20th Century
The 20th century, spanning 1901-2000, was marked by rapid technological advancements, two world wars, social revolutions, the Cold War, decolonization and groundbreaking achievements in science, space and civil rights.
Start Here
During the 1950s, the United States was the world’s strongest military power. Its economy was booming, and the fruits of this prosperity–new cars, suburban houses and other consumer goods–were available to more people than ever before. However, the 1950s also saw great conflict. The nascent civil rights movement and the crusade against communism at home and abroad exposed underlying divisions in American society.
The 1960s saw John F. Kennedy elected to the White House and gains in civil rights before America splintered amid cultural divisions and Vietnam War protests.
The 1970s brought social change in the battles for women's and gay rights, along with the launch of an environmental movement and a new conservative populism.
The 1980s were a decade of political conservatism, such as President Ronald Reagan’s Reaganomics, and of blockbuster movies, pop culture and fashion on MTV.
1930s
The 1930s
Learn more about the 1930s, a particularly tumultuous decade in world history that got its start with a bang - or, more accurately, a crash.
Explore related articles
Before the mid-19th century, bowling used nine pins, not 10.
Route 66 attractions, like the Kan-O-Tex Service Station and the first McDonald’s site, preserve the famous highway’s past.
The Washington, D.C., performing arts center has been one of the United States’ preeminent cultural institutions since the 1970s.
An investigation to a 1972 break-in to the Democratic National Committee offices revealed gross abuses of power by the Nixon administration.
Revisit the spirit of the '90s from grunge to glam.
It didn't end when Central High School was integrated.
Born in the ashes of World War II, the currency used by 21 European countries went into effect on January 1, 1999.
King penned of the civil rights movement's seminal texts while in solitary confinement, initially on the margins of a newspaper.
In an excerpt from his new book, author Steven M. Gillon details the final hours of Lee Harvey Oswald's life.
After sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made a defiant gesture from the awards podium at the Games, they faced repercussions—but also gained respect.
When Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in protest at the 1968 Summer Games, Australian runner Peter Norman stood by them. It lost him his career.
When Neil Armstrong stepped down a ladder and onto the moon on July 20, 1969, the nation achieved an audacious vision. But there were surprising moments along the way and not everything went as expected.
Explore the history of Apollo 11, the first moon landing, including JFK's vision, NASA's Apollo program and a complete mission timeline.
Yes, there was rocket science. But there were also extraordinary amounts of low-tech weaving, stitching and caulking.
The astronaut crew had to troubleshoot a series of problems throughout the historic 1969 flight.
