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. |
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. WarThe War Department amends Army regulations to make any violation of the federal prohibition law a military offense.WarFrance begins building the Maginot Line.WarLast Allied troops leave Rhineland. | 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 CultureBestseller “Cimarron,” is written by Edna Ferber (1885-1968). Popular CultureThe films “Blue Angel,” (Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992))and “All Quiet on the Western Front,” both win Academy Awards (Milestone).Popular CultureDashiell Hammett (1894-1961) writes “The Maltese Falcon." | |
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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 George Washington Bridge, extending from New Jersey to New York, is completed. TechnologyThe Empire State Building opens. | 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 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. Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Maxine Dunlap becomes first American woman to earn a glider pilot license. | 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. |
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. 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". 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. | 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.EducationLibraries: Howard University School of Divinity Library is founded.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. | | 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. |
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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 |
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.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. 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. |
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 |
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. GovernmentLeague of Nations: Meeting of the General Commission of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. | 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. |
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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. 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.GovernmentThe Social Security Act establishes a federal payroll tax to finance a cooperative federal-state system of unemployment insurance. 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 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. 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. | 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. |
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. | |
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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. |
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. |
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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 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.”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.”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. |
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. |
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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.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 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."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. |
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. |
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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 LifeWomen in England are no longer required to wear hats in law courts. Daily LifeDancing: The jitterbug is the most popular dance. 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 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. 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. | 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. |
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. | |
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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 CultureDizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) organizes an orchestra featuring the “bop” style of jazz.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." | 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. |
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. | ScienceThe Atomic Energy Commission is established. ScienceCarbon-12, and isotope is discovered. 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. |
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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. |
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. |
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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. | |
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. |
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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. | |
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. |
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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: 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. WarCold War: President Eisenhower (1890-1969) announces that the U.S. will not physically interfere in the affairs of countries behind the Iron Curtain. 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. | |
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.GovernmentU.S. signs pact with Nationalist China (now Taiwan).GovernmentThe Communist Control Act deprives U.S. Communists of rights enjoyed by other U.S. citizens. WarAmerica’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, is launched.WarSenate approves U.S. South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty. | 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. | |
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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.WarCongress authorizes the President to use force, if necessary, to protect Nationalist China against Communist attack. WarCold War: Federal employees who are “security risks” continue to be dismissed an ongoing policy since 1953. | 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. |
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. |
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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.MedicineWalter Grey Walter (1910-1977) invents the brain EEG topography (toposcope).MedicineVaccines: Albert Sabin (1906-1993) begins human trials on his oral polio vaccine.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. | |
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. |
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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. |
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 CultureAlfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) releases the suspense thriller, "Psycho." Popular 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 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. |
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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.” |
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. |
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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.”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. 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.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. |
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. GovernmentCivil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures voting rights and prohibits housing discrimination. 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. 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. |
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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.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. GovernmentCapital Punishment: The death penalty is abolished in Britain. 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.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.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.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. |
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. |
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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 CultureIra Levin (1929-2007) publishes "Rosemary’s Baby."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 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. |
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. |
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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.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. 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.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. | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: California adopts the nation’s first “no fault” divorce law, allowing divorce by mutual consent.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. |
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. |
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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.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.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. |
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.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.EducationLibraries: The Martin Luther King Memorial Library opens in Washington, replacing the old District of Columbia Central Public Library. | | 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: Women''s Rights Movement: The New York City Court of Appeals upholds a woman’s right to be an umpire in professional baseball. 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.” 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. |
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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.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. DiscoveryPioneer 11 is launched to fly by Jupiter and Saturn.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. |
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. GovernmentStamps: The first U.S. self adhesive stamp is issued.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. | 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. |
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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. | |
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. |
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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. |
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 |
GovernmentStamps: A new 15-cent stamp goes into use after its approval by the Postal Rate Commission. 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. GovernmentElectrification: Congress passes the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which spurs the growth of nonutility unregulated power generation. | ScienceThe Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University conducts controlled fusion experiments. ScienceChromosomes are discovered in parts of the cell other than the nucleus. 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. |
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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 |
GovernmentAyatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1900-1989) returns to Tehran after 15 years of exile; Iran is proclaimed an Islamic Republic.GovernmentDictator Idi Amin (1928-2003)of Uganda is overthrown.WarVietnamese forces capture the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing Pol Pot’s (1928- ) Khmer Rouge government.WarPakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1928-1979) is executed by the military.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. | 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. |
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. |
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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. |
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. | | 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. EconomicsThe AT&T Bell System telephone monopoly agreed to divest itself of 22 Bell System companies and split itself into seven “Baby Bells.”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. |
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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. |
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. |
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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. |
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. |
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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. |
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: 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.Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Olympic medalist (winter games): Debi Thomas (1967-…) wins the bronze in figure skating. 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. |
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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. |
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. | |
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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. |
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. 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. 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. 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. |
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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. 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.GovernmentCongress passes the Family and Medical Leave Act. 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. |
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. |
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