In India, there is always curiosity about America. From American history to the present, people are curious.
When we say that modern America (300 years) has been the land of many revolutions and movements, then, on the contrary, examples are also given of the oppression of Indians by whites in America, brutality against African slaves, and political interference around the world.
But America itself was a land of revolution, struggle, and ultimately freedom. It contains many inspiring things for us. We will see that today.
Ten Great Things About Revolutions and Conflicts in America
1) 1776: Declaration of Independence – On July 4, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which affirmed the independence of the 13 American colonies from British rule and laid the foundation for the birth of the United States of America.
Lesson – The British were completely crazy. The principle of “no taxation without representation” was introduced. Revolt against the British crown!
2) 1783: End of the War of Independence – The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War and granting the United States independence from Great Britain.
Lesson: Rights cannot be achieved without struggle. And yes, freedom is never given, it is taken away.
3) 1863: Emancipation Proclamation -President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves (African blacks) in Confederate-controlled areas would be freed. This was an important step toward liberation and independence, but it was merely a presidential executive order and not a law or constitutional amendment.
Lesson – It takes a morally upright person to do the morally right thing.
4) 1865: 13th Amendment – The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, which also constitutionally abolished slavery and secured the freedom of all African Americans forever. Lincoln became immortal.
Leeson–Lincoln set the abolition of slavery in stone. A man of the highest character and courage.
5) 1870: 15th Amendment – The 15th Amendment was ratified and gave African-American men the right to vote, marking an important step toward political freedom and representation.
Lesson – Great successes are often achieved step by step. Be patient.
6) 1890-1920: Suffrage Movement – The suffrage movement gained momentum as women fought for their freedom and the right to vote. In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, giving women the right to vote in the United States.
Lesson – The freedom that women enjoy today was achieved with great difficulty. Nothing was given. Everything is hard won.
7) 1955-1968: Civil Rights Movement – The Civil Rights Movement, led by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., fought for racial equality and freedom for African Americans. The movement reached its peak with historic events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Lesson – Mahatma Gandhi was the leader in the struggle of Martin Luther King Jr. Non-violent, steadfast.
8) 1963 and 1964: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech – Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, envisioning racial equality, freedom, and justice for all Americans.
1964 – Civil Rights Act: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law marked an important milestone in the fight for equality and freedom for all Americans.
Lesson: Humanity’s moral curve is ultimately leaning in the right direction.
9) 1965: Voting Rights Act This led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices and provides strong federal protections for the right to vote. Its purpose was to ensure political freedom and equal voting rights for all citizens, particularly African Americans who faced systemic barriers to voting.
Lesson: America was never the same again. Three generations ago, these same African Americans were bought and sold like cattle by whites.
10) 2008: Election of Barack Obama – Barack Obama became the first African-American president of the United States, a major milestone in the pursuit of racial equality and evidence of progress toward a more inclusive and freer America.
Lesson – Even the greatest obstacles will eventually be overcome.
So, friends, I hope you too have the motivation to fight your respective difficulties in life.
Today’s Sunday Motivational Career Funda says that important episodes in American history give us some very deep and wonderful lessons from which we can learn and move forward in our struggles.