Navy.WarIraq War: Sadr City bombing attacks kill at least 215 Iraqis.WarIraq War: Saddam Hussein is hanged in Baghdad.WarIraq War: Zacarias Moussaoui is sentenced to life in prison for terrorism in Alexandria, Virginia. | ScienceIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announces that Iran has successfully enriched uranium.ScienceA science team at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign successfully convert pig waste into crude oil.SciencePluto's newly discovered moons are officially christened Nix & Hydra on this date.SciencePluto is demoted to a 'dwarf planet' by the International Astronomical Union.ScienceOfficial naming of element 111, Roentgenium (Rg).ScienceNASA reveals photographs taken by Mars Global Surveyor suggesting the presence of liquid water on Mars.MedicineIn Scotland the prohibition of smoking in all substantially enclosed public places comes into force.MedicineThe last Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) is decommissioned by the United States Army.InventionsApple_inc. is granted the patent to their revolutionary device, the iPod. (patent # D516,576)TechnologyThe 1 billionth song was downloaded on ITunes; the song was "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay.TechnologyMicrosoft's official support of Windows 98 and Windows Me ends.TechnologyNintendo launches the Wii. | Arts and LettersStolen on August 22, 2004, Edvard Munch's famous painting The Scream was recovered from a raid by Norwegian police. The painting was said to be in a better-than-expected condition.Arts and LettersThe Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, perhaps the leading regional theatre in the country, moves into its new home, a building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel to “create a link with the history of the city.” The building deliberately resembles aging factories and grain silos along the Mississippi River.IdeasEnglish-language “Wikipedia” reaches its one millionth article, Jordanhill railway station. | Bush, LauraLaura Welch Bush (1946-) receives an award from the Kuwait-American Foundation honoring her dedication to improving the living conditions and education of children around the world.Clinton, HillaryHillary Rodham Clinton (1947-) is re-elected to her second term as junior Senator from New York.Ford, BettyGerald R. Ford ( 1913-2006) dies at home in California at the age of 93. | EconomicsWestern Union discontinues use of its telegram service.EconomicsDubai Ports World agrees to postpone its plans to take over management of six U.S. ports after the proposal ignited harsh bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill.EconomicsThe world's estimated population reaches 6.5 billion.EconomicsConstruction begins on the Freedom Tower for the new World Trade Center in New York City.EconomicsThe Dow closes above 12,000 for the first time.EconomicsUnited States population reaches 300 million people.EconomicsAmerican Money: The new $10 note features subtle shades of color and symbols of freedom--colors are orange, yellow and red, along with images of the Statue of Liberty's torch and the words "We, the People" from the U.S. Constitution.DiscoveryThe New Horizons probe is launched by NASA on the first mission to Pluto.DiscoveryFinal contact attempt with Pioneer 10 by the Deep Space Network. No response is received.DiscoveryLiquid water is discovered on Enceladus, the sixth largest moon of Saturn.DiscoveryMars Reconnaissance Orbiter arrives at Mars.DiscoverySpace Shuttle program: STS-121 Mission - Space Shuttle Discovery launches at 18:37:55 UTC.Daily LifeA powerful Nor'easter Winter Storm blankets the Northeastern United States dumping 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington DC up to Boston, Massachusetts. The storm dumped a record 26.9 inches of snow in New York City.Daily LifeThe largest string of firecrackers ever assembled is ignited in Buchanan, Wisconsin. It contains an estimated 10,500,000 firecrackers.Daily LifeThe Louisiana Superdome reopens after 13 months of reconstruction due to Hurricane Katrina.Daily LifeAn explosion in a coal mine leads to the death of 12 of 13 miners in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster in West Virginia. | Sports The XX Olympic Winter Games open in Turin, Italy.Sports The only successful drop kick in the last sixty years in the NFL was Made by Doug Flutie, the third-string quarterback of the New England Patriots, against the Miami Dolphins for an extra point after a touchdown pass by second-string quarterback Matt Cassel.Sports The Harlem Globetrotters extend their overall record to 22,000 wins.Sports Andre Agassi retires after winning 60 career titles.Sports 'Black Athletes: Olympic gold medalist (winter games; individual): Shani Davis (1982-…) wins gold medal for 1,000 m speed skating.Popular CultureThe Rolling Stones made the largest show open to the public of the world in Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 1.3 million people went to the show.Popular CultureThe Al Jazeera English global 24h news channel is launched.Popular Culture"The Phantom of the Opera" surpasses the record set by "Cats" for the title of longest running show on Broadway. | ReligionPope Benedict XVI adds 15 men to the College of Cardinals, in the first consistory of his Pontificate.ReligionKatharine J. Schori Is elected Presiding Bishop of the Episocpailiam Church USA.Social IssuesAbortion: South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signs a bill into legislation that would ban most abortions in the state.Social IssuesPeace Corps: Now, the Peace Corps are trying to double the number of volunteers it sends abroad by 2007. This is in accordance with Bush's (1946- ) request in 2002. ReformHuman Rights Movement: The United Nations General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to establish the UN Human Rights Council.ReformGay Rights Movement: South Africa becomes the fifth country, the first in Africa, the second outside Europe, and the first republic to legalize same-sex marriage. |
2007 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsSome 3,700 people attend the state funeral for President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006)in Washington, D.C.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Nancy Pelosi is elected Speaker of the House, by a vote of 233-202, making her the first woman to hold the leadership post. | ScienceA three-year study by the influential Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says global warming is very likely caused by human activity—specifically the emission and buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Report also says that the rise in temperatures and rising seas can be curtailed with quick action. InventionsThe iPhone is invented by Apple. | EducationChildren's Books: J. K. Rowling publishes the seventh and last of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows."EducationWomen's firsts: The Board of Overseers votes to name Drew Gilpin Faust, a historian, as the university’s first female president in its 371-year history. | | EconomicsAmerican Money: The U.S. Mint issues a new dollage coin. The first one features President Washington. The Mint plans to introduce a new dollar coin four times a year, one for each president of the United States, from Washington to Ford. EconomicsVietnam becomes the 150th member of the World Trade Organization.DiscoveryThe Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-117, begins its mission. Daily LifeThe Nobel Peace Prize 2007 was awarded jointly to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change" | Sports Baseball: The Boston Red Sox win the World Series for the second time in four years, defeating the Colorado Rockies four games straight. | |
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