Days?
America
“I was walking in, he was We went back inside, sat But all he kept talking about Glory days Well they’ll pass you by, glory In the wink of a young girl’s Glory days” (Bruce Springsteen,
was walking out down, had a few drinks about was glory days girl’s eye, glory days Springsteen, “ Glory Days” )
1721 - 1865
1721:
Doctors and clergy introduce smallpox inoculation to American colonies
Apr 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783: War between the United Colonies and Great Britain (The Revolutionary War)
November 17, 1777:
The Articles of Confederation was sent to the 13 states for passage as the revolutionary war raged. Problems ensued, among them: The states didn’t act immediately; The central government was designed to be very, very weak; The Articles Congress only had one chamber and each state had one vote; Congress needed 9 of 13 states to pass any laws; The document was practically impossible to amend; The central government couldn’t collect taxes to fund its operations; States were able to conduct their own foreign policies
Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789
30 April 1789:
“To the preceding observations I have one to add, which will be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored with a call into the Service of my Country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this resolution I have in no instance departed. And being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to myself, any share in the personal emoluments, which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the Executive Department; and must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the Station in which I am placed, may, during my continuance in it, be limited to such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.” George Washington Inaugural Address
1777: George Washington mandates smallpox inoculation for Continental soldiers during Revolutionary War
1798:
The Alien Enemies Act signed into law 6 July 1798 allows the president to cause the arrest, relocation, or deportation of any male over the age of 14 who hailed from a foreign enemy country. It has been invoked three times, each time during a major conflict: the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II to, amongst other actions, imprison Japanese Americans and take their property.
1803:
50 physicians recommend smallpox vaccination for general use
1814: Virginia Argus (Richmond, VA) 27 August, 1814
“Washington Burnt!!”
17 February, 1815:
Treaty of Ghent ends The War of 1812 between the U.S. and Great Britain with
signing 24 December 1814 to take effect.
Treaty of Ghent ends The War of 1812 between the U.S. and Great Britain with signing 24 December 1814 to take effect on 17 February, 1815
1844:
The American Party, aka the Know Nothings, or Know Nothing Party is formed 1844.
President Tyler negotiates the Treaty of Annexation with the Republic of Texas but lacks Senate votes for passage. 12 April 1844
1845:
After a joint resolution of Congress and the support of President-elect Polk, Texas is admitted to the U.S. on 29 December 1845
In July, 1845 President Polk, elected on an expansionist platform, orders the Army to move into “disputed lands”. In
November Polk sends Congressman John Slidell to negotiate the purchase of “disputed lands”, including what is today New Mexico and California.
1846: Mexico - U.S. negotiations fail. May, 1846
War is declared with Mexico. 13 May 1846
Congressman David Wilmot introduces an appropriations bill rider that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist” in any territory acquired by the United States in the war against Mexico. It is blocked by Southern senators. 8 August 1846
1847:
U.S. Forces capture Mexico City. Peace negotiations begin. September 1847
1848: Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo signed in Mexico City. 2 February, 1848
1851: 14 Nov.: “Moby-Dick” published in the U.S.
1859:
The second half of the 19th century saw the emergence of notions that Jews and/ or Freemasons were plotting to establish control over the world.
“I Wish I Was in Dixie” was adopted as the defacto Confederacy anthem.
1861: “We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle field and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad
land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” President Abraham Lincoln
inauguration March 1861
April 12, 1861: Civil War declared
November 1861: “Battle Hymn of the Republic” written by the abolitionist Julia Ward Howe
1865:
26 May, 1865: Civil War hostilities end
14 April, 1865: Abraham Lincoln assassinated
An anti-Lincoln satire, showing the Republican incumbent and his supporters menaced by giant “Copperheads” (Peace Democrats). After a speech on May 1, 1863, asserting that the Civil War was being fought to free blacks and enslave whites, not to save the Union, Clement Laird Vallandigham, leader of the “Copperheads,” was arrested and tried for treason. Library of Congress
Above: Dead of Ewell’s Corps, Spotsylvania, May 1864 Library of Congress
Right:
A Richmond prisoner U.S. General Hospital, Div. No. 1, Annapolis, Md., Private Jackson O. Broshears, Co. D, Indiana Mounted Infantry. Age 20 years; height 6 feet 1 inch; weight when captured, 185 lbs.; was in rebel hands three and one-quarter months, 2 months of which were passed on Belle Isle. Under treatment in U.S. Hospital 8 weeks - constantly improving - now, May 19th, 1864, weighs 108-1/2 lbs. Library of Congress
1867 - 1922
Left:
Harriet Tubman LOC / Powelson, photographer. 1868/9. Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822[1] – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and social activist. [2][3] After escaping slavery, Tubman made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends,[4] using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known collectively as the Underground Railroad.
Above:
““MOVE ON!” Has the Native American no rights that the naturalized American is bound to respect?” Illus. in: Harper’s weekly, v. 15, no. 747 (April 22, 1871), p. 361. Library of Congress
1867:
The Highland Weekly News (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio), August 8, 1867
“Poetry”
“Union of White and Colored Masons”
1868:
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution ratified guaranteeing equal protection under the law and “birthright” citizenship. 9 July 1868
1870s - 1890s:
An era often known as the “Gilded Age” for its excesses and political corruption, and inequality.
