The Cold War, 1945-1993
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Contents
General |
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- Cold War From Spartacus Educational, this online encyclopedia contains biographies of political and military leaders and articles on issues, events, and organizations from the Cold War era.
- Cold War Museum Tour some virtual exhibit on the Berlin Wall, weaponry, and reconnaissance aircraft used or developed during the Cold War.
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Discusses the Cold War and the Minuteman II Defense System.
- Space Race From the National Air and Space Museum, this site explores the advancements in space flight and technology as a result of the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.
- "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Facts) History Summary from 1949-1989 Gives a brief summary of the events and the people mentioned in Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire."
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Harry S. Truman, 1945-1953VICE PRESIDENT
SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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HARRY S. TRUMAN
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- Harry S. Truman The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, and other resources about President Truman.
- Harry S. Truman Examines the story of Harry S. Truman from the National Park Service.
- Harry S. Truman Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources.
- Harry S. Truman: The 33rd President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman.
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site Explore the lives of President Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman and their home in Independence, Missouri with oral histories, online exhibits (see Truman's Tropical Sport Shirts), and more.
- Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum and Library Here you can get primary sources on events that took place during the Truman administration including civil rights, Korean War, and World War II.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Harry S. Truman: A Resource Guide The Library of Congress lists the digital materials in its collection relating to the Truman Administration.
- Harry S. Truman's Inaugural Address
- The Truman Doctrine The National Archives presents a digitized copy of his address before a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947 in which he proposed sending aid to Greece and Turkey to prevent the spread of communism.
HISTORIC EVENTS
- All About President Truman's Fair Deal of 1949 Discusses Truman's plans for social reform in 1949. Congress rejected most of his ideas, it did lead to the National Housing Act of 1949, a minimum wage increase in 1950, and paved the way for President Johnson's Great Society.
- Baseball and Jackie Robinson Contains a timeline of events and an essay about the signing of Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, from the Library of Congress.
- The Berlin Airlift Contains documents, photographs, oral histories, and audio files relating to the Berlin airlift between 1948-1952 from the Truman Library.
- Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces (1948) On July 26, 1948, President Truman signed this executive order desegregating the military and establishing the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services.
- For European Recovery: The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Marshall Plan In 1947, Secretary of State George C. Marshall came up with a plan to provide aid to Europe in the reconstruction after World War II and to help prevent the spread of communism. This site explores this program with international viewpoints of the program, a timeline of important dates, maps, and more.
- The George C. Marshall Foundation Presents a biography of George C. Marshall and his contributions to 20th century U.S. history, including the Marshall Plan.
- History of the CIA The Central Intelligence Agency provides a time line of its development.
- Labor Management Relations Act (Taft-Harley Act) Describes the Taft-Harley Act that Truman vetoed in 1947. Congress successfully voted to override his veto three days later.
- Marshall Plan (1948) On April 3, 1948, President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act of 1948 which is also known as the Marshall Plan after Secretary of State George C. Marshall who came up with the
- NATO The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded in 1949. On the official website, you can find out about NATO's history with a timeline, historic photos, videos, and documents.
- Press Release Announcing the U.S. Recognition of Israel (1948) On May 14, 1948, President Truman approved this press release announcing that the U.S. government recognizes the provisional government of Israel.
- September 23, 1952: Nixon's Famous "Checkers" Speech On September 23, 1952, Senator and Vice President candidate Richard Nixon gave a televised speech defending himself from accusations of improprieties relating of a fund. In the speech, he mentioned having a cocker spaniel given to him and his family hence the speech known as the "Checkers" speech.
- The Sinews of Peace (Iron Curtain Speech) Presents the full text of Sir Winston Churchill's speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on March 5, 1946.
- The Trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, 1951 Examines the espionage trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg where the two were accused of providing information about the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union.
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Korean War, 1950-1953 |
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- Armistice Agreement for the Restoration of the South Korean State (1953) The National Archives presents a digitized copy of the agreement that ended the Korean War on July 27, 1953.
- The Korean War Brings together maps of the Korean War including battles and campaigns, from West Point U.S. Military Academy.
