State of New Jersey
Timeline of Events:
- 1609: Henry Hudson explores the New Jersey coastline.
- 1664: England acquires New Jersey from the Dutch.
- 1776: New Jersey declares independence from Great Britain.
- 1787: New Jersey ratifies the U.S. Constitution.
- 1830s-1840s: Industrialization begins in New Jersey, focused on textiles, iron, and shipbuilding.
- 1861-1865: New Jersey contributes significant resources to the Union cause during the Civil War.
- 1919: New Jersey adopts the “bone dry” amendment, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages.
- 1920s: The state becomes a major center for the pharmaceutical industry.
- 1951: The New Jersey Turnpike opens, connecting New York City to southern New Jersey.
- 1973: The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Roe v. Wade, legalizing abortion in New Jersey.
- 2001: 9/11 terrorist attacks occur, with New Jersey being heavily impacted.
Important Legislation:
- 1844: School Law, establishing a statewide public education system.
- 1920: Bone Dry Amendment, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages.
- 1947: Fair Housing Act, banning discrimination in housing based on race, Religion, or national origin.
- 1960: Tort Claims Act, allowing citizens to sue state and local governments.
- 1975: New Jersey Supreme Court rules that the state constitution guarantees the right to abortion.
Important Court Cases:
- 1804: Marbury v. Madison, establishing the principle of judicial review.
- 1967: In re Gault, guaranteeing due process rights to juveniles in delinquency proceedings.
- 1973: Roe v. Wade, legalizing abortion nationwide.
- 2018: Murrell v. Wilson, declaring that solitary confinement for juveniles is unconstitutional.
Major Industry:
- Pharmaceuticals: New Jersey is home to numerous pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer.
Impact on the Rest of the Country:
- New Jersey has played a significant role in the development of the United States.
- Its industrialization helped to drive the nation’s economic growth in the 19th century.
- The state’s progressive legislation has had a national impact on social issues such as education, housing, and healthcare.
- New Jersey’s proximity to New York City has made it a major transportation hub and a gateway to the United States for immigration and international trade.