A. World War two affected the country because it unified it with the rest of the world against horrific crimes that had been committed towards Jews and other minorities. It also helped create jobs, which pulled the country out of the Great Depression. B. This affects me because I am friends with people who descend from Jews that escaped Nazi Germany. Also, I have studied this event and learned from it that it is important to treat minorities like the humans they are. C. Those horrors helped people in my country realize that everyone deserves to be treated respect, a value which carries into today.
A. The 16th amendment, ratified April 15th, 1913, introduced the income tax, changing forever how the government would collect money. Even though it met a lot of controversy, it did help to collect money for the government by giving everybody a mandatory tax, and the wealthier people with more money to spare supported the government even more. The government was then more powerful, and it took some power away from America's wealthy individuals. B. This affects me even though I don't pay taxes because I receive benefits from the government like trash pickup, schools, and parks, all of which are funded through tax money. C. This relates to present day because people still need to pay income tax, and it helps collect money for the government, promote income equality, and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
A. The New York City Subway allowed for the many people in the city to get around more easily. New York was a booming city brimming with people, so it was very helpful for people to get around more easily. There already was a little bit of public transportation, but this allowed for even greater options, and people could be more time-efficient with their travels around the city. B. This affects me because I have used the subway before in New York City, and it helped me get around more easily. C. This connects to present day because it still exists in the city, and it provides a cheap, convenient option for the millions of New Yorkers that need to travel around the huge city.
A. The 1920s were a very liberated decade; following World War 1, people felt relaxed, confident, and interested in culture. This extended to women: they had gotten used to most of the men being gone during World War 1, and they felt more liberated. Because of this, many of them stopped wearing corsets. Women were more comfortable, safer in extreme heat, and more mobile. B. This affects me because I do not have to wear a corset thanks to this change. I am very grateful for that because I love to play sports, and I would not be able to do that if I constantly had to feel constricted and uncomfortable. C. This connects to present day because everybody, especially women, are still struggling to make more comfortable clothing options the "norm" so that they can be more comfortable and free to move.
A. The discovery and distribution of penicillin was one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the first half of the 20th century. Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered it, realized that it could prevent the spread of bacteria when it was isolated, and he eventually also realized that it could kill bacteria in humans. This helped stop the spread of infections. B. This affects me because I still have the option to use penicillin today. I don't have to be scared of facing serious consequences if I get an infection because this medical breakthrough (and many more that stemmed from it) have resulted in medicine that can properly protect me from infection. C. This connects to present day because penicillin is still in use, and scientists have developed a lot more medicine with the knowledge that they can use certain substances to combat bacteria.
A. Women gaining the right to vote in 1920 forever changed the country. Even though it wasn't the end of the battle, it was a very important step towards voting equality for all. When women started being able to vote, the politicians that were elected represented more people's views, and better decisions for the country could be made. B. This affects me because if it hadn't happened, I would not be able to vote. C. This connects to present day because even though pretty much every US citizen has the right to vote, many groups are still fighting for equality in the workplace and in society in general.
A. The Cold War affected the nation by showing the seriousness of war. When both countries started developing scary atomic weapons, president Nixon started encouraging more peaceful foreign relations. Even though when Raegan took over office he did not continue to support this belief, the Soviet Union eventually fell apart (much on its own accord) and the nation had learned the possible consequences of involving itself in serious, high-tech wars. B. This event impacted me as a person because the US, having won the war and developed even greater and more high-tech weapons, is now a military global superpower, and I don't need to worry about my country being overpowered by an enemy. C. This connects to present day because there are still hostilities between the US and Russia, especially concerning the recent presidential election. Hopefully, these hostilities will be resolved without much damage just like the Cold War. This also connects to present day because of the threat of nuclear war with North Korea. Even though the Cold War was a turning point that should have scared off people from using nuclear weapons, some Americans and North Koreans are ignoring the past and how scary it was, threatening nuclear war all over again.
A. The Great Depression impacted the nation by dramatically decreasing morale and confidence of people investing their money (people had grown too optimistic and relaxed with their money in the "roaring 20's," a time period in which there was a lot of economic growth, so when droughts and other factors negatively impacted the economy, people had invested too much in stocks and the economy couldn't back it up). Following the Great Depression, the country learned the importance of protecting the stability and security of the economy, introducing programs like Social Security. B. This affects me because my grandparents benefit from social security. Also, my parents manage my college savings and investments, and if it weren't for the Great Depression and other economic recessions, they, as well as many other parents, might not be careful enough with money and how they invest it in stocks to plan for my future. C. This connects to present day because people are always following the stock market and the economy, and if something like the Great Depression happens again, people will lose all their money, and the quality of life will become much worse, so people care a lot about it.
A. The movement towards birth control was a pivotal point for the nation because it marked a shift in public opinion. Starting in the 1910s, the birth control movement was mostly based upon eugenics, or the idea that only some people should be allowed to reproduce; this caused many people to be morally opposed to the matter. However, as public knowledge spread of the dangers of STDs and the importance of contraceptives increased around the time of World War 1, people slowly began to open up to the idea. As clinics started opening up in the early 1920s, it marked a huge shift in public opinion and a huge victory for women who did not want to get pregnant. B. This progression has made it possible for me to have birth control in the future. C. This connects to present day because the debate on morality vs. public health is still hotly debated, especially in regards to abortion.
A. Earhart was a positive role model for women and girls everywhere, showing them that they can defy gender roles and pursue their dreams. In addition, her story was interesting and inspiring, and it distracted people from the economic horrors of the 1930s. B. The mystery around Amelia Earhart has intrigued me since I was little, and now that I am older and I understand the struggles of historic women, she inspires me to not let anything hold me back from my dreams. C. Even though many women today have been "firsts" in the careers and dreams that they've pursued, there still are many gender roles and expectation for all people that limit them in certain ways. Present-day role models just like Earhart are important for all people because it shows them that they don't have to do what is expected of their gender; they can follow their own dreams.