- The Korean War Allan R. Millett summarizes the Korean War for high school students.
- Korean War Veterans Memorial Honors those who served in the Korean War.
- The Korean War Project Full of resources on the Korean War including KIA, MIA, POW databases, unit information, war records, and more.
- The Major Battles and Events of the Korean War Provides over twenty articles about the Korean War from its causes to the peace talks.
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953-1961VICE PRESIDENT: Richard M. Nixon
FIRST LADY: Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- Dwight D. Eisenhower The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, secret White House tapes, and other resources about President Eisenhower.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources about Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower: The 34th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Library The official site of Eisenhower's Presidential library in Abilene, Kansas. There's a lot of information about his life and his presidency.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial This memorial opened in Washington D.C. in 2020. Designed by Frank Gehry, this memorial celebrates the accomplishments of Dwight D. Eisenhower as a general and as a president.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Opened in 2020 on the National Memorial, this memorial honors the World War II general and U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas and lived in this home.
- Eisenhower Foundation Chronicles the life of President Eisenhower and provides teachers with lesson plans about D-Day and key events in his administration.
- Eisenhower National Historic Site Home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
- Eisenhower National Historic Site Virtual Museum Exhibit Explores the lives of Dwight D. Eisenhower--his military career and presidency--and his wife Mamie, their farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and much more.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Resource Guide Lists the online resources about Eisenhower and his administration available from the Library of Congress.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower's First Inaugural Address
- Dwight D. Eisenhower's Second Inaugural Address
- Eisenhower Doctrine On January 7, 1957, President Eisenhower proposed to a joint session of Congress what would be known as the Eisenhower Doctrine that would defend the Middle East from the spread of communism.
- Eisenhower Farewell Address (Full) Presents President Eisenhower's final televised address to the American people from the Oval Office.
HISTORIC EVENTS
- An Act of Courage: The Arrest Records of Rosa Parks On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat on the city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest lead to a bus boycott.
- Autherine Lucy The National Women's History Museum profiles Autherine Lucy and her struggle to be the first African American to attend the University of Alabama.
- Biography of Joseph McCarthy, Senator and Leader of Red Scare Crusade Tells the story of Senator McCarthy of Wisconsin who created a red scare when he started making accusation s of people in the State Department, and later the U.S. Army, were communists.
- Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site Located at the Monroe Elementary, a former all African American school, profiles the landmark case that challenged segregation in public schools.
- Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Trial A comprehensive look at the landmark decision that declared segregated schools as unequal.
- The Censure Case of Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin (1954) Discusses the actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy and his investigation of the U.S. Army which led to his censure in 1954.
- Civil Rights Act of 1957 Provides primary sources about the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 which gave the federal government the power to obtain court injunctions against voting right limitations.
- Emmett Till Murder Trials Explores the trial of Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam for the kidnapping and brutal murder of teenager Emmett Till in 1955.
- Executive Order 10730: Desegregation of Central High School (1957) On September 23, 1957, President Eisenhower issued this order that enforced the Supreme Court's ruling relating to the desegregation of schools, and sent troops to Little Rock to let nine African American students go to Central High School in Little Rock.
- Gayle v. Browder This case was about the segregation of the buses in Montgomery as Martin Luther King Jr. was leading the bus boycott. The U.S. Supreme Court ended up overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
- The Greensboro Sit-Ins This story map chronicles the college students who challenged segregation at a lunch counter in Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- History of the Interstate Highway System The Federal Highway Administration provides this interesting look at the history of the Interstate highways.
- Jonas Salk Profiles the scientist who developed the polio vaccine in the 1950s, Jonas Salk.
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Tells the story of nine African American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
- NASA History The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established when the National Aeronautics and Space Act was signed into law by President Eisenhower on July 29, 1958.
- National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (1956) President Eisenhower signed this act into law to develop the interstate system which was the biggest public works project in the nation's history.
- Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development has a great biography and timeline of the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus.
- Senate Resolution 301: Censure of Joseph McCarthy (1954) On December 2, 1954, the Senate voted to censure Senator Joseph McCarthy for his behavior while investigating communists in the government and the Army.
