Wednesday, June 9, 2010

English 11 American Moments

So many critical moments have shaped the development of our country and people. Select one MOMENT that you feel has been a "game changer" in the scope of American history. Why do you feel it was so significant? When did this event occur? What were the short-term and long-term effects? In your post, be sure to comment on the previous postings made by your classmates in addition to your event. Be sure to come up with a NEW event -- one not previously discussed by a classmate. Remember to just use your first name (and last initial, if there are multiples in one class) and class block (for security purposes). Feel free to post more than one response, as you read what others have to say.

54 comments:

  1. This is a test... I am the teacher, not the student! But I am eager to hear your thoughts on this topic!

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  2. When the United States dropped the bomb on Hiroshima to end World War II it was a big change to the whole world. One reason that it was so significant was that it ended the feud between Japan and the United states. A short-term effect is how all the people died to make Japan finally decided to end the war. The long-term effect is how the United States and Japan are still enemies today.

    By J Gerlach English 11 Block 3

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  3. September 11th was a huge tragedy that left a big impact on thousands of people. It was an significant event because not only did it cause the deaths of many people but along with that broke the hearts of thousands of people. There was not a very obvious short-term effect that was left after 9/11 however, there was plenty of long-term effects mainly including the death of 2995 people, the thousands who lost loved ones, along with the destruction to the twin towers, and lastly the huge attack against us left a shock in a lot of people.

    By Sarah S. English 11 Block 3

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  4. The sinking of the Lusitania by German submarines was a tide changer in the great war. This brought the U.S. in to the great war changing it into a second world war. many people died including 124 Americans. Now that we were in the war, men left the factories and went over seas to help in the fight for Allied freedom. This was what started the womens rights movement now that women had to do a mans job.

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  5. The post about 9/11 is a very significant date. For it was a huge devestation in American history that will never be forgotten... A moment that changed American history that I feel is significant would be the battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862(during the Civil War). It is significant for this battle changed the nature of the war to trying to abolish slavery. There aren't really any short-term effects besides the deaths of many in the battle. The long-term effects of this event lead to the creation of three constitutional amendents; including, the 13th whiched abolished slavery, 14th defined citizenship and 15th for everyone the right to vote. Antietam changed the people, especially slaves and history forever.

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  6. In the oil spill situation, many things in America's history WILL channge. The short term impact is being seen now, with wildlife habitats being distroyed and billions of dollars worth of oil being wasted. The long term effects are just as bad. The state of Florida alone generates more than $60 billion worth of tourisim annually, and this number will drastically drop. Tourisim is it's largest industry, and with the industry crashing, jobs will be eliminated.

    Katii J. English 11, Block 4

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  7. One of the most obvious game changers in America's history would have to be giving the right to vote to women (century anniversary coming up August 26th 2020) and to minorities. these were a game changer because they made it known that nobody should be considered "lesser" than anyone else

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  8. Personally, I believe that the women's suffrage movement is one of the most crucial events in American history. Women fought for many rights including, but not limited to, voting and running for office. Though we have had no female presidents thus far, there have been many successful in becoming a member of the senate and supreme court. It is clear that this country would not be where it is today if it were not for the brave women who stood up for their beliefs and saw it through until that glorious day in 1920.

    Nikki M. English 11, Block 4

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  9. I believe that a crucial moment in US history was when Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I have a dream" Speech in 1963. Though he died not knowing if his movement affected people in the long term. The United states knows that it (and he) did. If it was not for him and others like him. America would not be where it is today. Though there is still some racism in the US, most of it has disappeared and every citizen of the United States of America is considered equal.

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  10. I believe an important part of American history is when Martin luther king Jr fought for the blacks and freedom for segragation to be stopped. He spoke to crowds about how blacks are equal to every one else even though the color of their skin is differant. He boycotted the busing systems and food places. He believed everyone should have the same rights. He put his lilfe and his families lives in danger for all blacks to be treated with the respect that the whites had. On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr was shot dead by an angry racist man named James Earl Ray. His death outraged the community and riots broke out. His death lead to the freedom of blacks and equal rights.

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  11. One of the most "game changing" historical moments in history is the ending of slavery here in the U.S. The thirteenth amendment to the united states constitution officially ended and continues to stop slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was passed by the senate on april 8, 1864, passed by the house on january 21, 1865, and adopted on december 6, 1865. To this day, blacks are free from slavery and all men are equal.
    Caitlyn F. English 11, Block 3

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  12. I think that the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a "game changing" historical moment. I think it was significant because the attack started World War 2. The short term effects were that a lot of people died and were hurt. The city was also going crazy and everyone was out of control. The long term effects were World War 2 and a lot of men dying.

