US History and Constitutional Amendments: Key Facts
Key Moments in US History
Civil Rights Progress Under Truman
46. In 1949, the Truman administration made progress in civil rights by ordering an end to discrimination in the hiring of government employees.
US Containment Policy
47. Beginning in 1947, the United States’ policy of “containment” was the basis for its foreign policy for more than forty years.
The Rosenberg Spy Case
48. In 1950, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were accused of spying for the Soviet Union.
Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
49. In regard to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed while in police custody.
Focus of the 1965 Civil Rights Act
50. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 primarily focused on the issue of voting rights.
The Truman Doctrine
51. In 1947, the Truman Doctrine stated that the US would give aid to any country threatened by communism.
Response to the Berlin Blockade
52. In 1948, President Harry Truman responded to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin by airlifting supplies to West Berlin.
Formation of NATO
53. In 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed as a military alliance of Western European and North American states against the Soviet Union and its Eastern European allies.
Global Affairs and US Policy
Permanent Members of the UN Security Council
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are the US, China, the Russian Federation, France, and the UK.
US Support During the Vietnam War
The US supported South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Iraq’s Invasion in 1980
In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran.
First Manned Moon Landing
The US is the only nation to have landed a man on the Moon, achieved with Apollo 11 in 1969.
Nuclear Armed Nations
The nations that are known or suspected of being nuclear-armed are the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
Main Rivals During the Cold War
The US and the Soviet Union were the main rivals during the Cold War.
US Presidents from 1948 to Present
The US Presidents from 1948 to the present, in order of their terms, are:
- Harry Truman
- Dwight Eisenhower
- John F. Kennedy
- Lyndon B. Johnson
- Richard Nixon
- Gerald Ford
- Jimmy Carter
- Ronald Reagan
- George H. W. Bush
- Bill Clinton
- George W. Bush
- Barack Obama
- Donald Trump (2017-2021)
- Joe Biden (2021-Present)
US Constitutional Amendments
54. The following amendments to the US Constitution protect or provide:
First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Second Amendment
A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Third Amendment
No Soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Fourth Amendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue.
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.