LAWS & TREATIES : Sheet1A B C

1 DATE DESCRIPTION

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1493 Treaty of Tordesillas

Under the direction of the Roman Catholic Pope, this treaty between Spain and Portugal established the demarcation line in the New World between their two territories. Gave Brazil to Portugal, rest of Latin America to Spain. Other European countries ignored this agreement in settling New World.

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1620 Mayflower CompactBlown off source from their authorized destination in Virginia, the Pilgrim settlers and their non-religious associates agreed on shipboard the terms of colony; established a foundation for orderly government based on the consent of the governed.

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1639 Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

First written constitution in America. Provided for representative government

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1649 Act of Religious Toleration

In Maryland colony, Lord Calvert approved Act guaranteeing political rights to Christians of all persuasions. Used to establish political rights for minority Catholics in Maryland, though they were always outnumbered by Puritans.

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1651 Navigation Acts

Foundation of England's worldwide commercial empire. Meant to capture a monopoly of trade in North American colonies. Stipulated that trade was to be carried only on ships made in England or America with at least 75% British or American crews. Later, certain "enumerated" goods were to be shipped only to British ports. Almost nothing could be imported to America without first going through British ports. Based on "mercantilism": national wealth and power maximized by maximizing exports and minimizing imports; wealth based on national gold reserves.

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1662 Half-Way Covenant

Puritan response to the declining numbers of "Saints" who had authentic conversion experiences and were eligible for full church membership. Puritan clergyman proposed to deal with the children and grandchildren of the "Saints" who were more concerned with making a living and wealth than with religion. A "halfway membership" in church allowed for those who had not had the "born again" conversion experience normally required for Puritan church membership so that their children could be baptized in the church.

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1763 Proclamation of 1763

After their defeat of the French and Pontiac's Rebellion, the English crown prohibited colonial settlement west of the crest of the Appalachian Mountains in order to limit conflicts between settlers and Indians. Created resentment in financial elites who were speculating in land and in younger generation eager for land of their own.

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1763 Treaty of Paris

Resolved French & Indian War. Britain gained all of Canada and all of North America to Mississippi River. France kept Caribbean island colonies for sugar trade, but lost all North American colonies. Absence of French enemy emboldened colonial population.

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1764 Currency ActBritish Crown forbade the colonies to issue own paper currency and told to pay all their debts to British merchants in gold or silver.

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1764 Sugar Act

In order to raise revenue to help defray the costs of the French & Indian War and the cost of continued defense of colonies against Indians, Britain taxed sugar imports to America. Violators were tried in unsympathetic admiralty courts without benefit of jury trials or due process.

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1765 Quartering Act To economize costs of housing soldiers, British Crown forced the colonists to quarter British troops in their homes.

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1765 Stamp Act

In the first British direct tax on Americans, who were required to purchase in gold or silver revenue stamps on everything from newspapers to legal documents. Sparked vigorous protest from Americans, who convened the inter-colonial Stamp Act Congress and organized boycotts of British goods that forced British repeal in 1766.

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1766 Declaratory Act As the British repealed the Stamp Act, this Act made clear to the colonists their authority to tax Americans without their consent.

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1773 Tea Act

In order to recapture the American tea market that had been lost to cheaper Dutch tea, the British Crown awarded the East India Company the exclusive right to be only agent for tea sales in U.S. Tea would be taxed and revenues go to British government. Boston Patriots organized Tea Party that sumped millions of pounds worth of tea into the Boston harbor, British Criwn issued Coercive Acts in response.

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1774 Declaration of Rights and Grievances

First Continental Congress petitioned King George III for a redress of wrongs, especially for repeal of Intolerable Acts. In Virginia, Patrick Henry courageously declared, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

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1774 Intolerable Acts/Coercive Acts

In response to the provocation of the Boston Tea Party, the British Crown passed the following: 1) Boston port closed; 2) Crown-appointed Massachusetts governor's powers expanded at expense of Massachusetts legislature; 3) Justice Act: Crown officials accused of crimes tried in Canada or England; 4) Quartering Act: Boston residents must quarter General Gage's occupying troops. Rest of colonies sympathized with Massachusetts’ plight; agreed to meet in Continental Congress to discuss strategy.

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1774 Quebec Act

After the French & Indian War, the British Crown extended borders of Quebec and its Roman Catholic faith to Ohio River and set up non-representative Quebec government. American colonists, almost entirely Protestant, were threatened by this ominous expansion of Roman Catholicism in western territories where they untended to settle.

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1775 Olive Branch Petition

In a last ditch effort to head off war with Britain, the Second Continental Congress begged King George III to intercede with Parliament to restore peace after the battles at Lexington & Concord & Bunker Hill. King George ignored their petition and declared the colonies in a state of rebellion.

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1775 Prohibitory ActBritish Crown declared the colonies were in rebellion and no longer under King's protection, convincing the neutral fence-sitters to support the separation from Britain.

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1776 Declaration of Independence

The Second Continental Congress declared its reasons for separation from Britain based on human rights and a "long train of abuses", intending to boost colonial morale and to convince France of the seriousness of the American intention to achieve total independence.

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1778 Treaty of Alliance

After the American victory over British regulars at Saratoga, the French Crown offered military and ecomomic assistance to the American Patriots,agreeing not to sign separate peace treaties. French military aid turned oit to be indispensable to U.S. success, especially at Yorktown.

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1781 Articles of Confederation

America’s first constitution, in effect from 1781 to 1787. Achievements: 1) won American Revolution; 2) negotiated treaty of Paris; 3) passed Northwest Ordinances. Weaknesses: 1) No executive branch; 2) only one house in Congress; 3) equal representation of all states; 4) no power to tax citizens directly; 5) no power to regulate interstate commerce; 6) almost impossible to amend the Articles.

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1783 Treaty of Paris

Settlement of American Revolution: 1) US recognized as independent nation by European powers; 2) Mississippi River western boundary; 3) northern Florida southern boundary; 4) Britain retained Canada, but surrendered Florida to Spain; 5) Private British creditors free to collect debts owed by US citizens; 6) Congress to recommend to states to restore confiscated loyalist property

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1784 Northwest Ordinances

Several ordinances passed by first Confederation Congress included: 1) territorial government; 2) orderly system for each territory to progress to full and equal statehood; 3) orderly surveying and distribution of land ownership in six mile-square, subdivided into 36 one-square mile sections, one of which should be set aside for education; 4) bill of rights for settlers; 5) prohibits slavery north of the Ohio River. Most important acts of Congress under the Articles of Confederation.