1882:
The Chinese Exclusion Act is approved; banning for 10 years Chinese laborer from immigrating to the U.S. 6 May, 1882
1887:
The Palatka Daily News (Palatka, Fla.), March 15, 1887
“Strike Broken”
“The Czar in Danger”
1891:
The Providence News (Providence [R.I.]), December
29, 1891
“On The Mexican Border - What Has Become of the Cavalry Sent Out Last Friday?”
“Saw A Ship In Distress and Fears She Went Down In the Storm”
1892: The News and Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), March 30, 1892
“Yesterday in Congress”
“Whiskey Sellers Sent to Jail” “Riotous Times Abroad”
Montgomery Advertiser (Montgomery Alabama), February 1892
“Dead! Riley Webb Hanged in Selma by an Orderly Mob”
1896: The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), July 3, 1896
“To The South’s Great Leader - Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Davis Memorial”
1898: The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), June 18, 1898
“Fierce Fighting in Philippines”
“The Banking Bill Passed the Senate
Yesterday by a Small Majority”
The Breckenridge News (Cloverport, Ky.), July 6, 1898
“Third Fleet Off to Manila”
The Copper Country Evening News (Calumet, Mich.), July 18, 1898
“Gold From the Klondike - Forty Men Bring Nearly $1,000,000 of the Yellow Metal”
“Peace Rumors. Madrid Papers Say Negotiations Are Opened. Denied From Washington”
1900:
The Providence News (Providence [R.I.]), June 20, 1900
“Republican Convention Is Now Down to Real Business”
1901:
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), January 6, 1901
“Tax on Earnings a Failure - Tax on Property Valuation Basis Best”
“Rumors Afloat of Impeachment (US Supreme Court) - Resolutions” Drawn Against Furches and Douglas”
1906:
The Boston Post (Boston, MASS) 19 April 1906
“FIRE FOLLOW EARTHQUAKE - HEAT OF CITY IS IN RUINS”
“Big Section of San Francisco Wiped Out With $100,000,000 Damage”
“100,000 People Homeless and Thousands Dead and Injured”
The Call+Chronicle=Examiner (SF, CA) 19 April 1906
“EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE: SAN FRANCISCO IN RUINS”
“NO HOPE LEFT FOR SAFETY OF ANY BUILDINGS”
“CHURCH OF SAINT IGNATIUS IS DESTROYED”
1908:
The Hattiesburg News (Hattiesburg, Miss.),
November 19, 1908, (3:30 EDITION)
“Two Men Hurt By a Mad Steer”
“Vandals Wreck Texas Pacific Passenger Train”
“Rushing Troops Toward Riotous Chinese Capital”
“Steamboat to Navigate Pearl River”
“Chancellor Von Buelow Stirs German Reichstag”
“English woman suffragettes are parading the streets of London in honor of the release from jail of the women who had been
arrested for their plea for equal rights”
1909:
From Daily Press of Newport News VA. 11 April 1909:
“Pennsylvania defeats Yale in big boat race”
“Senate’s Tariff Bill is Now Completed”
“Oklahoma Governor and 6 Other Notables Indictments Quashed Upon a Technicality”
“House Discovers Oil Joker in Tariff Bill”
1910:
The Hattiesburg News (Hattiesburg, Miss.), December 15, 1910
“The Mystery of Negro’s Strange Disappearance Revealed at Inquest Over the Bones - Jules Marshall Was Slain By Avengers”
“Colorado Mine Gas Explosion Kills 12”
1912:
Jerome News (Jerome, Yavapai County, Ariz.), January 20, 1912
“Over One Hundred Million People Under the Protection of Uncle Sam”
“Gov. Hunt Will Insist On Prison Reforms”
The Hattiesburg News (Hattiesburg, Miss.), May 25, 1912
“Mob Burned Negro Brute”
“Bandits Thought Headed For Mobile ...”
1913:
3 February 1913. 16th Amendment To the Constitution allowing income tax ratified. Before money for government primarily came from tariffs on imported goods.