- Senator McCarthy and the Red Scare Discusses Senator Joe McCarthy and his investigations of Communists working in the government and in the Army and President Eisenhower's response to it.
- Sputnik From NASA, this site explores the Soviet launching of Sputnik on October 4, 1957 and the reaction to it in the United States.
- U-2 Overflights and the Capture of Francis Gary Powers Chronicles the May 1, 1960 incident when Soviets shot down an American U-2 plane flying over the Soviet Union capturing CIA pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
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John F. Kennedy, 1961-1963VICE PRESIDENT: Lyndon B. Johnson
FIRST LADY: Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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JOHN F. KENNEDY
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- John F. Kennedy The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, secret White House tapes, photos, and other resources.
- John F. Kennedy Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources.
- John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.
- John F. Kennedy National Historic Site The birthplace of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and where he spent the first few years of his childhood.
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum The official site to the Kennedy Library and Museum contains biographies of the president, his family, and even some of his staff. Be sure to check out the White House Diary where you can view Kennedy's daily appointment book and schedule.
- President John Fitzgerald Kennedy Gravesite Tells the story of Kennedy's burial site at Arlington National Cemetery.
- The Sixth Floor Museum The official site of the museum in Dallas, Texas about the life and death of President John F. Kennedy.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- John F. Kennedy: A Resource Guide Lists online resources from the Library of Congress about John F. Kennedy and his administration.
- John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
- Kennedy's Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights On June 11, 1963, President Kennedy addressed the nation on televison responding to the threats against the desegregation of the University of Alabama and asked Congress to enact voting rights legislation
HISTORIC EVENTS
- Aerial Photograph of Missiles in Cuba (1962) Contains the photographs taken by U2 spy planes of Soviet offensive ballistic missiles in Cuba which led to the Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962.
- The Bay of Pigs Invasion Summarizes Castro overthrowing the Cuban government and the failed attempt to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs.
- Berlin Wall Online Explore the history of the Berlin Wall with historic and present day photographs, a timeline, related links, and more.
- Cuban Missile Crisis Compiles a collection of primary sources (memos, transcripts, telegrams, minutes, reports, etc.) relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962.
- Cuban Missile Crisis Explores the events and people involved of the twelve day crisis when it was discovered that the Soviet Union was providing Cuba with missiles in 1962.
- Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962: The 40th Anniversary From the National Security Archives, this site has a lot of information on the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 including declassified documents, photographs, and audio clips of White House intelligence briefings.
- Executive Order 10924: Establishment of the Peace Corps. (1961) President Kennedy signed this executive order on March 1, 1961 establishing the Peace Corps.
- Gideon v. Wainwright Outlines the 1963 Supreme Court decision interpreting the Sixth Amendment requiring state courts to appoint attorneys to defendants who cannot afford one.
- Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr. Presents a draft of Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from jail in response to eight white religious leaders' public statement of concern and caution. There is also a link to an audio clip of Martin Luther King Jr. reading his letter.
- March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Discusses August 28, 1963 when 250,000 came to the National Mall to show support for civil rights and where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech, from the National Park Service.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I Have a Dream Speech Video of Martin Luther King, Jr. giving his "I Have a Dream" Speech on August 28, 1963.
- NAACP History: Medgar Evers Profiles the civil rights leader who was gunned down on June 12, 1963.
- Official Program for the March on Washington (1963) Contains a digital copy of the official program for March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream' speech.
- Peace Corps History On March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924 establishing the Peace Corps. This site provides a timeline of the history of the Peace Corp with images and videos.
- Project Mercury Chronicles NASA’s project that sent the first Americans up into space to meet Kennedy’s challenge to put a man on the moon at the end of the decade.
- Robert F. Kennedy's Life and Vision Profiles the life of Robert F. Kennedy who served as Attorney-General, U.S. Senator, and was assassinated while campaigning for President in 1968.
- September 30, 1962: James Meredith and the University of Mississippi The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery features James Meredith and his fight to become the first African American student at the University of Mississippi.
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Our History Tells the story of the first black Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, including the bombing on September 15, 1963 which killed four girls.
- Test Ban Treaty (1963) The National Archives presents the Limited Test Ban Treaty which was signed by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union on August 5, 1963.