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1789 Judiciary Act of 1789

Completes the judicial structure outlined in Article III of Constitution. Provides for Supreme Court with six justices and invests it with the authority to rule on constitutionality of state laws. It was to be interpreter of the "supreme law of the land". Establishes a system of district courts to serve as courts of original jurisdiction, and three courts of appeal.

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1790 Report on Public Credit

Secretary of Treasury Hamilton's report proposed funding of national debt at face value, federal assumption of unpaid state debts, and the establishment of a national bank. Provoked passionate debate on legitimate powers of federal government.

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1791 Bill of Rights

Not included in the original Constitution, Anti-Federalists held out ratification until supporters agreed to add a Bill of Rights to it in the First Congress. Madison agreed and drafted ten amendments to be added. The most important was the First Amendment, stating that Congress could not restrict freedom of speech, assembly, or the practice of religion. The others protected the rights of defendants to fair trials and due process of law, amongst other common law rights inherited from British practice.

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1791 Report on Manufacturers

Hamilton's proposal for extensive federal stimulation of industrial development through subsidies and tax incentives funded by excise tax on whiskey distillers and tariffs on imports. Hamilton aimed to make the U.S. a great commercial nation; Jefferson aimed at a great agrarian nation.

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1793 Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington, deploring violent division of public opinion in US over French Revolution and Great Britain, urged Americans to be impartial toward warring nations. Feared US compliance with 1778 Franco-American Treaty of alliance would make us enemies of the British, who were at war with France.

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1794 Jay's Treaty With Britain

Attempt to settle conflict at sea created by British war with Revolutionary France and English agitation of Indians near western US borders: 1) GB withdraw troops on western border; 2) agreed to arbitration commission to settle British financial claims on Americans. Very unpopular treaty. Many believe Jay "sold out" American interests. American debtors to English banks and merchants were hoping not to have to pay their debts.

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1795 Pinckney's Treaty With Spain

Spain agrees to open Mississippi River to American trade through New Orleans

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1796 Washington's Farewell Address

Urges unity for nation, hostility to "spirit of party and faction", and avoidance of entanglement with European conflicts; focus on internal development.

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1798 Alien & Sedition Acts

In an effort to silence Adams administration critics of impending conflict with France, Congress passes Alien Act: lengthens time necessary to become citizen and made it easier to deport recent immigrants critical of government; Sedition Act: made public criticism of government a felony. Several Republican newspaper editors jailed for criticizing Adams.

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1798 Kentucky & Virginia Resolves

Basing themselves on the "state-compact theory" of the Constitution, Madison and Jefferson convince state legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia to claim that states have the right to "nullify" acts of Congress with which they disagree.

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1803 Marbury v. MadisonSupreme Court case which established it as the final authority to rule on Constitutionality of federal laws, known as judicial review; John Marshall’s most important decision since it established the power and legitimacy of the SCOTUS in the federal government

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1807 Embargo of 1807

In a courageous, though widely unpopular move, to avoid war with Britain, Jefferson forbids all American ships from leaving America to trade with Europe. This was to prevent impressments of American sailors and seizure of American ships and cargo by British navy. A long and severe economic depression results.

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1810 Fletcher v. PeckMarshall decides that legal contracts are almost totally binding and cannot be wiggled out of by trying to change the laws later. Reflects Marshall’s pro-business judicial philosophy.

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1814 Hartford Convention

New England Federalists, frustrated by the War of 1812's disproportionate impact on New England, meet at Hartford to discuss nullification and even secession if their interests are not recognized by national government. Since victory at New Orleans and Treaty of Ghent follow soon after, it becomes a dead issue. Federalists are discredited as political power and swiftly decline.

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1814 Treaty of Ghent Treaty ending War of 1812; provides for resumption of boundaries before war

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1816 Protective Tariff First protective tariff in US history passed to protect newly born US industries from British imports

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1817 Rush-Bagot Agreement

US & GB: 1) disarm the Great Lakes; 2) later extended along entire 49th parallel border between US and Canada.

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1819 Adams-Onis Treaty Agreement between US and Spain to sell Florida to US and extend Mexican border to Pacific Ocean

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1819 McCulloch v. Maryland

Marshall decides that the state of Maryland cannot tax a federally chartered corporation (US Bank) within its borders; “the power to tax is the power to destroy.” US Bank is constitutional. Establishes supremacy of SCOTUS over state laws.Example of John Msrshall's economic nationalism.

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1819 Dartmouth College v. Woodward

US Supreme Court upheld the original charter of the college against New Hampshire's attempt to take over the college. Marshall ruled it was protected under the contract clause of the Constitution; set precedent of support of contracts against state interference

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1820 Missouri Compromise

Debate over Missouri’s application for admission reveals frightening sectional split in U.S. over slavery issue. In order to balance the number of slave states represented in the Senate with non-slave states, Missouri is admitted as a new state carved out of the Louisiana Purchase as a slave state paired with Maine, carved out of Massachusetts, as a non-slave state. Southern boundary of Missouri—36 degree, 30' North—to be the northern limit to slavery in the Louisiana Territory.

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1823 Monroe Doctrine

American statement in Monroe's State of the Union address to Congress that the Western Hemisphere is "off-limits" to European powers. Issued to prevent European powers, especially France and Great Britain, from poaching former Spanish colonies right after they declared their independence from Spain.

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1824 Gibbons v. OgdenSCOTUS (Marshall) ruled that federal law is superior to state law when they conflict; Congress has ultimate power over interstate commerce

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1828 "Tariff of Abominations"

Western and northern congressmen pass high tariff rates on raw materials and manufactured goods. Southerners find it hateful.

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2/1/1831 Cherokee Nation & Worcester decisions

SCOTUS rules that Indian nations are under the authority of U.S. Constitution and federal government, not state governments; Georgia cannot legislate for Cherokee tribes and deprive them of their land; Andrew Jackson: “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it”--pointing out the weakness of the judicial branch compared with the executive, who has command of the armed forces.

