2. Put these events in order:
World War I
War of Independence
Great Depression
American Civil War
The start of expansion to the West
3. Native Americans
Before colonization, there were about
10 million people, in over 200 tribes.
By 1865, only 300,000 remained.
– forced off their land
– many died from diseases brought by the
colonists
4. American Character
American history has affected the
character of American people
Belief that anyone can be successful
– most people who came to America were
poor; some became very rich
Willing to take risks and try new things
– immigration to the “New World”
– travelling West to start a new life
5. In 1788, 13 colonies become the United States of America.
8. By 1837, new states have been created around the Mississippi.
9. By 1850, Oregon and California become states.
1843: One thousand people travel to Oregon
1848: USA wins Texas in the Mexican War
1849: California gold rush
1862: A new law gives free land to settlers
10. By 1912, all states except Alaska and Hawaii have been created.
11. Vietnam War (1964 - 1975)
Had a big effect on people:
– it lasted a long time (11 years)
– many Americans were hurt or killed
– America did not win the war
– horrible pictures on TV
As the war continued, anger in
America grew
– there were many protests
12. Other Wars
Other wars that America has been
involved in since World War II include:
– Korean War (1950 - 1953)
– Gulf War (1990 - 1991)
– Kosovo War (1999)
– Iraq War (2003)
13. Cold War
After World War II, there were two
superpowers: USA and USSR
– democratic USA, communist USSR
There was constant tension, but
never actual war:
– both built up their military power
– spied on each other
– provided money and support to groups
in Korean, Vietnam, Middle East, etc
14. America as a Superpower
After the USSR broke up in 1991,
USA became the only superpower.
There are still some powerful
countries in Europe and Asia.
But sometimes America tries to
ignore them.
– USA refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol
on greenhouse gases
– USA attacked Iraq without UN approval
Over the 25 years following the opening of the Oregon Trail, more than half a million settlers migrated along this road. There were already some settlers in Texas at the time of the Mexican War, but victory convinced even more settlers to go there. The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres to settlers for free (under certain conditions), and this was later increased, until eventually 640 acres were offered.
This is a well-known photo from the Vietnam War, children fleeing from a village bombed with napalm. [Note that some points on this slide are covered by the photo, but are visible when the slideshow is actually played].
About as many Americans died in the Korean War as the Vietnam War, but Vietnam is better remembered. Some have called the Korean War the “forgotten war”.