- Transcript of John Glenn's Official Communication with the Command Center (1962) The National Archives presents the official transcript of John Glenn's historic manned space orbit of the Earth on February 20, 1962.
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Lyndon B. Johnson, 1963-1969VICE PRESIDENT
SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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LYNDON B. JOHNSON
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORICAL EVENTS
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- Lyndon B. Johnson The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, secret White House tapes, and other resources.
- Lyndon B. Johnson Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources on President Johnson and his administration.
- Lyndon B. Johnson: The 36th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park This national park includes President Johnson’s boyhood home in Johnson City, Texas and his ranch in Stonewall, Texas.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum Here you can read about the lives of Lyndon B. Johnson and his family and learn about his presidency. You can also view his daily presidential schedule.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Great Society Speech Provides a transcript of President Johnson's speech on May 22, 1964 in which he outlined his plans to form a "Great Society."
- LBJ Announces He Won't Run for Reelection: March 31, 1968 In a televised address, President Johnson announced to the American people he has decided not to run for reelection.
- Lyndon B. Johnson's Inaugural Address
- Lyndon Baines Johnson: A Resource Guide Lists online resources relating to President Johnson and his administration from the Library of Congress.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- Amendment XXV - Presidential Disability & Succession Explains the 25th Amendment which clarifies who takes over as President if he/she dies, is removed, resigns, or is temporarily disabled.
- The Assassination of Robert Kennedy Tells of the assassination of Robert Kennedy on June 5, 1968.
- The Beatles 1964 First Tour of the United States - The Photos and the Mania Chronicles the Beatles first tour of the United States in 1964 including their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show including pictures and videos.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services History Summarizes the history of Medicare and Medicaid which were established on July 30, 1965.
- Civil Rights Act - 1964 Examines the Civil Rights Act that was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964 ending segregation and prohibiting racial discrimination in public places, employment, and in education.
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Discusses the education funding law and the changes made to it after it was enacted.
- Great Society Describes President Johnson's programs in attempt to end poverty, reduce crime, abolish inequality, and improving the environment.
- The Great Society Congress Features the 89th Congress (1965-1966) which passed the Voting Rights Act, Immigration and Naturalization Act, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Water Quality Act, and more that made up of Johnson's Great Society.
- History of Head Start Project Head Start was established as part of the Great Society to help meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children in 1964.
- How the National Endowment for the Humanities Got Its Start Explains the origins of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act which establishing the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment of the Arts.
- Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” Discusses the numerous liberal programs begun during the Johnson Administration and his “War on Poverty.”
- Malcolm X Portrays the life and accomplishments of Malcolm X.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination Chronicles the assassination of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the arrest of James Earl Ray.
- Miranda v. Arizona Reports on the case where the suspect was interrogated without knowing all of his rights. Because of the Supreme Court's ruling in 1966 on this case, police now cite the Miranda Warning listing the accused's rights while making an arrest.
- Selma Movement Discusses the three marches that originated in Selma, Alabama to express the need for voting rights.
- Social Security Act Amendments (1965) Examines the act that was signed into law by President Johnson on July 30, 1965 establishing Medicare and Medicaid.
- 24th Amendment Presents the full text of that amendment that abolishes poll taxes and an interpretation of it.
- 25th Amendment The 25th Amendment which revised the succession of the president, was ratified on February 10, 1967.
- USS Pueblo Discusses the North Korean attack on the USS Pueblo on January 23, 1968.
- Voting Rights Act Profiles the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which was signed into law by President Johnson on August 6, 1965 prohibiting discrimination over who can vote.
- Warren Commission Report The official report from the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy which was chaired by Chief Justice Earl Warren. The report was submitted to President Johnson on September 24, 1964.
- Watts Riots Discusses the six days of rioting in an African American neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, which started with a routine traffic stop on August 11, 1965.
- The Whole World Was Watching: An Oral History of 1968 A collection of stories and interviews about the year 1968 including issues such as Civil Rights, politics, Vietnam, and Women's Rights. From South Kingstown High School and Brown University.
