3. SWANN V CHARLOTTE
MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS
Even after segregation was made
illegal, many predominately raced schools
remained due to societal reasons, shown
in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg
Schools. The district redrew attendance
zones, but it made no difference. Soon,
on behalf of six year old James Swann, a
case was brought forward. Schools soon
implemented racial quotas, busing
systems, and attendance zones. This was
important because it was a pressing civil
rights issue at this time that needed
involvement from the government to
make progress.
4. OPEC
The OPEC or Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries, raised to price of oil
dramatically. This along with stagflation in
the US led to the oil shock, a shortage of gas
nationwide. The OPEC stopped exporting to
the US entirely because they disapproved of
the US’s support of Israel. Gas prices rose
fast, resulting in lasting effects across
America and the increase of oil efficient
products. This is an important factor
contributing to the faltering economy during
the 70’s.
5. STAGFLATION
Stagflation came to light due to the economic
conditions in America. Stagflation is when
unemployment rate increases as well as
inflation, and business activity remains
stagnant. Stagflation was a result of Jimmy
Carter’s efforts, who increased government
spending and established voluntary wage in
hopes of boosting the economy, but to no
avail. This is an important term because the
economy in the 70’s was one of the main
domestic concerns. It effected everyone
nationwide.
6. THREE MILE ISLAND
The Three Mile Island power plant
experienced a nuclear meltdown in
Pennsylvania. This is the worst nuclear
accident in American history, resulting in
cancerous and life threatening disease for
miles around the incident as well as an
increase in infant mortality caused by
radioactive gases. This event is a very
important part of the 70’s because this is the
point where people began to realize the real
danger of nuclear power. At this time in the
Cold War, it was especially important not to
forget that other countries held this power.
7. PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON
Richard Nixon was the 37th United States
President during the first part of the 70’s. He
established biracial committees to
desegregate schools through the busing
system, made many strides in women’s rights
in the government, ended the military draft,
and pushed for environmental awareness
through the Clean Air Act, National
Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Water
Pollution Act. In his foreign policy, he signed
the Paris Peace Accords, developed a five year
cooperative program with the Soviet space
program, and visited China to promote
détente.
9. CHALLENGER ACCIDENT
In 1886, on the Challenger spacecraft’s
tenth mission, something went terribly
wrong. 73 seconds after liftoff, the
Challenger exploded and killed the 7
astronauts inside. This tragedy deeply
affected the nation as it became more and
more willing to fund space travel and
research. No one had expected this to
happen. Afterwards, NASA held off all
shuttle missions for another two years. This
was an important event because it shocked
the nation and costed millions of dollars.
10. AIDS EPIDEMIC
During the 80’s, the rise of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic met its peak. This was a newer
disease in America, and no one was prepared
for it. It was soon realized that this disease was
spread through unprotected sexual contact and
dirty syringes, among others. It also spread
through contaminated blood products in the
medical field. AIDS patients included blood
transfusion patients, extravenous drug users,
infants, and people of all sexualities. This broad
spectrum made it hard to research and pinpoint
the cure. This was important because it was a
nationwide panic, everybody knew about it and
was afraid of it. This affected a lot of America at
the time.
11. FALL OF BERLIN WALL
After WWII, the Berlin Wall remained in Berlin,
Germany as a symbol of war and communism.
The Wall was officially demolished after its
purpose became meaningless. East and West
Germany had finally merged. This was an
important event because of the wall’s
symbolism. Even Americans celebrated on
behalf of the Germans, as Germany could now
begin reunification.
12. TIANANMEN SQUARE
At this time, China was still a largely
communist country. After the death of Hu
Yoabang, a liberal reformer, students and
activists across China demonstrated their
mourning at Tiananmen Square in Beijing,
1989. In response to the grieving protestors,
Chinese military officials reacted by opening
fire on the crowd. Hundreds were killed, and
many more injured. This angered Americans,
who wanted to take action and respond to the
tragedy. We did not actually take any actions
against this display.
13. INF TREATY
Due to the nuclear activity in the US and
the USSR, something had to be done. The
INF Treaty, or Intermediate-Range Nuclear
Forces Treaty, was signed in 1987 as an
agreement between the US and the Soviet
Union. This treaty eliminated ground
ballistic missiles of a certain caliber. This
was a step in the right direction to end the
Cold War, and is the first treaty to actually
abolish nuclear weaponry rather than
create a limit.
15. OPERATION DESERT STORM
After Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq,
declared Kuwait a part of Iraq territory, the
US immediately took action in the form of
Operation Desert Storm, which led to the
Gulf War. Kuwait was a very important oil
reserve and the US did not want it in the
hands of Hussein. The operation and the
Gulf War itself were ultimately successful for
the US, raising the morale of the US army
after the Vietnam War. This was important
because it won Bush a lot of approval from
the citizens and gained dominance over
Hussein.
16. SADDAM HUSSEIN
Saddam Hussein was the president of
Iraq during the war in Iraq and the Gulf
War. During his time as president,
millions of lives were lost through war
and genocide alike. He was a vicious
leader and was eventually captured by
the US, found guilty, and hung. He is
an important figure because he was a
big threat to the United States, and
continued to be a threat after the 90’s
ended. He was a very powerful and
cruel leader, feared and hated by
majority of America.
17. COMPUTER REVOLUTION
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s,
computers began to become more
efficient, affordable, and popular. Soon
enough, in the 90’s it became common
for a family to have a home computer in
their offices. With the invention of the
internet and Microsoft, many new doors
were opened and computers finally
became practical for everyday use. This
was a great start for modern computer
technology since it became to popular.
This is important because it would
change basically our whole lives in many
ways.
18. BRADY BILL
This Act, officially in action in 1994,
exists to prevent violent gun use by
performing background checks when
guns are purchased. The act is named
after James Brady, a man shot and
injured during the Reagan assassination
attempt by John Minckley Jr in 1981.
This act also includes many guidelines
that the background checks must pass
in specific detail. This was a step
towards gun control in America.
19. CLINTON SCANDAL
After president Bill Clinton was found having
an affair with a White House intern named
Monica Lewinsky, it was brought to the
attention of the government and Clinton was
put on trial and impeached. When he went to
trial, Clinton denied all accusations and
pleaded innocent. Although he was known to
be guilty, he was acquitted by popular vote
of the Senate. He continued his term in
office, and even denies his guilt to this very
day.