    Natalie M, English 11, Block 3

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  13. I believe Rosa Parks was a Game Changer with her strong willing personality and strong passion. It all started when Rosa sat in the “white” section of the bus and wouldn’t move even when people were making fun of her and threatening her. The U.S. Congress called her “the first lady of civil rights” and even to this day she is one of the most talked about women in American History. She stood up for what she believed in and gave people more confidence in the 1950’s and even still to this day.

    Jamie W. English 11, Block 3

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  14. I think that one world changing moment was when Hitler invaded Poland. This was significant because started the attacks on many different countries in Europe and the United States. One short term effect was that it made Germany one of the most powerful countries at the time. One long term effect was that it caused multiple treaties between many countries.

    Nathan K. English 11, Block 4

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  15. I believe a "Game changer" in american history was on September 11, 2001. A series of coordinated suicide attacks on the united states. Some people believe that this was an "inside" attack, developed and performed by our president. Four planes all hijacked by al-qaeda were crashed into the north and south towers of the world trade center, the pentagon, and a field in pennsilvania causing 2,985 people to lose there life that day.

    alexis r. english 11, block 3

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  16. July 21st, 1969 was the day that man first walked on the moon. This man, Neil Armstrong became famous for one little step. This event showed the world how advanced America was in having this technology. It was also a success in the battle against the Soviet's space program. It opened up peoples eyes to new possibilities, both in the short term and the long term.

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  17. As previously stated by my classmates, the civil war, attack of 9/11, and women's suffrage were all moments in American history that have forever shaped the world we live in today. However, another instance that changed America was the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Constitution was adopted in the years of 1787 to 1788. This was a significant glimpse in time because after all was said and done, the Constitution gave many rights and freedoms to the citizens of America. A short term effect of the ratification was that people started gaining rights and fighting for what they believed in. Also, a long term effect that carries out into the present day is that legal citizens of America have some freedoms and rights that many other countries do not have. I feel that this has been an incredible 'game changer' in the way that America has developed throughout the years.

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  18. In the heart of one of our nations most dire times, the people of our nation stood up and prvailed. During the early stages of the great depression the men and women of our nation were in dire need of new job opportunities. The answer was the construction of the Hoover Dam. The Dam project provided jobs for thousands of people in need and to this day provides boundless amounts of electrical energy for hundreds of thousands of homes. This monumental structure stands today as a testimate to the streagth and vision of our nations men and women.

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  19. I think a moment in history that has changed the outcome of history forever was the US's desision to partake in the vietnam war. This is signifigant because it was one of the many wars weve contributed to. Short term effects were a thinning of population and resources. Long term is bad relations with foreign countrys and lost generations.

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  20. I believe that a great moment in American History was the say that the slaves were set free from slavery. President Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to slaves in Confederate states, on New Year’s Day in 1863. Word didn’t reach the African-American slaves of Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. Some slave owners refused to let their slaves go until they were forced to by soldiers.

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  21. I think the real game changer was the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The base was attacked by 353 Japanese planes. The Japanese damaged and sunk 11 US ships and 2,402 people were killed and 1,282 were wounded. i think this is the game changer because it shocked American people and put the US in full engagement in WWII. The Japanese really pissed America off and lead to there downfall later in the war.

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  22. (Joseph Rogers' post):
    I for one am shocked that July 4th, 1776 has not been priviously mentioned in this blog. This was Americas first play in our game, and it was one of the greatest turning pionts in our history. This was the day our fore fathers decided that enough was enough and its time to fight back. In the short term we entered a war, in which we proved our stength. In the long term, well look at us now. Not to mention this first move led to all the others taken by our leaders, the other great people who changed our history, and the actions we took as a nation.