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Vietnam War, 1965-1974 |
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- April 30, 1975: The Fall of Saigon Discusses the American evacuation and the fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese in April, 1975.
- Battlefield: Vietnam This site from PBS takes a look at the Vietnam Conflict and includes a brief history, timeline, tactics, battles, and more resources.
- The History Place Presents The Vietnam War Provides detailed timelines from the causes of the conflict to its end.
- The National Vietnam War Museum
- Pentagon Papers The complete declassified text of a secret report on the Vietnam War commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in 1961. Portions of it was leaked to the press in 1971.
- The Tet Offensive Looks into the Tet Offensive, the North Vietnamese attack on Hue, and the aftermath of the assault.
- Tonkin Gulf Resolution This joint resolution passed by Congress on August 7, 1964, gave President Johnson the authority to increase U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
- U.S. Involvement in the Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive, 1968 Discusses the North Vietnamese attack on U.S. and South Vietnamese forces in January, 1968 which also turned public opinion in the United States against the war.
- The Vietnam Center and Archive From the Texas Tech University, this site provides information, including oral histories about the Vietnam War.
- The Vietnam War This site tells the story of the Vietnam War by using images.
- The Vietnam War From Digital History, this site provides links to primary sources, maps, timelines, and more.
- The Vietnam War West Point U.S. Military Academy gathers maps relating to the Vietnam War.
- The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick The companion website to the Ken Burns documentary that chronicles the Vietnam War. Includes an episode guide, music, teachers' resources, and other resources.
- What Really Happened on 16 March 1968? What Lessons Have Been Learned? A Look at the My Lai Incident Fifty Years Later Investigates the My Lai Incident and the court martial of First Lieutenant William L. “Rusty” Calley, Jr.
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Richard M. Nixon, 1969-1974VICE PRESIDENT
SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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RICHARD M. NIXON
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- Richard Nixon The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, secret White House tapes, and other resources.
- Richard M. Nixon Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources relating to Richard Nixon and his administration.
- Richard M. Nixon: The 37th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Richard Nixon.
- Richard M. Nixon Library & Museum Here you can learn about President Nixon and his family. Includes resources about the Vietnam War and the president's public papers.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Nixon Tapes President Nixon secretly recorded over 3700 hours of his phone calls and meetings. This site has transcribed 2950 hours of recordings.
- President Nixon's Resignation Speech Presents the video of President Nixon announcing his resignation on August 8, 1974.
- Richard Nixon: A Resource Guide The Library of Congress lists the online resources relating to the Nixon Administration in its collection.
- Richard M. Nixon's First Inaugural Address
- Richard M. Nixon's Second Inaugural Address
HISTORIC EVENTS
- Amendment XXVI - Right to Vote at Age 18 Explains the 26th Amendment granting those eighteen and up the right to vote. It was ratified on July 1, 1971.
- Apollo 13 Describes the Apollo 13 mission which ended up to be the most "successful failure" when an oxygen tank blew up causing them to scrap the moon landing and attempt to return home.
- Apollo 17 in Real-Time In 1972, the final voyage to the moon took place on board Apollo 17. Here you can listen to audio, view videos, and peruse photos about the mission.
- Apollo to the Moon From the National Air and Space Museum, this site tells the story of the Apollo program and the first landing on the moon in 1969.
- Employment Law Guide - Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Explains the labor law that was enacted on December 29, 1970 and protects workers' health and safety.
- Environmental Protection Agency History Tells the story of the Environmental Protection Agency history which was established in 1970.
- George Wallace Profiles the life of Alabama politician, George Wallace, who decided to run as a third party candidate and was shot four times on May 15, 1972 by Arthur Bremmer.
- Henry A. Kissinger Profiles the 56th Secretary of State who served under both President Nixon and President Ford, Henry A. Kissinger.
- July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap for Mankind Recounts the mission in which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to set foot on the moon, with audio and a video, from NASA.
- Kent State University - May 4, 1970 Recounts the May 4, 1970 incident when Ohio National Guard troops fired on anti-war protesters at Kent State University.
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration OSHA was established when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law on December 29, 1970.