1914: The Cimarron News and Cimarron Citizen (Cimarron, Colfax County, N.M.), June 25, 1914
“Prospectors Hunt For Lost Mines In Black Range”
1915:
The silent film “The Birth of a Nation” is released 8 February 1915
1917:
The Tacoma Times (Washington) May 22, 1917
“LYNCHING FEVER GRIPS SOUTH - Burn Negro at Stake; Barricade Accomplice In Shack”
April 6, 1917 U.S. enters World War One
Evening Capital News (Boise, Idaho), September 15, 1917
“Misjudged Russia and Must Pay Penalty”
“Woman Mayor Comes to Idaho, Another Takes Her Place”
1918:
The News Scimitar (Memphis, Tenn.), November 30, 1918
“Kaiser Signs Formal Abdication”
“Dixie Units First Yanks Coming Home”
“Casualty List”
“Mississippi To Resume Building of Highways”
Large crowd looking at the burned body of Jesse Washington, 18 yearold African American, lynched in Waco, Texas, May 15, 1916. Library of Congress
1918 - 1919: The “Spanish Flu” pandemic kills 1 in 67 United States soldiers, making an influenza vaccine a US military priority
1919:
The News Scimitar (Memphis, Tenn.), March 29, 1919
“Bolshevism Is Menace Which Must Be Meet”
“Hungarians Release Ukrainians Arrested”
“Typhoid on Wane”
Chicago Defender (Chicago, Illinois)
2 August 1919
“Riot Sweeps Chicago - Gun Battles and Fighting in Streets Keep the City in an UproarGhastly Deeds of Race Rioters Told”
1920:
The Chattanooga News (Chattanooga, Tenn.), May 20, 1920
“Today’s Baseball Results”
“Labor Protests Army Bill Clause - Fears
“Joker” Would Permit Peace Time Conscription of Industrial Workers”
“Mother of Rich Draft Dodger Held Guilty”
The Chattanooga News (Chattanooga, Tenn.), December 31, 1920
“Smallpox in East Chicago”
“Declare State of Siege At Budapest”
“Negroes Captured, Tried to Rob Train”
June 15, 1920 lynching Clayton, McGhie, & Jackson, Duluth, Minnesota. Library of Congress
The News Scimitar (Memphis, Tenn.), May 28, 1920 “Woman Award First Prize In Why Change Your Wife Contest”
1921: The Chicago Whip (Chicago, IL), June 11, 1921
“Tulsa’s Terrible Tale Is Told”
1922: The Connecticut Labor News (New Haven, Conn.), May 5, 1922
“State Federation of Labor Planning Gigantic
A Suffragite Between 1910 and 1920 in DC. Harris & Ewing, photographer. Library of Congress
Organization Campaign to Offset Workers’ Foes”
Connecticut Western News (Salisbury, Litchfield Co.), June 1, 1922
“Tubercular Cattle Must Be Eradicated - One Cow
Infected Stock and Members of Family”
Boston Evening Globe (Boston, MASS) 29 October 1929
“Big Banks Ask Only 25 Percent Margin”
“Air Liner Lost in Snowstorm”
“Stocks Rise After Big Losses In Wild Opening”
Variety (NYC) 30 October 1929
“Wall Street. Lays An Egg”
“Homey Women Scarce, Can’t Earn Over $25”
D.C.
Library of Congress
Leading the Klu Klux Klan parade held in Washington,
September 13, 1926; on the right is Mr. J.M. Fraser, a member of the original Klan.
1929 - 1940
1929:
“What America has done has given renewed hope and courage to all who have faith in government by the people. In the large view, we have reached a higher degree of comfort and security than ever existed before in the history of the world. Through liberation from widespread poverty we have reached a higher degree of individual freedom than ever before. The devotion to and concern for our institutions are deep and sincere. We are steadily building a new race–a new civilization great in its own attainments. …
If citizens do not like a law, their duty as honest men and women is to discourage its violation; their right is openly to work for its repeal.” Herbert Hover, inauguration speech 4 March 1929
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) 30 October 1929
“STOCK CRASH HALTED AFTER PRICES SAG IN 16,410,030 SHARE DAY”
“Head of Sears, Roebuck Guarantees More Than 40,000 Accounts”
Appleton Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisconsin)
30 October 1929
“STOCKS CONTINUE TO MAKE RECOVERY”
“When Economists Determine Base Prices Market Will Be Supported”
“Dry Agents Nab 13 in Waupaca-CO”
1930:
The Indianapolis Star 7 August 1930
“Marion Mob Storms Jail, Hangs Twothousands defy officers to beat, lynch (Black men) prisoners”
Seaside Signal (Astoria, OR) December 1930
‘Girl Caught In Hobo Round-up; Family of 3 Is Found On Highway”
1931:
“Which Side Are You On?”, written and sung by Florence Reece in Harlan County, Kentucky
The Afro American (Baltimore, Maryland) 31 December 1931
“Mob Toyed With Body - Mystery Death Believed to be Second Mob Victim”
1932:
Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Aug. 17, 1932
“POLICE ROUT VAGRANTS - BURN SHACKS ON DUMP”
Montana Labor News (Butte, Mont.),
December 8, 1932
“171 Billions Of Debt Strangle U.S. Business
- Tremendous Interest Drainage on National Incomes”
“AFL Cautious On Women and Color Bar”
1933:
“… let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.” Franklin D. Roosevelt, inauguration speech 4 March 1033
The Bonus Expeditionary Forces camp on Anacostia Flats, Washington, DC.., around 1932. 20,000 (some estimates said 40,000) WW1 vets march on Washington DC to demand bonus promised, but not delivered. Library of Congress
Red Lodge , Red Lodge, Montana 11 October 1933
“Employment to be managed by County Boards - Workers on Public Works Jobs
Must Qualify as Residents”
“Bridge May Be Government Job”
Chicago Herald and Examiner (Chicago, Ill) 6 December 1933
“Prohibition Era Ended! Loop Crowds Hail Repeal”
“U.S. Studies “Favoritism” in Home Loans”
1934:
The Minot Daily News (Minot, ND) July 23, “Federal Agents Kill John Dillinger.”
1935:
Carbon County Red Lodge , Montana 13 March 1935
“Administrator of County Relief Is Told to Cut Cost”
Dust is too much for this farmer’s son in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. 1936 - Library of Congress
1936:
The Producers News (Plentywood, Mont.), February 14, 1936
“National Farmer Labor Party Assured for 1936”
Buckeye Valley News and Buckeye Review (Buckeye, Maricopa County, Ariz.), July 2, 1936
“Be Sure You Have the Right to Vote”
“Grain Harvest Is Over, Alfalfa To Start Next Week”
The Seattle Times (Seattle, Washington) 11 March 1936
“WAR
CERTAIN, FRANCE WARNS”
“King Edward Hints he Will Marry!”