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  23. September 11, was and still is a huge devastation that will remain in our lives forever as we remember. This tragedy left thousands of people in shock, the series of coordinated attacks done by the al-queda’s was very unexpected and left 2995 dead. This is to be one of my most remembered timeline events in my life because we were actually in school at this time and learned about it when it happened. The twin towers collapsed within two hours and most did not have a chance to make it out before the second tower also got struck. After they were struck by the planes the towers quickly fell to the ground of new York city. There are not many short term effects from the 9/11 accident but to the long term effects many will remember and will be taught to their children and grandchildren in their history book for a long time. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in the 9/11 tragedy.

    shannon d. english 11, block 4

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  24. Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 was a dramatic moment in the history of the United States that left the entire country in a state of shock and devistation. Al Queda suicide terrorists hijacked three airplanes. One plane crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City and left the Twin Towers in ruins. Over 2,600 of innocent civilians were killed in this attack. The second plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and over 100 people were killed. The third plane was thwarted when the passengers were able to defeat the hijackers and the plane crashed in Pennsylvania, rather than hitting the intended target, The White House. However, the 40 passengers aboard had lost their lives.
    The short term effects of these attacks were the grounding of all air travel in the United States and the closure of financial markets. Some of the long term effects that still remain intact today are the military presence and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, increased security at airports, the everlasting sadness and anger of so many lives lost, and the misplaced predudice against all Muslims.

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  25. (Jamie Weisman's post):

    I agree with Jamie that this was a significant time in American history. It's amazing how one person and one act got the momentum going in the Civil Rights Movement. To this day, we are still fighting for the equal rights of all human beings.

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  26. "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; but what you can do for your country." This powerful sentence is part of a speech given by John F. Kennedy. One of the biggest 'game changers' in our U.S. history is the assassination of our 35th President, Mr. John F. Kennedy. Kennedy had done so many things for this country, starting with his position as Commander on a Motor Torpedo Boat during WWII, to his Foreign Policy, ending with his contributions in the 'Space Race.' President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas at 12:30 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time), November 22, 1963. He was shot in the head during a Motorcade in Dallas, his wife held him trying to hold the back of his skull from falling to the ground. Lee Harry Oswald was the man that shot President Kennedy and was charged with murder. This event is a serious 'game changer' in U.S. history as he was only 46, and with so much more to offer to the United States it is a thought of what he may have done to help our country.

    Jimmy L. English 11, BLK 3

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  27. (Addie Whittet Post):

    I completely agree with your statement about how putting a man on the moon has opened people's eyes to the many possibilities of mankind and also in technology.
    However, I disagree with what is happening with our government trying to send more and more shuttles into space and spending money on that instead of spending the money where it is needed: right here in America. The economy is terrible right now and I feel that the government should start spending their money more wisely on things of greater importance. There are people who are losing their jobs and homes that we need to help, not send more people to the moon.

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  28. (Meghan Abbott's post):

    One great moment in American history was when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. This speech is by far one of the most notable speeches in history. It changed our nation as a whole. Although there weren’t immediate stops to the racism that was tearing our country apart, Martin Luther King Jr’s ideas shaped our nations racism into a more accepting and rational nation. Although there are still mild cases of racism, our country has made a lot of changes for the better since the “I Have A Dream” speech.

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  29. i feel that the right of freedom of speech was a game changer for American history. it allowed people to express their beliefs and thoughts about life. Also, it made it possible for people to express what they feel and make a change. For example, if a law or rule was unfair, citizens could petition against it. freedom of speech made it possible for citizens to say what they feel without getting into trouble. this right is very important for the american society

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  30. Known as "the first lady of civil rights" Rosa Parks changed the way American civil rights were percieved. One day in December in 1955 in Montgomery Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to listen to the bus driver of a public bus. He asked her to give up her seat for a white passenger. This was typically what was expected of the black passengers to do. Rosa was a 42 year old, strong willed women who knew what she believed. What she did that day on that bus gave black people a role model of someone to admire and imulate. I feel that if Rosa parks did not have the nerve to give up her seat, we Americans would not look at each other as equals. We still have a ways to go but if you look at where we were just 50 plus short years ago, we have come a long, long way.

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  31. KAILYN WARD
    I think that the election of Borack Obama was a major game changer...He was the first african american president and though now after he has been elected there is a big contraversy amongst the american people wether or not he is deserving or capable of filling the position as the president of the united states, he did make a huge impact on the way americans think of polititians in my opinion.

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  32. An event that started America is when the Republicans Established the Transcontinental Railroad in 1860. They built a railroad all the way to the Pacific and that provided a lot more mobility for Americans, who previously had no way to travel easily. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill that made it possible for this railroad to be built. If that bill had not been signed, then America might not be the same as it is today.

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  33. A great moment in the US history that has effected our lives is the winning of ww2. It showed our country that we can work as one to over come the enemies. In 1942 wile the men were off fighting the women worked to keep the country running. As Americans we work together

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  34. I believe that a huge moment in US history was when Barack Obama became president. Having an African American as our president for the first time ever, or even having some farther past Condoleezza Rice. Also Barack is not just part African American he is also part Muslim, who many people portray us to be fighting over sea's. Not only is he a the first non-tradtional president he was threatened to be killed along with many more things and he stayed strong. If Americans can take a colored president as well as this who is to know what is next...maybe some other racial changes or other more open minded suggestions. Maybe even a women president sometime in the near future?