- The Opening of China From the Nixon Foundation, this site looks into President Nixon’s trip to China and the improvement of relations between the two nations.
- Pentagon Papers (Daniel Ellsberg) Trial - 1972-1973 Investigates Daniel Ellsberg leaking to the New York Times the Pentagon Papers which was a study of the U.S. involvement in the Indochina area since the end of World War II and his trial for theft and espionage.
- Roe v. Wade (1973) Summarizes the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade declaring a state's ban on abortion is unconstitutional, from PBS.
- Strategic Arms Limitations Talks/Treaty (SALT) I & II Describes the talks between the United States and the Soviet Union which led to SALT I in 1969 and SALT II in 1979, but was never ratified by the Senate.
- Summary of the Clean Water Act Explains the Clean Water Act, how it is enforced, and its history.
- Summary of the Endangered Species Act Discusses the 1973 act that established the Endangered Species Protection Program and protects plants, animals, and their habitats from extinction.
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Watergate Scandal |
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- Bob Woodward The official website of investigative reporter Bob Woodward who with Carl Bernstein investigated the Watergate scandal.
- Carl Bernstein The official website of the other Washington Post reporter who investigated the Watergate scandal.
- Gavel to Gavel: The Watergate Scandal and Public Television View the entire Senate Watergate hearings. There are also transcripts, summary videos and a list of participants.
- United States v. Nixon On July 23, 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Nixon had to turn over the recordings requested by the Special Prosecutor.
- Watergate: The Scandal the Destroyed President Richard M. Nixon Explores the break-in and cover up the led to the resignation of President Nixon in 1974.
- The Watergate Files Examines what happened at the Watergate on May 28, 1972, the Senate hearings, the battle for the Nixon tapes, the people involved, and the events that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
- The Watergate Story Discusses the Watergate scandal including a timeline, photos, audio, video, key players, and more.
- Watergate: The Break-In Tom van der Voort examines the break-in at the DNC headquarters at the Watergate which led to the downfall of President Nixon.
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Gerald Ford, 1974-1977VICE PRESIDENT: Nelson A. Rockefeller
FIRST LADY: Elizabeth Anne Bloomer Ford
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GERALD FORD
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
NOTABLE EVENTS
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- Gerald Ford The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, and other resources relating to Gerald Ford.
- Gerald R. Ford Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources about the Ford Administration.
- Gerald Ford: The 38th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Gerald Ford.
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Read transcripts of interviews for an oral history project about President Ford and more.
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum This site has a wealth of information about President Ford, his family, and his presidency.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Gerald Ford: A Resource Guide Lists online resources about the Ford Administration available from the Library of Congress.
- September 8, 1974: Remarks on Pardoning Richard Nixon On September 8, 1974, President Ford addressed the nation about his decision to pardon Richard Nixon.
NOTABLE EVENTS
- Concorde Discover the history of the supersonic commercial jet that began service between the United States and either Great Britain or France in 1976 until 2003.
- The Privacy Act of 1974 Discusses the origins and the history of the Privacy Act of 1974 and later adjustments to the act.
- Proclamation 4311 - Granting Pardon to Richard Nixon Presents the text of the proclamation that pardoned President Nixon on September 4, 1974.
- Rescue of the SS Mayaguez and the "Last Battle" Tells the story of the May, 1975 incident when Cambodia seized the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez and Ford's response to the capture of the seamen.
- Rockefeller Commission Report June, 1975 The Rockefeller Commission was formed to investigate the CIA and the allegations of abuse including opening mail, wiretapping, and more.
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Jimmy Carter, 1977-1981VICE PRESIDENT: Walter F. Mondale
FIRST LADY: Rosalynn Smith Carter SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
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JIMMY CARTER
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- Carter Center Founded by President Jimmy Carter, this foundation strives to end conflicts peacefully, improve the rights of all humans, and improve health worldwide.
- James Carter: The 39th President of the United States The White House summarizes the presidency of Jimmy Carter.
- Jimmy Carter The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, oral histories, and other resources about President Carter and his administration.
- Jimmy Carter The companion site to PBS's American Experience episode that explored the Carter administration. Site includes a biography, essays of important events, videos, and a complete transcript of Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech on July 15, 1979.
