Iowa in American History
Timeline
- 1838: Iowa Territory established
- 1846: Iowa becomes the 29th state
- 1850: Fugitive Slave Law passed, forcing Iowa to assist in the capture of enslaved individuals
- 1861: Iowa joins the Union in the Civil War * 1869: Transcontinental Railroad completed, connecting Iowa to the West Coast
- 1919: Iowa adopts prohibition
- 1933: Repeal of prohibition
- 1954: Brown v. Board of Education, landmark Supreme Court case ending segregation in public schools
Important Legislation
- Iowa Homestead Law (1851): Protected farmers from losing their land due to debt
- Iowa Alcohol Sales Prohibition Act (1919): Enacted prohibition in the state
- Iowa Freedom of Information Act (1974): Gave citizens access to government records
- Iowa Renewable Fuel Standard (2006): Required the use of renewable fuels, such as ethanol, in transportation fuels
Important Court Cases
- Shepard v. Carrol (1890): Supreme Court case upholding the constitutionality of the Iowa Homestead Law
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Landmark Supreme Court case ending segregation in public schools, in which Iowa was one of the plaintiff states
Major Industry
- Agriculture: Iowa is known as the “Corn State” and is a major producer of corn, soybeans, and livestock
Impact on the Rest of the Country
- Iowa’s agricultural production has played a significant role in feeding the nation.
- Iowa’s homestead law inspired similar laws in other states.
- Iowa’s abolition of prohibition in 1933 was a major step in the national movement to end alcohol prohibition.
- Iowa’s role in the Brown v. Board of Education case helped to advance civil rights.
- Iowa’s use of renewable fuels has been a model for other states seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.