The United States of America is over two centuries old; saying it has loads of history would be an understatement. Among the long list of historical moments, some profoundly affected the nation. These moments shaped history, from the Declaration of Independence to the Twin Towers attack. We’ll highlight the unforgettable, pivotal moments in the history of America and their impacts.
Why do you think liberty is important to America?
The major highlight of the 1770s in America was undoubtedly the Declaration of Independence. You may have learned in your history class that the document, signed in 1776, legalized America’s independence. Well, the Declaration of Independence did more than that.
From the Boston Tea Party to the Valley Forge winter, the Declaration of Independence marked America’s quest for liberty. Once the document was signed, many events followed- centered around the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence catalyzed many revolutionary movements in America.
The retaliation that set records
During World War II, the United States joined the war on the side of the Allied Powers after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The aerial attack weakened the naval presence of America and killed over 2,000 people. America’s attack on Japan set a record.
In 1945, the United States of America dropped atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan. Although it was a necessary decision to prevent more destruction, it was the first time atomic bombs were used in warfare. Japan surrendered unconditionally in the end.
The giant leap the world won’t forget America for
On the 20th of July, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon. It was a huge success that people worldwide celebrated- millions watched the landing on TV.
Eight years before the Apollo 11 crew moon landing, President John F. Kennedy set a national goal to perform a crewed lunar landing and return to Earth. Not only was the goal achieved, but it also put America’s flag on the moon.
The movement that lasted for over a decade
You’re probably thinking about the civil rights movement- you hit the bullseye. The civil rights movement was a nonviolent campaign between 1954 and 1968. It began due to socioeconomic equality, racism, disenfranchisement, and segregation against Black Americans.
The nonviolent movement created a shift in how African Americans were regarded and treated. It resulted in new federal law protections for the civil rights of all Americans. Led by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, the movement ended segregation and Jim Crow Laws.
America ‘doubled up’ in terms of security
Generally, there has never been a time when America compromised on security. On the 11th of September, 2001, Islamist terrorists hijacked airplanes and crashed them into the Pentagon, the Pennsylvania countryside, and the World Trade Center. The attacks resulted in about 3,000 deaths.
The joint attacks made Americans feel less invincible. The part you probably didn’t hear is that the Pennsylvania crash happened because the crew members fought back after learning of the bigger attacks. The hijackers were probably heading to the Capitol building.