    -Cory R Block 3

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  35. I agree that World War 2 was very significant, but so was the cold war. When the United States and the Russians had there conflict it really showed how much we are hated by other countries. It was significant because it showed how close the earth could of came to ending with just one push of a button.

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  36. I have to agree with some of my classmates that the 9-11 attack was a historical moment and is a "game changer". I believe it is significant because of some long term effects such as many citizens lives being ruined by terrorists that just decided to crash a plane into the twin towers. It is a tragedy that will be remembered by all citizens from all over the world. This event was very devastating and many kids will tell this tale to their kids who will tell it to their children and hopefully it will be a historical event that lasts forever because all those citizens did not deserve to suffer. I wish every one of those citizens family the best ever.

    Haley B. English 11 Blk 4

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  37. (Zoe's post):

    I believe that one of the biggest "game changers" in American history happened in 1972; Equal Rights. The Equal Rights Amendment was written in 1921 by Alice Paul but did not pass until 1972. This is a significance to many people across our country, giving everyone equal opportunities. Equal Rights was ratified by only thirty-five of thirty-eight states by the 1982 deadline. This "game changer" helped people for the better in a
    long term effect, giving the freedom they need to be equal and one with our country. short term effect people realized they could stand up for equality.

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  38. (Marcella's post):

    The Great Depression lasted from 1929 until 1939. Not only was America effected by the Depression but the entire world was effected. The Great Depression effected so many lives in ways that were not reversible. Jobs were lost, homes were lost, and people took their lives because they were not able to deal with the battle of the economy. By 1932, U.S. manufacturing output had fallen to 54 percent of its 1929 level, and unemployment had risen to between 12 and 15 million workers, or 25-30 percent of the work force. Also, bank regulations were changed.

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  39. (Aarin's post):

    Ever since Obama was elected gun sales have gone up 50%. Ask yourselves why? Do the people feel there is going to be mass khaos or will they have to take matters into their own hands. Does the future hold a catastrophic event that will change the world as we know it or is it going to be a mass suicide. "Fear and Arms"!!!! Times have changed and they will continue to change and americans are preparing themselves for the worst. Question: What kind of gun do you own. Are we going to be taking the law into our own hands in the near future. Only God Knows.

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  40. (Sam Q.'s post):

    The Golden Spike, May 10, 1869, was the completion of the transcontinental railroad. It connected California to the east and opened the west for development. It took months to travel from the east to california by ship or wagon before this date. The railroad took five days and was much safer and more promising. It also caused the development of many cities and towns, including Camp 20 now known as Colfax, California.

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  41. Kaity's post):

    "One of the great moments in American History is the creation of the constitution. This document shows what Americans stand for and brought the nation together as a whole. It showed that no one is excluded from abiding by these laws and rights no matter who you are. It is so important because to this day we still hear references from our nations constitution. "

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  42. (Julie's post):

    All the events my classmates have discussed are very important. I believe a critical moment for America was when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on September 22, 1862. In every Confederate state except Tennessee and Texas, the proclamation went into immediate effect. From the day it was declared until January 1, 1863, thousands of slaves were being freed everyday. As more and more slaves were freed, the armies advanced. Nearly all slaves were free in July 1865. All though the Proclamation did not make slavery illegal, many states prohibited slavery. It was on December 18, 1865 when the Thirteenth Amendment was enacted and slavery was finally abolished.

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  43. (Alex A.'s post):

    One "game changer"in American History is President Lincoln's death. It is very significant because, to many, Lincoln was a great leader who had done great things and who could have gone on to do greater things. Some short-term effects was the tragic loss of a president and a nation wide scare. Some long-term effects include more safety for future presidents and the remembrance and recognition of him and his heroic acts. President Lincoln changed America.

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  44. dr. martin luther king jr. was defiantly a "game changer" in his time. how he stood up to huge crowds of people for what he believed was right for his people and for the future. his speech "i have a dream" really changed how many people viewed black citizens around the nation. he spoke to masses of people about how everyone should be treated equally no matter what their race. by speaking his mind on this matter he put many lives in danger including his family, and his own. april 4, 1968 martin luther king jr. was shot and killed by, racist white man, james earl ray (who started a clan of racist white people against blacks called the KKK). black people all over the nation were outraged by this unfortunate event. blacks still fighting for their rights eventually got their way with the emancipation proclamation, which went into immediate effect except in the states tennessee and texas. it was not until the thirteenth amendment was put in place when slavery was finally put to an end. i especially appreciate martin luther king jr's act because if i were living in his time because of my skin color i wouldn't have been treated well along with blacks all over the nation. even today people still make racist comments against blacks but dr. martin luther king jr's speech made a huge difference around the world.