“Dore, Jubilant, Outlines Plans; Negro on List of Appointments - Seattle Will Have Sunday Beer and Wine, Says Mayor-Elect”
1939:
“Strange Fruit” is recorded by Billie Holiday 20 April 1939
Buckeye Valley News and Buckeye Review (Buckeye, Maricopa County, Ariz.), June 1, 1939
“King Cotton Wins War Over Rayon For Tire Market”
“34 Receive Diplomas At Buckeye Union High School Graduation”
The Goldsboro Herald (Goldsboro, NC) 25 April 1940
“If You Would Vote, You Must Register - Books Open Saturday”
“Italy Reported Ready To Enter War On Side Of Germany As Hot Contests Are Waged By Powers”
“Negros Od County Do Wonders Aiding In School Situation”
1941
- 1970
1941:
Citizen Kane, by Orson Wells, released 1 May 1941 in New York City
The Durant News (Durant, Miss.), April 3, 1941
“Eleven Colored Men Should Report To Draft BoardPublic Asked by Board to Help Notify Men”
Automotive News (Detroit, Mich.;Detroit, MI), November 10, 1941
“Oil Control Only Temporary, U.S. Aides Tell API Conclave”
“Army Asked to Place ’42 Orders Now to Aid Jobless”
Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1st EXTRA (Honolulu, Hawaii)
7 December 1941
“WAR! OAHU BOMBED BY JAPANESE PLANS”
“Hundreds See City Bombed”
“Schools Closed”
The Eventing Times EXTRA!! (Sayre, PA) 7 December 1941
“U.S. AT WAR!!”
“All Political Differences In Congress Go as All Rally to Support U.S.”
1942:
The Daily Register-Mail (Galesburg, Ill) 8 June 1942
“JAP FLEET FLEES FROM MIDWAY”
“COURT DECIDES OVERTIME PAY IS MANDATORY”
“F.R. REQUESTS NEW WAR FUND OF 39 BILLION”
1943:
The Western News (Libby, Mont.), May 6, 1943
“State Will Need Large Sum For Road Repairs After War is Ended”
“Tells How to Prevent Inflation”
1945: Montana labor news (Butte, Mont.), June 28, 1945
“New Anti-Labor Law Would Force Arbitration”
“High Court Ruling Ends Long Witch Hunt of ILWU President Bridges”
1946: Summit County Labor News (Akron, Ohio), January 25, 1946
“Steel Plants Face Government Seizure If Walkout Continues”
“Executive Salaries Out of Line With Wages”
The Herald-News (Wolf Point, Mont.), December 26, 1946
“Montana-Dak. Utilities Buys More Power”
1948:
Montana Labor News, Butte, Montana 1 July 1948
“Unions May Spend Money On 1948 Politics”
“Coal Miners To Get $100 Pensions”
1948 - 1955: U.S. experiences several polio epidemics
1950:
The Christian Science Monitor (Boston, MASS) 31 July 1950
“Stumbling Block to Stalin - Inefficiency Mars
Industrial Surge”
“Backers of Reapportionment in Oregon See No Solution in Initiative Measure”
“$20 Billion Arms Plan; Reinforcements From U.S. Landed in South Korea”
1951:
Summit County labor news (Akron, Ohio), April 27, 1951
“AMA Distorts Truth in Attack On Health Plan”
The Harlem News (Harlem, Mont.), June 29, 1951
“Harlem Garden Club Spring Flower Show Will Be Held This Saturday, June 30”
“Soil Capability Needs and Treatment Stressed by Paradise Soil District”
1955:
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” , written by Dave “Curlee” Williams, is released by Big Maybelle, March 1955
12 April, 1955 the first polio vaccine is licensed in U.S.
Maybellene by Chuck Berry released 21 May 1955
Summit County Labor News (Akron, Ohio), September 9, 1955
“GOP Dangling More Bait to Win Votes”
“Akron Voters Pass On Low-Rental Homes”
Tutti Frutti by Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman) released October of 1955
1956:
“Roll Over Beethoven” by Chuck Berry released 19 April 1956
1957:
“Whole Lotta Shaki’ Goin’ On”, Jerry Lee “The Killer”
Lewis 15 April 1957
Arkansas State Press (Little Rock, AR), September 27, 1957
“U.S. Troops Invade Little Rock; Take Over Central High School”
1958:
“Johnny B. Goode” released by Chuck Berry 6 January 1958
John Birch Society founded 9 December 1958 - in the 1970s they claimed a UN force of “black helicopters” would arrive and put the USA under UN control.
1959:
Jackson Daily News (Jackson, MS) 2 July 1959
“Gov. Long Suffers Heart Attack”
“Lawmakers
Demand Rigid Measures After Scientist Accused of Secrets Leak”
Conspiracy theories: In 1950s and 1960s conspiracy theories from the KKK, the libertarians, and the John Birch Society said water fluoridation was a communist plot.
