-
Period: to
1990-2010 Project
-
The First Gulf War
The First Gulf War, spanning from August 1990 to February 1991, was triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. A coalition led by the United States intervened to liberate Kuwait and enforce UN resolutions. The war featured extensive aerial and ground campaigns, including the infamous "Operation Desert Storm." Coalition forces swiftly overwhelmed Iraqi defenses, leading to a ceasefire and Kuwait's liberation. The war showcased the effectiveness of modern military technology and coalition warfare. -
1992 LA Riots
The 1992 LA Riots erupted after the acquittal of four officers involved in Rodney King's beating. Lasting six days, violence, looting, and arson gripped Los Angeles, leaving over 60 dead, thousands injured, and extensive property damage. The riots exposed deep racial and socioeconomic tensions, prompting national introspection on police brutality and systemic injustice. They underscored media's role in shaping public discourse. -
1993 World Trade Center Bombing
The 1993 World Trade Center bombing was a terrorist attack orchestrated by Islamist extremists. A truck bomb exploded in the parking garage beneath the North Tower, killing six people and injuring over a thousand. The attack aimed to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, causing massive casualties, but failed in its objective. The perpetrators, were linked to al-Qaeda. Kruse and Zelizer 251 -
NAFTA Formed
NAFTA, enacted in 1994, established a trade bloc between the US, Canada, and Mexico, eliminating most tariffs. It aimed to boost economic growth and integration across North America. While it spurred trade and investment, critics cite job losses and environmental concerns. -
Oklahoma City Bombing
The Oklahoma City bombing occurred on April 19, 1995, when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols detonated a truck bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The attack killed 168 people and injured hundreds, making it the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Motivated by anti-government sentiment, McVeigh sought retaliation for the Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents. -
DOMA Enacted
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), signed into law in 1996, defined marriage as between one man and one woman at the federal level. It denied federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allowed states to refuse recognition of such unions performed in other states. Kruse and Zelizer 218 -
Dot-com Crash
The dot-com crash of the early 2000s stemmed from the bursting of the dot-com bubble, a speculative frenzy fueled by excessive investment in internet-related companies. Stock market values plummeted as numerous dot-com companies failed, leading to widespread investor losses and job layoffs. Some factors contributing to the crash included overvaluation of tech stocks, unsustainable business models, and inflated expectations of internet growth. Kruse and Zelizer 238 -
9/11
September 11, 2001, changed the world. Coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda targeted the World Trade Center in NYC and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. The tragedy sparked global grief, reshaping international relations and igniting the War on Terror. It led to significant security measures and the invasion of Afghanistan, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks. -
USA PATRIOT Act Enacted
The USA PATRIOT Act, passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, expanded the government's surveillance and law enforcement powers. It aimed to enhance national security by allowing increased monitoring of electronic communications, broader use of surveillance techniques, and expanded authority to track and detain suspected terrorists. Critics say it infringes on civil liberties, allowing warrantless searches and surveillance without proper oversight. Kruse and Zelizer 253 -
2007-2008 Financial Crisis
The 2007 Financial Crisis, triggered by the collapse of the housing market and subprime mortgage crisis, led to a global economic downturn. Risky lending practices, securitization, and lack of regulation fueled the crisis. Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy in 2008 exacerbated the situation, causing panic in financial markets. Governments enacted massive bailouts and stimulus packages to stabilize economies. The crisis resulted in millions losing homes, widespread job loss, and a prolonged recession.