Georgia in United States History
Timeline of Associated Events
- 1733: Colony of Georgia founded by James Oglethorpe
- 1776: Georgia signs the Declaration of Independence
- 1788: Georgia ratifies the U.S. Constitution
- 1802: Georgia acquires land from the Creek Indians
- 1861: Georgia secedes from the Union
- 1865: Georgia readmitted to the Union
- 1955: Martin Luther King, Jr. leads the Montgomery Bus Boycott * 1961: Georgia ratifies the 24th Amendment, abolishing the poll tax
- 1972: Atlanta hosts the Olympic Games
Important Legislation
- 1793: Cotton Gin Act, promoting cotton production
- 1868: Ku Klux Klan Act, punishing white supremacist groups
- 1956: Brown v. Board of Education (Georgia was one of the states involved in this landmark Supreme Court case that declared school segregation unconstitutional)
- 1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, Religion, sex, or national origin
Important Court Cases
- 1832: Worcester v. Georgia, upholding Native American sovereignty
- 1954: Brown v. Board of Education, declaring school segregation unconstitutional
- 1963: Reynolds v. Sims, requiring states to draw congressional districts based on population
Major Industry
- Agriculture: Georgia is a major producer of cotton, peanuts, peaches, and soybeans.
- Manufacturing: Georgia has a diverse manufacturing sector, including aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
- Tourism: Atlanta is a major tourism destination, known for its historic sites, museums, and entertainment attractions.
Impact on the Rest of the Country
- Georgia has been a major force in the American economy, particularly through its agriculture and manufacturing industries.
- Georgia’s role in the Civil Rights Movement has had a profound impact on the nation’s history and social policies.
- Atlanta has emerged as a global city and a major cultural hub in the Southeast.