1961:
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty. This much we pledge and more. …
So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. …
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” President John F. Kennedy inauguration
The Mobile Register (Mobile, Alabama) 15 May, 1961
“Mixed Bus Ambushed In State - Magic City Mob Also in Violence”
The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) 15 May
1961
“All Nations Mourn Death of Film Star”
“U.S. Access Reluctantly to Laos Talks”
The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama) 15
May 1961
“Integrationist Group Continuing Trip After Brutal Beatings Here”
“Kennedy says he’ll give help”
“Mob terror hits city on Mothers Day”
The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Mississippi) 25 May 1961
“27 Mixers Jailed On Arrival Here”
Clinch Valley News (Jeffersonville, Va.), June 22, 1961
“Miss Harry Graduates From E&H College”
“Farm Housing Loans Increased in 1960”
1963:
The first measles vaccine is licensed for public use in U.S.
Baltimore Afro-American (Baltimore, MD) 31 August 1963
“241,000 Voices Shout - Our Freedom Now”
“Six months given in caning (death) case”
Herbert Block, published in Washington Post April 14, 1965
“After all, we’re not against voting rights in principle -- only in practice”
“Blowin’ In the Wind” by Bob Dylan released 13 August 1963
Desert News/Salt Lake Telgram (Salt Lake City, UT) 28 August 1963)
“First Miners Rescued From Moab Explosion”
“Chanting Rights Marchers Swarm In Nation’s Capital”
Pittsburgh Courier - America’s Best Weekly (Pittsburgh, PA) 7 September 1963
“I HAVE A DREAM ... TODAY!”
“Solemn State Funeral Given Dr. DuBois”
22 November, 1963: President Kennedy assassinated and conspiracy theories proliferate.
1964: Nina Simone releases “Mississippi Goddam”
The Wesleyan Argus (Middletown, CONN) 12 May 1964
“Five Wesson to Fight Voter Discrimination in Mississippi”
“A Change Is Gonna Come” written by Sam Cooke. Released 22 December 1964
1965:
“Highway 61 Revisited” album by Bob Dylan released 30 August 1965
1966: Chamber’s Brothers release Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions song “People Get Ready”
Above: Participants marching in the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965
Right: Poater of Bill Wilkinson, Imperial Wizard, Ku Klux Klan. 1965
1967:
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” recorded by Nina Simone, originally an instrumental by Billy Taylor and then on 12 November 1963 released with lyrics by Dick Dallas
1968:
Rockford Morning Star (Rockford, Ill) 20 January 1968
“REDS LAUNCH MAJOR OFFENSIVE”
“Harlem Offers Teachers Starting Wage of $6,400”
“3 Skeletons Found in Arkansas Prison”
The News American (Baltimore, MD) 3 February 1968
“Johnson Calls for Wage and Price Curbs”
“Dive bombers Hit Cong In Saigon Strongholds”
“LBJ May Ask New Powers”
Corpus Christi Caller (Corpus Christi, TX) April 8, 1968
“Riots Continue Across Nation”
“Council Is Told Gases Are Easting Up Sewers”
Baltimore Afro-American (Baltimore, MD) 13 April 1968
“World Mourns King. Police Close Noose On Rifle Killer After Dixie-Wide Hunt”
The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ) 21 August 1968
“Russians Invade Czech Border”
“Guards Shoot 7 Inmates in Prison Rioting”
San Antonio Post-Gazette (San Antonio, TX) 16 September 1968
“Fair Crash Fatal; 47 Hurt”
Inner City Voice; Detroit’s Black Community Newspaper June 1968
“Black Workers Uprising”
1969:
The film Easy Rider is released in NYC 14 July 1969
1970:
Houston Chronicle (Houston, TX) 5 May 1970
“U.S. Tanks Blast Into Cambodia”
“4 Killings Set Off Campus Upheaval”
“Drug Control Approach Is Called a Dismal Failure”
AP News, 15 May 1970
“Cops’ Shots Kill 2 at Jackson State”
America 1971 - 2025
Oh, the rovin’ gambler, he was very bored
Tryin’ to create a next world war
He found a promoter who nearly fell on the floor
He said, “I never did engage in this kind of thing
Yes, I think it can be very easily done
We need to put some bleachers out in the sun
And have it on Highway 61”
(Bob Dyan, “ Highway 61 Revisited ”
floor thing before, but sun
1971:
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are combined into the MMR vaccine in the United States
Los Angeles Times (LA, CA) 10 February 1971
“Day of Disaster - Quake Leaves 42 Dead, 1000
Hurt; Periled Dam Forces 40,000 to Flee”
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” written by Gil Scott-Heron, recorded 19 April 1971
Washington Post 4 May 1971
“7,000 Arrested In Disruptions”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 21 June 1971
“M’Namara: Pacification a Failure”
1972: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, PA) 31 January 1972
“13 Slain at Rally in Ulster”
“Zoo’s Society Appeals For Public Support”
“3-Legged Bell Stool Wobbling”
Man and dog in their front yard.
Los Angeles, California. 1972
Top: Hattisburg, Mississippi. 1972
Bottom: New Orleans, Louisiana. 1972
Part of the Blevins family at home in Everts, Kentucky, during the 1974 UMW
strike Harland County strike.