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1832 Nullification Crisis

Jackson and Calhoun split over the right of the federal government to raise tariffs for national revenue even when these might harm a particular state's economy, e.g. South Carolina's. Calhoun claimed that individual states had the rightful power to cancel/nullify/ignore federal laws if the state legislature deemed them harmful to that state. Jackson's "Force Bill" authorized him to use federal troops to enforce federal laws. Henry Clay passed a compromise gradually lowering tariff on imports. South Carolina backed down.

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1836 Specie Circular

Part of Jackson's war on the National Bank, required payment for public land in hard money(=gold), no more paper or credit. Depression of 1837 follows quickly as "land speculation bubble" explodes without continuous supplies of paper money to sustain it.

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1837 Charles River Bridge case

Taney ruled that community has the right to change the terms of a contract for the sake of the public good; modified Marshall’s earlier absolute right of contract stance

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1842 Commonwealth v. Hunt

declared that labor unions were lawful organizations and a strike was a lawful process in labor protests

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1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty

Treaty settling several disputed issues between US and Great Britain: 1) Maine-Canada border settled; 2) British promise not to interfere with recapture of escaped slaves on British vessels; 3) both countries promise to patrol African coast to prevent slave-trading.

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1845 Annexation of TexasPresident Tyler secures annexation of Texas through joint resolution of Congress, not a treaty requiring 2/3 Senate approval—which northern opposition would have blocked. Triggers Mexican War.

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1846 Oregon Treaty Canadian-US border established at the 49th parallel all the way to Pacific. U.S. abandoned ambition for 54 degrees, 40' border.

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1846 Wilmot Proviso

Proposal by Congressman David Wilmot (Democrat from PA) to ban slavery in any US territory acquired from Mexico. Reveals sectional division over extension of slavery. Passed in the House, but failed to pass U.S. Senate. Bitter divide over Provido revealed deep sectional quarrel over morality of slavery.

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1848 Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

Treaty settling Mexican-American War: 1) Mexico cedes territory north of Rio Grande for $15 million and U.S. assumption of $3+ million in debts owed by Mexico to American citizens. Increased size of US by 1/3.

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1850 Compromise of 1850

In an attempt to settle the controversy over the extension of slavery to the new territories acquired from Mexico, several laws are passed: 1) California admitted as a free state; 2) land dispute between New Mexico and Texas settled in New Mexico's favor; 3) New Mexico & Utah territories not reserved for slavery, popular sovereignty will decide issue as territories organize for statehood; 4) slave trade—but not slavery—will be abolished in Washington, D.C.; 5) tougher Fugitive Slave Law; 6) Congresses gives up claim to regulate interstate slave trade; 7) Congress promises not to abolish slavery in Washington, D.C. Clay’s original Omnibus Bill--requiring true compromise--given up for Stephen Douglas’ piecemeal approach.

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1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act

In an effort to secure the choice of Chicago as the railhead for the proposed transcontinental railway, Stephen Douglas of Illinois agreed to let popular sovereignty decide whether Kansas will enter US as slave state. This is a repeal of the Missouri Compromise of 1820 that prohibited slavery in all territories north of Missouri’s southern border. This alarms Free Soilers and the Republican Party is born.

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1857 Dred Scott v. Sanford Taney ruled that Dred Scott was not a citizen and therefore could not sue in court; he was not a free man just because he lived in a free state or territory; Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in a territory based on the 5th amendment, thus voiding the

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Missouri Compromise of 1820; “No black man has rights that any white man is bound to respect.” Only second use of judicial review over act of Congress.

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1857 Lecompton Constitution

Pro-slavery constitution adopted by one faction of Kansas settlers. National controversy over whether this group would be recognized by Congress as legitimate representatives of state. Kansas not admitted as a free state until Civil War.

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1861 Confederate Constitution

1) Slavery recognized; 2) protective tariffs prohibited; 3) single six-year term for president; 4) presidential line-item veto; 5) recognition of state sovereignty

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1862 Homestead ActLincoln and Republican Congress granted 160 acres of government land free of charge to any person who would farm it for at least five years, in order to encourage western settlement by common people.

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1862 Morrill Land Grant

Offered large amounts of federal land to states that planned to establish agricultural and mechanical colleges. Helped to found many of the large state universities in the Midwest and West. Part of Republican Party effort to expand opportunity for small farmers and business people.

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1863 Emancipation Proclamation

Acting under his authority as Commander in Chief, A. Lincoln issues an executive order freeing all slaves living under Confederate authority. Argued this act would weaken the Confederacy and strengthen Union forces. Slaves in captured territory or in the border states not freed by this act. Lincoln initially at least, "freed the slave where he did not have authority and where he had authority he did not free the slaves." But a very significant first step toward the eventual freeing of all slaves.

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1863 National Banking ActPassed to help facilitate expansion of credit during the Civil War. First issue of federal “Greenback” currency not backed by gold reserves.

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1865 13th Amendment

Before the end of the war, Lincoln pushed Congress and Union states to abolish slavery as an institution in order to complete and protect the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 from being overturned by Confederate states after they rejoined the Union. Passing it as a constitutional amendment secured the abolition of slavery everywhere and for all time.

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1865 Freedmen's Bureau

Federal office established in conquered South to help newly freed slaves cope with the practical difficulties of life as well as helping with medical care and elementary literacy instruction. Negotiated labor contracts between freedmen and white landowners and former masters.

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1865 Presidential Reconstruction

Ex-confederate states could rejoin Union if at least 10% of voters (except high CSA officials) take a loyalty oath to Union and accept the end of slavery. Radical Republican-dominated Congress refused to seat representatives elected under this plan.

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1865 Wade-Davis BillCongressional Reconstruction plan: 1) 50% of states' voters had to swear an "ironclad" oath of present and past loyalty to Union; 2) impossible to fulfill unless blacks given the vote. Lincoln "pocket vetoes" bill.