- Jimmy Carter Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources relating to President Carter.
- Jimmy Carter Library and Museum Here you can learn about the lives of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and events that took place during the Carter administration including the 1978 Camp David Accords.
- Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Explores the boyhood home of Jimmy Carter and his 1976 campaign headquarters.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- Jimmy Carter: A Resource Guide The Library of Congress lists online resources about Jimmy Carter and his presidency in its collection.
- Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Address
- President Carter's July 15, 1979 "Crisis of Confidence" Speech On July 15, 1979, President Carter tried to boost confidence in the government as the nation was facing an energy crisis, high inflation, and rising interest and unemployment rates.
HISTORIC EVENTS
- Alyeska Pipeline - TAPS In 1977, the 800 mile long Trans Alaska Pipeline System was completed. The pipeline brings 16 billion barrels of oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, Alaska.
- Camp David Accords: Framework for Peace Explains the negotiations that led to peace between Egypt and Israel hosted by President Jimmy Carter at Camp David in 1978.
- History of the Department of Energy The Department of Energy was established in 1977, but its history goes further. This site highlights key events including the Manhattan Project.
- Iran Hostage Crisis Discusses the abduction of 60 Americans from the American Embassy in Tehran and how the Carter administration handled the crisis. The hostages were freed 444 days later minutes after Ronald Reagan took the oath of office, from the History Channel.
- Iran Hostage Crisis Outlines the events in Iran when American were held hostage for 444 days during the Carter Administration.
- Mount St. Helens From the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, discusses the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 and its aftermath.
- President Carter Pardons Draft Dodgers Discusses President Carter's act of clemency to those who avoided the draft during the Vietnam War.
- Strategic Arms Limitations Talks/Treaty (SALT) I & II Describes the talks between the United States and the Soviet Union which led to SALT I in 1969 and SALT II in 1979, but was never ratified by the Senate.
- Three Mile Island Accident Provides brief overviews of the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island on March 28, 1979 and the cleanup, from the World Nuclear Association.
- What Is the U.S. Department of Education? The Department of Education was established in 1979. This section of the department's website discusses its purpose and its history.
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Ronald Reagan, 1981-1989VICE PRESIDENT: George H. W. Bush
FIRST LADY: Nancy Davis Reagan SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
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RONALD REAGAN
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORIC EVENTS
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- Rancho del Cielo The Reagans purchased this California ranch in 1974. This site tells the story of the property.
- Ronald Reagan The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, oral histories, and other resources about Ronald Reagan.
- Ronald Reagan Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources relating to the Reagan Administration.
- Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan.
- Ronald Reagan Birthplace Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois in an apartment above the local bank.
- Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitor's Center Tells about the home in Dixon where President Ronald Reagan grew up.
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library This site not only provides biographical information about President Reagan and his family, but copies of his speeches, quotes, and information about Air Force One.
- The Ronald W. Reagan Society at Eureka College Celebrates Eureka College's famous alum, President Ronald Reagan.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- President Reagan's June 12, 1987 Address from the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin Wall) Presents President Reagan's speech in front of the Berlin Wall when declared, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."
- President Ronald Reagan's Speech on Space Shuttle Challenger President Reagan was to give the State of Union Address on January 28, 1986, but he postponed it after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and he gave this address instead.
- Ronald Reagan: A Resource Guide Lists the online resources about the Reagan Administration in the Library of Congress's collection.
- Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Address
- Ronald Reagan's Second Inaugural Address
HISTORIC EVENTS
- Beirut Marine Barracks Bombing: October 23, 1983 Narrates the events leading up to and on that fateful day when a suicide bomber blew up a barracks killing 299 American and French servicemen.
- Challenger STS 51-L Accident Provides links to documents, videos, and other links relating to the space shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986, from NASA.
- Crisis in the South Atlantic: The Reagan Administration and the Anglo-Argetine War of 1982 Discusses the role the United States played during the dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982.
- Final Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Matters Presents the full-text of Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh's findings relating to the Iran-Contra Affair, submitted on August 4, 1993.
- Grenada: Operation Urgent Fury Discusses the invasion of Grenada in 1983, also known as Operation Urgent Fury.