The Daily Times (Salisbury, MD) 23 March 1972
“Congress Approves Equal Rights Bill”
The Courier-News (Central New Jersey) 4 April 1972
“McGovern is seen winner in Wisconsin”
“Ecology is big, but how long?”
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash released 23 June 1972
1973:
“Living for the City” released by Stevie Wonder, November 1973
1974:
The Morning News (Wilmington, Delaware) 9 August 1974
“Nixon Resigns”
1976: Moon landing conspiracy theories take giant step with the self published book by Bill Kaysing.
Foundry worker, Youngstown steel and foundry. 1976.
1977:
LA Herald Examiner (LA, CA) 8 August 1977
“State Threatened By Alien Horde”
Daily News-Chief (Winter Haven FL) 17 August 1977
“Citrus Worry: Not Enough Inventory For Off-Season”
“Haven Unemployment Office Undergoing State Audit Today”
“Six Nabbed In Drug Case”
“Bodyguard: Presley Was ‘Heavily Addicted’”
1980:
The Tennessean (Nashville, TN) 5 November 1980
“REAGAN SWEEPS U.S.”
“U.S. Seeks Clarification from Iran”
“Redemption Song” written by Bob Marley, song by Bob Marley and the Wailer. Released 7 October 1980
The Flat Earth Society claims the moon landings were a Walt Disney production, written by Arthur C. Clarke, directed by Stanley Kubrick
1982: Bruce Springsteen releases
“Well they closed down the auto Ralph went out lookin’ for a job He came home too drunk from He got a gun, shot a night clerk,
“Johnny 99”, by Bruce Springsteen
releases the album
auto plant in Mahwah late that month job but he couldn’t find none mixin’ Tanqueray and wine clerk, now they call him Johnny 99” Springsteen
Nun seeking donations. Grand Central Station. New York City 1982
Above: US Mexico border “fence”’ between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Ysidro, California. 1984
An abandoned dwelling along Highway 50, near Ely, Nevada. 1984
Above: Waiting for deportation at the Immigration Detention Center in El Centro, California. 1985
Below: Copper miners on strike. Morenci, Arizona 1985
Pennsylvania. 1986
The dying steel town of Duquesne,
1982:
New York Times (NYC) 7 August 1982
“UNEMPLOYMENT UP TO 9.8% FOR JULY, A POSTWAR RECORD”
Equal Rights Amendment fails ratification
1984:
The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH) 2 April
1984
“Counsel Named In Meese Probe”
“Repeal Of City Paramedic Fee Costly”
Ann Arbor News (Ann Arbor, Michigan) 5 September
1984
“Former coach arrested in ax-slaying of wife”
San Francisco Chronicle (SF, CA). 7 November 1984
“REAGAN LANDSLIDE”
“Californians Approve Lottery by Big Margin”
1987:
LA Herald Examiner (LA, CA) 11 September 1987
“NFL: The game must go on - Owners will use rejects if players strike”
Los Angeles Herald (LA, CA) 1 October 1987
“QUAKE! 6.1 temblor: 2 dead, major damage”
Daily News (NYC) 20 October 1987
“PANIC! Dow plunges through floor - 508 pts.”
1989:
SF Chronicle (SF, CA) 17 October 1989
“EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA - HUNDREDS DEAD IN HUGE QUAKE”
1990: News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) 4 January 1990
“Noriega surrenders”
New York Post (NYC) 28 April 1990
“TRUMP $LUMP “Mathematical mistake,” says tycoon
Left: Students on holiday in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. 1986
Left: Drinking at the club bar. San Francisco, California. 1988
Above: Conversation on Wall Street. New York, New York 1988
Below: The Boardwalk outside the Trump Plaza Casino. All of Trump’s Atlantic City casinos went bankrupt between 1991 - 2014, NJ. Atlantic City, New Jersey. 1989
Abandoned housing near downtown around Alfred Street, Montcalm and Woodward Ave, now the site of Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. Detroit, Michigan. 1992
The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, AZ) 8 August 1990
“Bush orders paratroopers, armor, jets to Saudi Arabia”
“Oil prices stir ire in Congress”
1991: Journal of Commerce 8 October 1991
“Labor Unions Fight Uphill Battle Against N. American Trade Pact”
1992: Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, PA) 30 April 1992
“Anita Hill’s Impact on the Elections: Page 6”
“L.A. Erupts; Night of Violence follows Acquittal of 4 Cops in Beating of Motorist”
1993: Los Angeles Times (LA, CA) 23 January 1993
“Clinton Revokes Abortion Curbs: Executive orders; President ends ban on fetal tissue research, overturns gag rule at clinics and clears way for FDA to allow importing of French RU486 pill.”
