State of Washington: AP United States History
Timeline:
- 1846: Oregon Territory is established, encompassing present-day Washington.
- 1853: Washington Territory is created from the northern portion of Oregon Territory.
- 1889: Washington becomes the 42nd state of the Union.
- 1916: The “Seattle General Strike” (also known as the “Red Rebellion”) paralyzes the city for five days.
- 1942: The Boeing Company begins production of B-29 Superfortresses in Seattle for World War II.
- 1962: The World’s Fair (Century 21 Exposition) is held in Seattle.
- 1970: The environmentalist group Greenpeace is founded in Vancouver, B.C.
- 1994: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is established in Seattle.
- 2001: The Microsoft Corporation moves its headquarters from Seattle to Redmond.
Important Legislation:
- 1909: The “Eight-Hour Law” establishes an eight-hour workday for women and children.
- 1911: The “Minimum Wage Law” establishes a minimum wage for women.
- 1933: The “Equal Rights Amendment” is introduced in the Washington State Legislature (ratified in 1973).
Important Court Cases:
- 1908: Muller v. Oregon (U.S. Supreme Court): Upholds the constitutionality of the “Eight-Hour Law.”
- 1970: South Dakota v. Dole (U.S. Supreme Court): Upholds federal legislation allowing states to lower the voting age to 18.
Major Industry:
- Washington’s economy is primarily driven by technology, aerospace, and manufacturing. Major companies include Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks.
Impact on the Rest of the Country:
- Washington is a major center of the aerospace industry, contributing to national defense and economic growth.
- The state’s technology industry has played a significant role in shaping the global digital landscape.
- Washington is known for its environmental activism and progressive legislation, which have influenced policies and movements nationwide.
- Seattle has become a major cultural hub, known for its music, coffee shops, and outdoor recreation opportunities.