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1866 14th Amendment

To prevent A. Johnson from vetoing or refusing to enforce Civil Rights Act, Congress passed 14th Amendment: 1) defines US citizenship (cancels Dred Scott ruling of SCOTUS); 2) forbade states to deny its citizens due process of laws or equal protection of laws; 3) reduces representation in Congress to those states who do not permit ex-slaves to vote 4) forbade payment t of CSA debt; 5) former CSA officials forbidden to hold office

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1866 Ex parte MilliganCivil War ruling; SCOTUS declared that suspension of habeas corpus was legal, but civilians arrested under it should be tried in civilian courts not military courts

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1866 Civil Rights ActPassed over Johnson's veto, sought to weaken Black Codes. Gave blacks equal rights with whites and authorized use of federal troops for enforcement.

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1867 Military Reconstruction Act

Divided the South into five military districts ruled by military governors with almost dictatorial powers; required Congressional approval of new state constitutions guaranteeing equal rights for blacks and acceptance of 14th amendment.

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1867 Tenure of Office ActInfuriated by Johnson's obstructionism, Congress passed a law requiring Johnson to get Senate approval before removing government officials. Used to impeach Johnson.

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1868 15th Amendment

Grants male ex-slaves the right to vote as full citizens in all elections. Unpopular in North, passed 3/4 of state legislatures only with approval of southern states. Disappoints female suffragettes who campaigned for women’s right to vote, too. Leaves open other grounds for denying right to vote: literacy tests, payment of taxes, legal status (felon).

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1875 Specie Resumption Act

Called for resumption of specie payments (gold to redeem paper currency). Led to long period of deflation, as quantity of gold does not keep pace with economic growth.

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1881 Pan American Union Created to promote trade and political stability in the Western Hemisphere

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1882 Chinese Exclusion ActDue to strong racist sentiment in West, Congress forbade Chinese immigration to US. Renewed several times and made permanent in 1902. First time an entire racial/ethnic group was barred entry into the U.S.

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1883 Pendleton ActIn effort to abolish the corrupt “spoils system” and professionalize government work, Congress established federal civil service reform so that government jobs are given to the most qualified as determined by civil service tests.

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1883 Civil Rights cases

a group of five similar cases consolidated into one issue for the SCOTUS to review. The Court held that Congress lacked the constitutional authority under the enforcement provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment to outlaw racial discrimination by private individuals and organizations, rather than state and local governments.

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1887 Dawes Severalty ActDivided Indian reservation land into 160-acre farms or 320-acre ranches; Indians who received land required to give up tribal practices and promised US citizenship. Attempt by US to break up tribal law and Indian custom of shared ownership of property.

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1887 Interstate Commerce Act

Anger at corrupt railroad tactics like price fixing, kickbacks, and discriminatory freight rates created demand for state regulation, but state laws were held unconstitutional. Federal law provided for a commission (ICC) to oversee rates, prohibit rebates and discriminatory practices, and require annual reports and financial statements.

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1890 McKinley TariffCovered agricultural and manufactured goods. Allowed president to retaliate against nations that discriminated unfairly against US goods and reward countries that opened their markets to US goods.

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1890 Sherman Antitrust Act

Corporate monopolies (trusts), which controlled whole industries, were subject to federal prosecution if they were found to be combinations or conspiracies in restraint of trade. Extended to cover labor unions and farmers' cooperatives as well as large business corporations. Passed to placate public clamor for regulation of monopolies. Little enforcement until Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency after 1901.

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1896 Plessy v. Ferguson

SCOTUS ruled that racial segregation was constitutional so long as services or facilities provided were “separate but equal.” Used as legal justification for Jim Crow laws for next 75 years until overturned in Brown decision in 1954, ending school segregation.

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1898 Teller Amendment Declaration that US war aims against Spain were based on future independence of Cuba, not its incorporation into the US

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1899 Open Door PolicyUS declaration that all nations should be allowed to trade in Chinese ports without preference. U.S. was afraid it would be shut out of lucrative China trade by other European nations who claimed extraterritoriality over ports of China.

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1899 Treaty of ParisSettled Spanish-American War: 1) Cuban independence; 2) ceding of Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to US for $20 million.

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1901 Insular cases

SCOTUS ruled on several cases growing out of Spanish American war; ruled that U.S. subjects did not have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens; “the Constitution does not follow the flag.” The U.S. officially an imperial power ruling other nations for U.S. benefit, not citizens’ benefit.

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1901 Platt Amendment

Provided that "independent Cuba" become an American protectorate of US: 1) allow US to preserve order on island; 2) forbade Cuba from making treaties with other nations; 3) forbade Cuba from borrowing from other countries; 4) leased Guantanamo Bay naval base for 99 years to US.

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1902 Conservation LawsSeries of laws favored by Teddy Roosevelt to create federal irrigation projects, national parks and forests, develop water power and establish National Conservation Commission to oversee nation's resources.

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1903 Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty

Granted US control of canal zone in Panama for $10 million + annual fee. Canal begun in 1904 and completed in 1914. Allowed U.S. naval and merchant vessels to sail quickly from Atlantic to Pacific Oceans.

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1904 Northern Securities Co. case

SCOTUS upholds constitutional authority of federal government to dissolve monopolies under the Sherman Antitrust Law

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1905 Roosevelt Corollary

US reserved right to intervene in internal affairs of Latin American nations to keep European nations from using military force to collect debts owed them. US eventually intervened in Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Cuba by 1905 as international policemen brandishing a "big stick".

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1905 Taft-Katsura Memo US and Japan agree to accept each other’s domination of Philippines and Korea, respectively.

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1905 Lochner v. New York

SCOTUS declared a New York law unconstitutional that limited the working hours of bakers on the basis of 14th amendment rights; upholds sanctity of contract between owners and workers; state has no right to regulate terms of contract; setback for Progressive legislation attempting to reform labor conditions for workers.

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1906 Hepburn ActGave legal teeth to ICC Act. Gave ICC power to set its own fair freight rates, extended regulatory power to pipelines, bridges, and express companies, and to require uniform accounting procedures.

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1906 Meat Inspection ActDue to public furor over Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle,”, Congress provided for federal safety and sanitary regulations and inspections in meat packing facilities.

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1906 Pure Food and Drug Act

Prohibited manufacture, sale, or transport of adulterated or fraudulently labeled foods and drugs.

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1907 Gentleman's Agreement with Japan

Japan agreed to restrict Japanese emigration of unskilled Japanese workers to US after many instances of racial discrimination against Japanese. U.S. promises NOT to limit Japanese immigration in exchange.