- Operation El Dorado Canyon In 1986, the United States bombed targets in Libya in response to a series of terrorist attacks that were allegedly supported by Libyan President Muammar Qaddafi including the bomb explosion on board TWA Flight 840.
- Rawhide Down On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan and three others were shot by John Hinckley Jr. just outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. This is a companion site to a book with the same title, by Del Quentin Wilber and contains an interactive timeline, images, video, and more.
- Reagan vs. Air Traffic Controllers Discusses Reagan's response to the Air Traffic Controller strike in 1981.
- The Trial of John Hinckley Examines the trial of John Hinckley in 1982 who shot and wounded President Reagan and three others.
- Understanding the Iran-Contra Affairs Discusses the scandal that rocked the Reagan Administration involving the selling of arms in Nicaragua and Iran.
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George H. W. Bush, 1989-1993VICE PRESIDENT: J. Danforth Quayle
FIRST LADY: Barbara Pierce Bush SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE
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GEORGE H. W. BUSH
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
HISTORICAL EVENTS
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- George H. W. Bush The Miller Center provides biographical essays, facts, insights, speeches, oral histories, and other resources about President Bush.
- George H. W. Bush Lists biographical data, election results, Cabinet members, notable events, online biographies, historical documents, and other resources relating to the Bush Administration.
- George H. W. Bush: The 41st President of the United States The White House summarizes the life and presidency of George H. W. Bush.
- George Bush Presidential Library and Museum This is the official site for the 41st president's library and museum located in Texas. Learn about his life and his four years as president.
SPEECHES AND PAPERS
- George H. W. Bush: A Resource Guide Lists the online resources about the Bush Administration available from the Library of Congress.
- George H. W. Bush's Inaugural Address
- President George H. W. Bush Announces Persian Gulf War, January 16, 1991 Two hours after Allied forces began an ariel offensive against Iraq, President Bush addressed the nation.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- Americans with Disabilities Act On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. This site explains the law.
- The Central Park Five: A Film by Ken Burns, David McMahon & Sarah Burns The companion website to the Ken Burns documentary that chronicles the rape of a white woman in Central Park in 1989 and the five African Americans and Latinos who were wrongfully convicted of the crime. Includes information about the case, clips, and teacher's guide.
- Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Project Jukebox Presents an oral history of those who were impacted by the 1989 oil spill caused by the oil tanker, Exxon Valdez.
- Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council: Oil Spill Facts On March 24, 1989, oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef spilling out 11 million gallons of oil. This site tells more about the accident, the cleanup, and the effects from the spill.
- Hurricane Hugo Discusses the formation of Hurricane Hugo and the destruction it left in South Carolina in September, 1989.
- Overview of the Clean Air Act & Air Pollution On November 15, 1990 President Bush signed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. This site explains the law and its impact since its passage.
- START I at a Glance Discusses the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty or (START I) between the United States and the Soviet Union that was signed on July 31, 1991.
- START II and its Extension Protocol at a Glance Highlights the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II) signed by George Bush and Boris Yeltsin on January 3, 1993.
- The Trials of the Los Angeles Police Officers Accused in the Rodney King Beating Examines the 1991 beating of Rodney King by three police officers and their trials.
- Understanding the Keating Five Examines the scandal that rocked the U.S. Senate in 1991 involving savings and loan banker Charles Keating and five U.S. Senators.
- The U.S. Invades Panama Briefly describes the events leading up to the December 20, 1989 invasion of Panama by U.S. troops to oust military dictator Manuel Noriega and face charges in the United States for drug trafficking.
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Persian Gulf War, 1991 |
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- Desert Storm A detailed look at the Persian Gulf War with a history, list of participating units and nations, equipment, and more.
- The First Gulf War West Point's Department of History presents maps relating to the 1991 Gulf War.
- Frontline: The Gulf War Contains oral histories, first-hand accounts from soldiers, maps, and the weapons and equipment used in the Persian Gulf War.
- The Gulf War Summarized the Gulf War in which Allied troops liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, from the State Department.
- The Gulf War Describes the history and the events that led up to the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
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