The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) 30 January 1993
“Protesters target trade deal” (NAFTA)
New York Times (NYC) 4 October 1993
“Unions Gird for war Over Trade Pact”
The X-Files , popularizing conspiracy theories, debuts 10 September 1993 1994:
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) 19 June 1994
“O.J. Simpson Held in L.A. Jail Cell Under “Suicide Watch” After Chase - Drama kept many riveted to television”
The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH) 15 July 1994
“Macy’s price tag $4.1B”
“Tape raises questions about Simpson search”
Above: Unhoused and living in the basement of an abandoned hospital. Detroit, Michigan. 1992
Below: Exhausted fireman at a house fire. For a long period during the 90s Detroit seemed to always be on fire. 1992
1995:
“Common People” released by Pulp, 22 May 1995
News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) 28 June 1995
“HIV testing in Lee schools may be halted”
News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) 29 June 1995
“Lee wants extra time on desegregation order”
News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) 4 October 1995
“Would not, could not…’ Jury: He did not” (OJ)
1997:
Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, NV) 19 April 1997
“RETRIAL FOR DARNELL”
“Local: Bazaar to benefit homeless”
“Money: Committee to end jobless benefits”
1999:
The Matrix , introduces red pill, blue pill to the lexicon, is released in the U.S. 31 March 1999
A “safety cell” for prisoners thought to be “a danger to themselves or others”. SF County Jail 1 at the Hall of Justice. San Francisco, California. 1996
Above: Downtown hotel room. Eureka, California. 1999
Below: Migrant labor provided by a labor contractor working the garlic fields near Salinas, California. 2000
1999
During the boom of the late 90’s and early 2000’s the farm land became more valuable as bedroom housing for the booming economies of Silicon Valley and San Jose which are directly west on the coast. Near Turlock, California 2002
Above: A memorial to farmworker victims of an early morning collision between a tractor-trailer and a labor contractors van carrying 15 workers. Fresno County, California.
Above: Pacific Stock Exchange, known as The P Coast. As computers and electronic trading take over, the need for a trading floor declined. San Francisco, California. 2003
Below: A woman has her injuries dressed at Highland ED, the public hospital for Alameda County, California. 2004
Above: Power station in the Dog Patch area of San Francisco, California, thought to cause health issues in the local neighborhoods. 2005
Below: Prisoner in San Francisco County Jail 3 with his “tats” of affiliation and work done. 2007
The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida) 22 July 1999
“Wreckage, 3 Bodies found on ocean floor”
“Inmate’s death called “murder””
Daily News (NYC) 8 October 1999
“The Donald Tells the World: I Want To Be the Prez”
2001:
Washington Post 8 August 2001
“Lynching in Mississippi never stopped”
Daily News (NYC) 11 September 2001
“Cops Bag Panther - Fugitive Ex-Radical Nabbed
30 years After Deadly Broadway Bank Heist”
2006: Twitter launches 15 July 2006
2008:
Some of Twitter’s biggest “stories”: The Super Bowl; The Color Army Experiment; Summer Olympics; Natural disasters; Presidential Campaign; Motrin Moms
The News Journal (Delaware) 5 November 2008
“YES, WE CAN” Obama Elected 1st Black President”
Documenting events in front of the Capital, the weekend of Obama’s 1st inauguration. Washington, D.C. 2009
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation. But in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” Barack Obama 21 January 2009
2010:
New York Times (NYC) 24 March 2010
“Health Care Overhaul Becomes the Law of the Land”
2012:
Perhaps 1st use of the term “crisis actor” to suggest actors were used to stage “false flag” shooting as Sandy Hook Elementary school.
2013:
Miami Herald (Miami, FL) 25 September 2013
“U.S.: Obamacare cost below forecast”
2016:
Boston Herald (Boston, MASS) 16 August 2016
“No Place Like Home - Two teens share tale of family’s struggle to find shelter”
U.S. News and World Report 8 November, 2016
“Twitter Wins Big in 2016 Campaign”
Above: Working at the super market just before a cold Christmas. Omaha, Nebraska 2015
Unhoused man uses a bus stop for shelter while the ad encourages not paying taxes. San Francisco, California 2015
2017:
“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.
The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.
For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry. Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very
Police muster before Donald Trump’s first inauguration. 2017. Four years later they would be assaulted his followers as they tried to protect the Capital.
sad depletion of our military. We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own; and spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.
We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon.
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our
Donald Trump supporters wait in line to enter the Mall and hear his speech. Washington
shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.
The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.
But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.
We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.
From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.”
Donald Trump inauguration speech 20 January 2017
A reported 500,000 march in protest to
Donal Trump at the Women’s March on the mall, 21 January 2017. Washington D.C.
Above: Sleeping rough next to a steam cover on Market Street, between 5th and 6th. San Francisco, California. 2017
Below: Homeless person sleep in his wheelchair on 13th St, his “regular” spot. San Francisco, California. 2019.
The annual memorial for the unhoused held UN Plaza. In 2019, 275, 35 more than in 2018. For many years San Francisco’s unhoused numbers have hovered between 7,000 - 9,000 in official counts..
2020:
The Detroit News (Detroit) 13 March 2020
“Tiny virus topples mighty bull market”
Politico 14 April 2020
“FEMA Ships Out Nearly 20 Million
Hydroxychloroquine Tablets”
Wall Street Journal 17 April 2020
“Jobless-Claims Tsunami Tops 22 Million for a Single Month”
“Trump’s Plan to Reopen Puts Onus On States”
NJ.com 21 May 2020
“Coronavirus crisis highlights weak links in supply chain for widely used medications”
New York Times (NYC) 24 May 2020
“U.S. DEATHS NEAR 100,000, IN INCALCULABLE LOSS”
Above: Ferris Wheel in Golden Gate Park - ride cost $50. In 2024 it was moved to a more touristy area. San Francisco, California. 2020
Below: Homeless man walks along a path at 20th and San Bruno Ave. San Francisco, California. 2020
2021:
New York Times (NYC) 06 January 2021
“TRUMP INCITES MOB”
The Minnesota Star Tribune (Minneapolis) 7 January 2021
“INSURRECTION - TRUMP-INCITED MOB
VANDALIZES U.S. CAPITOL - Shocked Congress regroups and rejects bid to foil Biden’s win”
The Wall Street Journal 11 June 2021
“Inflation Jumps to 13-Year High”
TikTok Stories of 2021 December
“Bones Day” or a “No Bones Day”?