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1908 Muller v. Oregon

Brandeis brief for appellant based on sociological data, not legal precedent; upheld constitutionality of state laws regulating working hours for women. Set legal precedent for the “special status” of women workers, who the state claimed needed special protections. Not all feminist agreed and wanted a single standard for men and women. Progressives held that the special status of women enabled at least some workers to get protection.

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1908 Dollar DiplomacyTaft's policy of avoiding military intervention, especially in Latin America. US financial investments would encourage stability and reform. Few of the investments ever reached the masses.

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1910 Mann Act Forbade interstate prostitution—"white slave trade". Example of Progressive moral reform.

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1911 Lodge CorollaryIntroduced by Senator Lodge to prohibit investment in Latin America by non-European powers. Directed against Japanese investment in Mexico.

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1913 16th AmendmentProgressive income tax. Needed because the SCOTUS had overturned earlier federal income tax as unconstitutional. Allowed for financing of WWI just a few years later.

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1913 17th AmendmentElection of U.S. Senators by direct vote of people instead of by state legislatures in order to limit corporate influence on U.S. Senate. Progressive measure to widen democracy.

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1913 Federal Reserve ActProvided for national/regional organization of federal banks with power to issue currency and regulate bank activity in order to bring financial stability to economic growth.

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1914 Clayton Antitrust ActReforms Sherman Act and protected labor unions and farm cooperatives from prosecution; prohibited use of federal court injunctions in labor disputes unless absolutely necessary to protect the public.

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1914 Federal Trade Commission

Gave federal government power to investigate unfair business practices

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1916 Adamson Act Averting a Railroad strike in 1916, provided for 8-hour shifts for workers on interstate railroads

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1916 Owen-Keating Child Labor Act

Protected children in the workforce. Declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court in 1918 on grounds it interfered with power of states to regulate employment.

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1917 Espionage ActProvided for fines and imprisonment for anyone who made false statements that aided the enemy, incited rebellion in the military, or obstructed recruitment or the draft. Upheld by Supreme Court in Schenck v. US in 1919

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1915 Moral Diplomacy

Wilson insisted on “moral behavior” from foreign governments. When he didn’t get it, as in Mexico during its revolution, Wilson used coercion and military force to teach “diplomatic lessons” to the misbehaving countries. Wilson stood for democratic government and self-determination, as well as “open agreements, openly arrived at.”

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1918 Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's declaration of US war aims: 1) Open diplomacy; 2) freedom of seas; 3) freedom of trade; 4) arms reduction; 5) fair adjustment of colonial claims; next eight on settlement of various European issues; 14) League of Nations to peacefully settle future disputes.

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1918 Sedition ActForbade any criticism of the government, flag, or uniform, even if there were no detrimental consequences. Used to prosecute Eugene V. Debs. Upheld by Supreme Court in Abrams v. US.

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1919 18th AmendmentProhibition of sale, transport, distribution of alcohol. Later, 21st Amendment passed in 1933 abolished Prohibition as a failed “noble experiment.”

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1919 19th AmendmentWomen's suffrage; many western states had allowed women to vote for several decades before this passed. Women’s patriotic service in WWI cited as main justification.

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1919 Schenck v. U.S.

SCOTUS upheld the WWI Espionage Act; Holmes asserts that citizens cannot expect the same rights in wartime as peace. There is “no right to shout ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theater and cause panic. State is justified in curtailing citizens’ rights; if speech creates a “clear and present danger” to nation or other people, the government has the rightful authority to restrict, curtail, and punish it.

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1919 Versailles Treaty

1) League of Nations; 2) Germany found responsible for starting war; required to pay reparations and indemnities; German army and navy restricted to tiny defensive forces; Rhineland demilitarized buffer zone; 3) new nations in Eastern, Southeastern Europe, Middle East; German colonies become French, UK, or Japanese protectorates

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1922 Five Power Pact Signed at Washington Conference, reduced naval forces of US, UK, France, Italy, & Japan.

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1922 Nine Power Pact Upheld the Open Door Policy in China by binding parties to respect national integrity of China.

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1923 Adkins v. Children’s Hospital

SCOTUS declared minimum wage law for women unconstitutional because it restricted women’s right to contract their own terms of employment.

126

1924 National Origins Act of 1924

Set quotas at 2% of the number of foreign born persons of that nationality in the US in 1890, excluding all Asians; annual maximum of immigrants restricted to 164,000—down from the 1 million/year before WWI; immigration from Western Hemisphere not limited. Annual maximum lowered to 150,000 in 1927. Racist in intent to lower immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe.

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1926 Revenue Act of 1926

Under the advice of Andrew Mellon, Coolidge agrees to reduce basic income tax, abolish the gift tax, and cut the estate tax by 50%. Part of conservative “trickle-down” theory of economic growth: benefits to the rich “job creators” will trickle down to the rest of U.S. society.

128

1927 Kellogg-Briand Pact All major nations sign pact "outlawing war"—but no enforcement provisions.

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1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff

Passed in midst of Depression in order to "protect" US markets from foreign goods. Ended up in helping to intensify economic depression, since other nations retaliated against U.S. exports into their economies, putting even more U.S. workers out of work.

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1932 Norris-Laguardia Act1) Prohibits federal courts from issuing injunctions against striking workers, boycotts, picketing; 2) outlawed yellow-dog contracts

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1932 Reconstruction Finance Corporation

Hoover's attempt to end Depression; depended on "trickle-down" theory of economic growth; through loans and subsidies attempted to prevent the collapse of basic industries; "welfare for the rich". Bailed out Wall Street, not Main Street.

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132

1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act

US attempt to raise agricultural prices to achieve parity with industrial prices by reducing acreage under cultivation by: 1) voluntary curtailment; 2) cash payments/subsidies to those who left a percentage of land idle; to be paid for by: 3) processing taxes on mills, spinners, packers. Supreme Court declared unconstitutional on grounds that agriculture was intrastate and not interstate matter.

133

1933 Emergency Banking Relief Act

Part of FDR's "bank holiday"; gave additional funds to RFC and Federal Reserve; allowed Treasury to re-open sound banks.