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  45. One of the most “game changing” historical moments in history is the African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968) outlawing the discrimination of African Americans. These movement issues were far greater than just civil rights it was to gain freedom, respect, dignity, and social/economic equality. Also during this time the “Civil Rights Act 1964” banned discrimination based on, color, race, and religion. From this day on, all men are treated equal.
    Ciera P. English 11, Block 4

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  46. (Sarah's post):

    Well, obviously, there are many very important events that have happened in America that have changed everything following in every perspective possible. But personally i think that the womans' suffrage act was a very important aspect of American history. The reason for this is because men and women together are eqal in so many ways and women do so much in this country that makes us, if anything, deserve to be able to vote and participate in governmental activities. If the case was that only men were able to participate in the government, then there would be so many different things happening today.

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  47. (Cory's Post)
    I can't believe that someone hadn't mentioned this sooner. The election of Barrack Obama is the most current and one of the most significant moments in our lifetime. We always hear the stories from teachers about how they felt when the homosexual uprise began in the late 60's. Or where they were on August 28, 1968 when they saw Martin Luther King Jr give his 'I have a dream' speech. This is our big event that we can talk about when we are older. Not everyone can say that they were alive when the first african american president was elected in the US.

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  48. (Matt B's Post)
    The depression is a good point to bring up. Our country struggled in the 1930's with the need to supply our families with what they needed to survive. Many people died because of the loss of jobs, lack of money, and pure insanity that came along with it. This was probably one of the best things to touch base on, due solely on the fact that the economy we are living in now is one of the worst we have had since the depression. It is true that history repeats itself. If we survived it once, we can pull through again. Only this time, better.

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  49. The biggest thing I think ever happened to America was when the Europeans sailed to the "New World" and took everything from the natives. Took the land and brought sicknesses from overseas because they didn't feel like living in the United Kingdom anymore. We were able to do it too because we had better weapons and technology at the time. Anyways, I think that was the biggest deal for America because if that never happened, we wouldn't have a USA.

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  50. the biggest thing i think happened for the u.s is the invention of the nuculer and atomic bombs,coused a hudge amount of fear back when it was made and even today. it also changed the way we defend are country and made us the strongest place in the world. So don't mess with america

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  51. I agree with many of the previous posts such as the attack on 9/11, Martin Luther King, Women's Suffrage Movement, and the Battle of Antietam. These events all impacted the development of our country and people. However, I believe a very crucial event in our history was the assassination of President McKinley. Almost conveying itself as a blessing in disguise, we gained President Franklin D. Roosevelt. F.D.R. took control and followed many of McKinley's ways of presidency, but also added some ideas of his own. He provided our country with animal and forest reservations, prosecuted some of the biggest cooperations, and fed the public's interest in his presidency. Roosevelt had such a positive impact in our nation, it makes you wonder what the United States would have been like if McKinley had never been shot. Every event in history has an effect on so many other events that take place, it makes you consider the possibilities of what would have happened if certain situations in our history had taken a different course. McKinley's death, though widely mourned, was an event in our past that led to many changes in our nation.

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  52. (Mary's post):

    The most efffective even in American history, acording to me, is the movement of Womens rights. Many women fought for their lives to make a diffrence in this world, just to get their own choices as any man had. Many women have proven that they deserve to work side-by-side to any man. Womens Suffrage is also another event. Susan B. Anthony was the loudest voice to speak for the women everywhere. Elizabeth Cady Stanton worked with Susan B. Anthony, together they fought for the right for women to vote. The courage from these women have placed women where they are now, and that is, the american choice. Anything we want. To aim for the moon, or to study it. At least we have the option. And thats all that matters. *"Anything you can do, I can do Better"*

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  53. (Kenny's post):

    I think a influential person is James Stewart an actor who although very
    successful was still humble and did the right things he showed fame and
    kindness that actors today don't show as much humility towards the society
    that supports them.

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  54. One of the most memorable American Moments for me was when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon. It really showed what americans could do and come together to make it all happen, And what we could do as a country to pave the way so that others could follow.

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