Events with tag - Equality

August 1619

First African Slaves Arrive in Colonial America

In August 1619, the Dutch warship White Lion arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia, carrying '20 and odd' Africans who were traded for food and supplies, marking the beginning of slavery in colonial America. This pivotal moment transformed the nation's history and established a system that would persist for 246 years.

July 13, 1863

New York Draft Riots

A deadly five-day civil uprising in New York City sparked by the Civil War draft law that allowed wealthy citizens to buy their way out of military service for $300. The riots resulted in 119 deaths, over 2,000 injuries, and massive property destruction.

July 13, 1863

New York City Draft Riots

A violent uprising in New York City sparked by Civil War military conscription that resulted in over 119 deaths and $1.5 million in property damage. The riots highlighted social, economic, and racial tensions in the war-torn nation.

November 19, 1863

Gettysburg Address

President Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic 272-word Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, transforming a simple dedication into a powerful statement about democracy, human equality, and national purpose during the American Civil War.

December 7, 1941

Women in WWII Workforce

During World War II (1941-1945), millions of American women entered the workforce, taking up roles in factories, shipyards, and aviation plants. The female workforce grew by over 50%, with women making up to 65% of defense industry workers by 1943.

December 7, 1941

Women Enter US Workforce During WWII

Following the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, millions of American women entered the workforce to fill critical labor shortages as men joined the military. This unprecedented shift saw nearly 6 million women taking roles in defense industries, manufacturing plants, and government offices, fundamentally changing the American labor landscape.

July 26, 1948

U.S. Military Desegregation Order

President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, officially ending racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces and establishing equality of treatment and opportunity for all service members regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.

July 2, 1964

Civil Rights Act Signing

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, marking a watershed moment in American history by outlawing discrimination and segregation across public spaces, employment, and federally funded programs.