134

1933 Glass-Steagall ActEstablished Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that insured deposits from bankruptcy of banks and separated commercial from investment banking in order to stabilize banks.

135

1933 National Industrial Recovery Act

Cornerstone to FDR's First 100 Days; sought to stabilize the economy by preventing extreme competition, labor-management conflicts, and over-production through economic planning by various government boards. Section 7a provided that workers had the right to join unions and bargain collectively. Declared unconstitutional in 1935 in Schechter v. US on grounds that Congress had delegated legislative authority to government boards under executive authority.

136

1933 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Work program for unempoloyed young men who agreed to live and work in government dormitories and work on public lands building roads, lodges, bridges, dams, etc. Their pay was sent home to their parents. Extremely popular with the public as productive, wholesome, and beneficial use of unemployed labor.

137

1933 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

An experiment in regional public planning; TVA built 20 dams in SE to stop soil erosion and flooding, improve navigation, generate electricity, and manufacture fertilizer—rehabilitate whole area under government direction. Criticized as “socialism” because it involved government ownership of business enterprise.

138

1934 Federal Housing Administration Act

Established FHA to insure low-cost mortgages for lower income home buyers

139

1934 Wheeler-Howard ActRestored Indian tribes as center of Indian life; allowed them internal governance over own affairs. Reversed Dawes Severalty Act of 19th century.

140

1935 Neutrality ActsAttempting to avoid the mistakes preceding WWI, Congress forbids all trade with belligerent nations; US ships forbidden to carry arms to belligerent nations, or US nationals to travel under the flag of belligerent nations

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141

1935 Social Security ActEstablished retirement plan for persons over 65 funded by tax on wages equally paid by employee and employer; also income for disabled, widows, and orphans.; unemployment insurance by states

142

1935 Wagner Act

National Labor Relations Act affirmed labor's right to unionize, prohibited unfair labor practices(blacklists, spies, company unions, discrimination against union members interfere in union operation), created NLRB to oversee fairness in labor-management relations. Responsible for sudden growth of unionism in 1930's and 1940's until Taft-Hartley.

143

1935 Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Employed people from the relief roles for 30 hours of work/week at pay double relief but less than private employment. About 2 million employed. Most projects were construction—streets, schools, hospitals, parks, airports, playgrounds; unemployed artists and writers also put to work on special creative projects.

144

1936 Schechter v. U.S.

"the sick chicken case"; SCOTUS declared the National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional on three grounds: That the act delegated legislative power to the executive; that there was a lack of constitutional authority for such legislation; and that it sought to regulate the businesses that were wholly intrastate in character. Last successful attempt by SCOTUS to block New Deal legislation as unconstitutional.

145

1936 Good Neighbor PolicyFDR's Latin American policy: 1) expanded our Latin American trade so as to combat the depression; 2) won Latin American friendship to unite Western Hemisphere against fascism and Germany.

146

1936 Neutrality Acts Prohibited any loans or credits to belligerents in order to avoid financial ties that led to WW I.

147

1937 Farm Security Administration

Loaned money to farmers to purchase farms, lease land, buy equipment.

148

1937 Neutrality ActsProhibits all sale of arms to either side of a civil war (Spain); allows cash and carry on own ships of nonmilitary goods to belligerents (UK)

149

1938 Fair Labor Standards Act

minimum wage law; $0.25/hour—> $0.40 and 40 hour week with time and a half for overtime. Workers in small business and nonprofits not covered. Finally prohibited child labor.

150

1939 Neutrality ActCash and carry of arms and loans to friendly belligerents (UK); US ships still forbidden to trade with belligerents or Americans to travel on belligerent ships

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151

1940 Selective Service and Training Act

First peacetime draft approved signalled that FDR had convinced Congress that war was approaching and the U.S. had better start preparing for it.

152

1940 Smith ActMade it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the government by force or to belong to an organization advocating such a position. Later used by Truman administration to jail leaders of American Communist Party.

153

1940 War Production Board

Directed conversion of industry to wartime production, granted essential industries priorities on raw materials. Part of several agencies created to run economy during World War II: Office of Price Administration, War Manpower Commission, War Labor Relations Board.

154

1941 Atlantic CharterUK and US describes post-war world based on self-determination for all nations; Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech & Expression, Worship; Freedom from Want, and From Fear.

155

1941 Declaration of War

December 7, 1941: "a day that will live in infamy"; FDR asks and receives a declaration of war against Japan the day after its surprise attack on Pearl Harbor kills over 3,000 American sailors and soldiers; Axis powers Germany and Italy declare war against the U.S. the following day. Beginning of WW II for Americans.

156

1942 Executive Order 9066Fearing Japanese subversion and espionage, FDR required all persons of Japanese ancestry in mainland U.S., including U.S. natural born citizens, to report to quasmilitary camps in rural, western U.S. for the duration of the war.

157

1942 Korematsu v. U.S.SCOTUS upheld constitutionality of wartime federal order detaining Japanese Americans in internment camps without legal hearings and due process

158

1941 Lend-Lease ActUS provided supplies to cash-poor UK to be paid for in goods and services after the war; US now a non-belligerent on Allied side.

159

1944 Bretton WoodsNH resort site of agreement establishing a World Bank and International Monetary Fund that provided the effective international financial structure for the extraordinary three decades of uninterrupted prosperity that followed WW II.

160

1945 Yalta Agreement

A conference of the Big Three (FDR, Churchill, & Stalin) held in Crimea, Sovirt Union, where the post-war organization of Europe was arranged; they agreed to a divided Germany occupied by four European powers, and democratic elections to establish self-government all European nations. Later Cold War critics would charge that FDR "sold out" Eastern Europe to Soviet occupation.

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161

1945 U.N. CharterGeneral Assembly composed of all member nations; Security Council composed five permanent members with veto powers and six rotating members with power to use force to compel compliance with U.N. decisions.

162

1946 Atomic Energy Commission

Established civilian control over nuclear power development and gave president sole authority over the use of atomic weapons in warfare.

163

1946 Employment ActEstablished three-member Council of Economic Advisors. Declared the government was committed to full employment and control of inflation. Reflected growing influence of Keynesian economic policies for federal government.