2022:
New York Times (NYC) 16 January 2022
“In Covid Ward, 2 Nurses Race To 36 Patients”
“DEMOCRATS FACE COSTLY NEW SLOG ON VOTING CURBS”
Covid Testing directions at San Francisco General Hospital. San Francisco, California. 2021
New York Times (NYC) 15 May 2022
“ONE MILLION - A NATION’S IMMEASURABLE GRIEF”
Times Leader (Northeastern Pennsylvania) 16 October 2022
“Biden turning to Trump-era rule to expel migrants”
“A bit of Harry Potter in WB”
2023:
The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA) 07 January 203
Winter storms have killed Sacramento’s homeless before. Have we learned nothing?
The Tribune (Orange County, CA) 14 January 2023
“Freeway Heist of Jewels Nets $560,000”
Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, TX) 1 December 2023
“Year in review: 2023’s viral stories: Kansas couple’s sunflower field surprise goes viral; Missing hiker since August found deceased with faithful dog by his side”
Right: Whiz Burgers, 60 years at 18th and S. Van Ness. In 1977 Robert Hillsborough and a friend were attacked after buying burgers by a group of young anti-gay men. Hillsborough was stabbed 15 times and died. The murder highlighted the violence facing the LGBT community. San Francisco, California. 2023
Above: Division Street/13th Street the day before a sweep. CP with cans he collects to sells. CP has been on the street “awhile” and doesn’t know how old he is. He and his possessions will be swept soon. San Francisco, California. 2022
Once homes, then slated for “development”, then left.
Hern Avenue near Corby. Santa Rosa, California 2024
2024:
The Tribune (Orange County) 17 February 2024
“Content of Libraries Is On Agenda”
LA Times (LA, CA) 31 May 2024
“Trump guilty on all counts”
LA Times (LA, CA.) 22 July 2024
“BIDEN DROPS OUT”
The Wall Street Journal 7 November 2024
“TRUMP TRIUMPHS AGAIN”
2025:
Daily Pilot (Huntington Beach, CA) 3 January 2025
“Surf City Splash participants welcome 2025 in chilly Pacific”
“Union talks stalled in F.V.”
“Event set to boost firefighter relief fund”
A memorial for a traveler who died. Mercey Springs Rd and I5, near Los Banos, California. 2024
Minot Daily News (Minot, ND) 4 January 2025
“ND responds to nationwide PowerSchool data breach”
“Governor seeks quick action on property tax reform”
“Documentary brings UFOs to a CLOSE
ENCOUNTER - Former Minot AFB officer remembers UFO sighting in ’66”
San Francisco Chronicle (SF, CA) 6 January 2025
“Fresh doughnuts and wine arrive at luxe new S.F. café”
NY Times 7 January 2025
“Meta to End Fact-Checking Program in Shift Ahead of Trump Term”
Washington Post (DC) 8 January 2025
“Landlords are accused of colluding to raise rents. See where”
“As Meta ends fact-checking, here’s how to find the truth on social media”
“NASA collected Mars rocks, but isn’t sure how to get them home”
An unhoused older man without benefits under a billboard at 5th and Harrison Street touting AI over humans in the workplace, implying humans are outdated. San Francisco, California. 2024
“Frozen chill is here to stay. Snow possible Friday night into Saturday”
Seaside Signal (Astoria, OR) 9 January 2025
“Watershed council to repurpose used Christmas trees”
“Providence Seaside prepares for strike”
“Hometown Report: Seaside graduate wraps up Boise State career”
The New Republic 13 January 2025
“Trump’s Inauguration Will Feature a Shocking Lineup of Musical Guests”
Washington Post 20 January 2025
“Two words to remember: “Manifest Destiny””
U.S. News & World Report 20 January 2025
“From Jan. 6 Pardons to a Massive Immigration Crackdown: Trump’s Most Contentious Day 1 Orders”
Texas Tribune 21 January 2025
“Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointments”
Rolling Stone 21 January 2025
“Garth Hudson Was the Spirit and Soul of the Band’s Musical Brotherhood. It’s so fitting that Garth Hudson was the last man standing from the Band.”
Daily News (NYC) 31 January 2025
“Gold Bar Bob” Gets 11 Yrs.”
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA) 31 January 2025
“Japanese Americans returned from prison camps 80 years ago to face one of the country’s ‘greatest swindles’”
As the U.S.A., as much of the world, seems to drift into an era of conspiracy theories, white nationalism, and inequality on every level, many believe there is still hope. MLK Memorial at Yerba Buena Gardens. San Francisco, California. 2025
Images
America
1775 - 1970 from the Library of Congress
America
1971 - 2025
by Robert Gumpert
A Coffee and Donuts publication ©2025 Photographs and design: Robert Gumpert ragumpert@gmail.com - https://robertgumpert.com