Colorado in AP United States History
Timeline of Events:
- 1851: Gold discovered in Colorado, leading to a massive influx of settlers during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.
- 1858: Colorado Territory established by Congress.
- 1859: Colorado Gold Rush begins.
- 1861: Colorado Territory secedes from the Union during the Civil War.
- 1867: Colorado readmitted to the Union as a state.
- 1876: Colorado becomes the first state to grant women the right to vote.
- 1893-1894: Silver Panic and economic crisis in Colorado.
- Early 20th century: Colorado becomes a major mining and agricultural center.
- 1941: Pearl Harbor attack; Colorado plays a significant role in the war effort.
- 1951: Denver becomes a major center for the aerospace industry.
- 1960s-1970s: Colorado experiences rapid population growth and economic development.
- 1980: Denver hosts the Democratic National Convention.
- 1992: Colorado Amendment 2 passed, banning anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation.
- 2000: Colorado Supreme Court strikes down Amendment 2.
- 2012: Colorado becomes the first state to legalize recreational marijuana.
Important Legislation:
- 1876 Colorado Constitution: Granted women the right to vote, making Colorado the first state to do so.
- Amendment 2 (1992): Banned anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation.
- Colorado Amendment 64 (2012): Legalized recreational marijuana.
Important Court Cases:
- Evans v. Romer (1996): The Supreme Court ruled that Amendment 2 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment]].
Major Industry:
- Mining (gold, silver, coal)
- Agriculture (cattle, wheat, corn)
- Aerospace
- Tourism
Impact on the Rest of the Country:
- Women’s suffrage: Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage influenced the movement nationwide.
- Mining: Colorado’s gold and silver mines played a major role in the development of the Western United States.
- Aerospace industry: Colorado’s aerospace industry has contributed significantly to US technological innovation and national security.
- Legalization of marijuana: Colorado’s legalization of recreational marijuana has sparked a national debate on drug policy.
- Tourism: Colorado’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities attract visitors from around the world.