164

1946 President's Committee on Civil Rights

Truman's Presidential Committee on Civil Rights published its reports, "To Secure These Rights"—called for elimination of all aspects of segregation. In 1948, Truman banned racial discrimination in federal hiring and ordered desegregation of armed forces—though this was not carried out until outbreak of Korean War in 1950.

165

1947 Loyalty Review BoardTo combat charges of being "soft on communism", Truman established this board to review political loyalties and affiliations of government employees.

166

1947 Marshall Plan

Gen George Marshall proposed extensive program of economic aid and loans to all European countries in order to restore economic health and stability,avert Communist Party takeover in the weakest of these countries--Italy and France, and stimulate trade with the U.S.

167

1947 National Security Act

Truman established a Department of Defense uniting all military branches under one authority structure; National Security Council to advise president; Central Intelligence Agency to organize espionage and information gathering—>"national security state"; Joint Chiefs of Staff organizational structure to Armed Forces in Pentagon.

168

1947 Taft-Hartley Act

After Republicans gained control over Congress in 1946 elections, they attempted to roll back union gains under New Deal and WWII: 1) made "closed-shop" illegal—union membership not required for hiring, but "union-shop" permitted—new workers required to join unions after hiring; "open-shop"—no one required to join union at all; “right to work” law. 2) 80-day cooling-off period for strikers in key industries; 3) ended practice of employers collecting union dues; 4) forbade secondary boycotts; 4) forbade union contributions to specific political campaigns; 5) required anti-communist oath from union officers

169

1947 Truman Doctrine

Truman declared that the US must support free peoples who were resisting communist aggression. Used to justify aid to Greece and Turkey. Beginning of Cold War attempting to contain the growth of Communism. U.S. begins to assume role as world's policemen.

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170

1949 NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization. European allies & U.S. signed Cold War collective security pact against military threat of Soviet Union invasion of Western Europe or Turkey. Attack on one was regarded as an attack on all. Became foundation of U.S. postwar foreign policy.

171

1950 McCarran Internal Security Act

Required communist-front organizations to register with Attorney General. Prevented members from defense work and travel abroad. Passed over Truman's veto. Symptom of growing anti-communist hysteria.

172

1951 22nd AmendmentRestricts presidents to two terms + two-year or less balance of another president's term. Passed by Republicans determined to avoid a four-term president like FDR.

173

1954 Geneva Accords

Though the US did not sign, this agreement attempted to resolve the French withdrawal from Indochina. France, UK, USSR, & China agreed to the division of Vietnam into North & South along the 17th parallel. Elections, which never took place, were scheduled for 1956 to re-unite the country.

174

1954 SEATOSoutheast Asia Treaty Organization, modeled on NATO, attempted to bring non-communist nations together in a military alliance with US. Included only Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.

175

1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

SCOTUS reversed earlier “separate but equal” doctrine of Plessy case; declared legal racial segregation “inherently unequal”; orders school systems to integrate schools “with all deliberate speed.” Provoked southern protests and “massive resistance” campaign against enforcing ruling.

176

1956 National Interstate & Defense Highways Act

Authorized President Eisenhower to spend $26 billion dollars to construct a national, interstate highway system connecting all the major cities in the U.S. with four lane highways that bypassed urban areas and had limited access to local highways. Regarded as a cold war defense expenditure, on the theory that the U.S. needed an efficient way to transport men, trucks, and tanks across the country in case of an invasion. The single largest public works program ever undertaken, it was virtually complete by 1975. It was paid for through a national gasoline tax.

177

1957 Eisenhower DoctrineUS prepared to use force in the Middle East against communist aggression. Under this doctrine, US sent marines to Lebanon in 1858 to promote political stability during a change of governments. They left five months later.

178

1958National Aeronautics

and Space Administration (NASA)

Established to coordinate research and development, as well as civilian control of space.

179

1958 National Defense Education Act

In response to Sputnik disaster, US attempted to strengthen math and science education, foreign languages, education of gifted, loans and grants to students interested in teaching. Represented first effort by federal government to shape U.S. higher education.

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180

1959 Landrum -Griffin Act

After uncovering extensive evidence of corruption and racketeering in some unions, Congress passed: 1) secret and fair union elections; 2) bill of union members' rights; 3) financial reports from unions to federal government; 4) no strikes by competitors of recognized unions

181

1961 Peace CorpsNEW FRONTIER: Sent young volunteers to third world countries to contribute their skills in locally sponsored projects: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."—JFK Inaugural, 1961

182

1962 Alliance for ProgressNEW FRONTIER: JFK's aid and assistance program for Latin America intended to fend off any further communist takeovers like Castro's in Cuba in 1959.

183

1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Banned atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. Signed by all major powers except China and France.

184

1963 Gideon v. WainwrightSCOTUS overturns Gideon’s conviction on grounds that the state did not provide defendant with adequate legal counsel regardless of his ability to pay.

185

1963 Equal Pay Act Prohibited discrimination based on gender in wages and benefits.

186

1964 24th AmendmentGREAT SOCIETY: Prohibited poll taxes for voting. Needed to allow Congress to strike down all obstacles to voting with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

187

1964 Civil Rights Act

GREAT SOCIETY: 1) Outlawed racial discrimination by employers and unions; 2) established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce law; 3) eliminated remaining restrictions on black voting; 4) forbade discrimination in most places of public accommodation

188

1964 Economic Opportunity Act

GREAT SOCIETY: 1) established Job Corps; 2) community action programs; 3) work-study programs; 4) Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA)—"domestic Peace Corps"

189

1964 Tonkin Gulf Resolution

On suspect evidence of North Vietnamese attack on US naval vessels in Gulf of Tonkin off North Vietnamese coast, Congress authorizes direct involvement of US troops in Vietnam in combat, not just "advisory", roles. This is as close to a declaration of war as US came in Vietnam.

190

1965 Head Start GREAT SOCIETY: Provided federal money for pre-school education for poor

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191

1965Housing & Urban

Development Act(HUD)

GREAT SOCIETY: Provided more federal funds for low-cost housing for poor and rent supplements for low-income.

192

1965 Immigration Act of 1965

GREAT SOCIETY: Discontinued 1924 quota system. Based immigration on skills and need for political asylum. Source of immigration after: Latin America & Asia.

193

1965 MedicaidGREAT SOCIETY: Guaranteed health care for poor; part of LBJ’s plan to fulfill the goals of FDR’s New Deal of economic security for all Americans

194

1965 MedicareGREAT SOCIETY: Guaranteed health care for elderly; part of LBJ’s plan to fulfill the goals of FDR’s New Deal of economic security for all Americans

195

1965 Voting Rights Act GREAT SOCIETY: 1) Prohibited literacy tests for voting; 2) Attorney-General has enforcement powers;

196

1966 Traffic Safety Act Empowered the government to enforce minimum safety standards in the design and equipment of new cars

197

1966 Miranda v. ArizonaSCOTUS rules that convictions obtained by confessions of suspects without prior warning of their right to remain silent are unconstitutional. “Read him his rights!”--Miranda Rights.

198

1968 Civil Rights Act of 1968

GREAT SOCIETY: In aftermath of assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Congress passes "open housing" bill, barring racial discrimination in renting or selling homes.

199

1968 Kerner Commission Report

GREAT SOCIETY: President Johnson's Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders; in response to several summers of riots in urban black ghettos; "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal."

200

1969 Nixon DoctrineUS would cut back involvement with Asian affairs; keep military commitments, provide military equipment, but short of nuclear attack Asians will have to defend themselves .

201

1970 Clean Air Act Established federal control and monitor water pollution

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202

1970 Environmental Protection Act

As part of the emerging environmental movement, Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce laws regarding conservation, environment, and ecology.

203

1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act

Established federal rules of job safety and health and OSHA department to monitor compliance.

204

1971 NY Times v. U.S.SCOTUS ruled that the U.S. government could not prevent publication of “Pentagon Papers”; no “prior restraint” censorship powers.

205

1972 Consumer's Product Safety Act

Created a commission to oversee safety of toys and household items.

206

1972 New Federalism Nixon's plan for bloc-grants to states of federal revenue

207

1972Strategic Arms

Limitation Treaty (SALT)

US and USSR agreed to stop making nuclear ballistic missiles and to reduce the number of antiballistic missiles to 200 for each power

208

1973 Roe v. Wade

SCOTUS legalized abortion by ruling that state laws could not restrict it during the 1st trimester, based on 4th amendment rights of a person to be secure in their persons; violates fundamental “right of privacy” implicit in the Constitution’s other rights.

209

1973 War Powers ActPassed by Congress over Nixon’s veto, in reaction to perceived executive abuse of power in Vietnam and Cambodia invasions, required congressional approval of any commitment of combat troops by president for more than 90 days.

210

1974 U.S. v. Richard Nixon

In the midst of the Watergate scandal, SCOTUS ruled that President Nixon’s tapes of his White House conversations were not protected by “executive privilege” and that he had to turn them over to the U.S circuit court investigating allegations of presidential wrongdoing . Crucial separation of powers case that led to Nixon’s resignation later that year.

211

1978 Camp David Summit Meeting

Carter arbitrates peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, resulting in recognition of Israel's right to exist and the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

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212

1978 Bakke v. California Board of Regents

SCOTUS upheld constitutionality of affirmative action policies only in order to achieve “racial balance and diversity;” rejected racial quotas as unconstitutional violation of equal treatment.

213

1978 Comprehensive National Energy Act

Reacting to oil embargoes of early 1970's and rising cost of fuel and stagnant economy, Carter proposes: 1) using tax incentives to encourage production of domestic sources of clean fuels; 2) using tax incentives to encourage energy conservation and fuel efficiency for factories, homes, and cars.

214

1979 SALT IIUS and USSR set a ceiling of 2, 250 bombers and missiles for each side and established limits on warheads and new weapons systems. Failed to pass US Senate.

215

1982 Reagan DoctrineUS will support freedom fighters opposing leftists and Communist regimes. US aided contras in Nicaragua, and anti-Soviet guerilla fighters in Afghanistan and Angola.

216

1983 Economic Recovery Tax Act

REAGAN REVOLUTION: 25% tax cut across the board for all taxpayers; capital gains, gift, & inheritance taxes also reduced; Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) established

217

1986 Tax Reform Act of 1986

REAGAN REVOLUTION: lowered highest income tax rates from 50% to 28%; lowered corporate income taxes from 46% to 34%; removed many tax shelters and exemptions; six million poor families exempt from all income taxes

218

1990 Americans With Disabilities Act

Requires special facilities for disabled; special programs in school, "mainstreaming", and non-discrimination in hiring.

219

1993North American Free

Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

an economic pact linking Mexico, Canada, and US to open borders and markets in a free trade area; very controversial bill strongly opposed by American labor unions and environmental groups; Clinton signed as part of his “New Democrat”, pro-business ideology

220

1996 Defense of Marriage Act

Law passed by Republican Congress and reluctantly signed by Clinton in election year, defining marriage as “between one man and one woman.”

221

1996 Welfare Reform Act Federal government put cap on lifetime benefits for welfare recipients + stipulated job training & work requirements.

222

1999 Financial Services ModernizationAct

Repealed Glass-Stegall Act of 1933 prohibiting commercial banks from acting like an investment bank--investing depositor's money on speculative investments; also allowed insurance companies, pension funds, commercial banks, and investment banks to own each other. Many hold this law responsible for

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much of the financial crash of 2008.

223

2000 Bush v. Gore

Controversial SCOTUS decision in 2000 presidential election; even though Gore won popular vote, victory depended on winning Florida’s electoral votes; outcome so close that recount was mandated; SCOTUS overturns Florida state supreme court ruling allowing recounts in certain counties; after recount was halted, election decided in Bush’s favor.

224

2001 Patriot Act

After terrorist attacks on 9/11, Bush asked Congress for special investigative powers to detect and prevent terrorism before the attacks. Permitted significant expansions of government wiretapping powers without judicial warrants and “enhanced” interrogation techniques (“waterboarding”) that critics labeled torture.

225 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges SCOTUS requires all states to recognize the legality of same-sex marriage unions

226 2010 Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Established up system of national health care insurance--either through employer, or subsidized by Federal government, or expanded Medicaid coverage

227 2010 Citizens United v. FECSCOTUS allows unlimited political campaign donations from businesses and unions to so-called "super-PACs" who must not coordinate efforts with candidates' own election committees.

228