1990's

US Invasion of Panama

Dec 20, 1989

This was done to take the dictator of Panama out of control. His name was Manuel Noriega. He was wanted by the United States because he was racketeering and drug trafficking. The United States won this invasion and Guillermo Endara was taken into office. This was during George HW Bush presidency.

Magic Johnson’s HIV Announcement

Nov 7, 1991

This was when Magic Johnson found out he tested positive for an HIV and announced it publicly. He announced his retire immediately after he found out. This virus causes aids and can negatively affect Magic Johnson's game. He was one of the first sports starts to go out public about his HIV positive test.

Rodney King Beating / L.A. Riots

Apr 29, 1992

Rodney King was beaten by police. This started riots and the rise of racial inequality. These riots lasted 5 days in Los Angeles. It also resulted in police use of their force and how they use their power. It ignited a national conversation about racial and economic disparity.

Hurricane Andrew

Aug 16, 1992

This hurricane caused a lot of damage. This hurricane was unexpected and hit Miami, Louisiana, and the Bahamas. It caused an economic disaster as it caused house damage, flooding, and a loss of jobs. This was known as the most expensive natural disaster as the damage costs 26.5 billion dollars in reparations.

Passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement

Jan 1, 1994

This was signed in 1992. This was an act that eliminated most tariffs and restrictions on trade throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They were done to create free trade between these countries. It resulted in higher production and better paying jobs

O.J. Simpson Trial

Jun 12, 1994

OJ Simpson was accused and tried on two accounts of murder of death of his wife and her friend. Both these people were found stabbed to death in Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles California. They found a bloody glove outside his house. They then made him try on this glove and it did not fit. As this was one of the main reasons, OJ Simpson was found innocent.

Olympic Park Bombing

Jul 27, 1996

This was terrorist pipe bombing attack on the Centennial Olympic Park. This bombing was committed by Eric Rudolph. Richard Jewell, who was the security guard who discovered the bomb and made people evacuate, was bing investigated as the bomber. He was found innocent. The bombing killed 1 person and injured 111 others.

Murder of Jon Benet Ramsey

Dec 25, 1996

Jon Benet Ramsey was murdered on Christmas Day. She was killed at 5 years old. As she was found early in the morning, the cops came to the house only to find a letter stating the need for 118,000 dollars. Later that day, the child was found dead in the basement. This non became a national sensation.

NATO bombing in Yugoslavia

Mar 23, 1999

This was a military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The bombing was continued until the Yugoslavia armed forces during the Kosovo War. The purpose of this was to force President Milosevic to accept the terms of an agreement to end his military campaign against the Kosovo Liberation Army. Many Kosovo civilians died because of this bombing.

Columbine Massacre

Apr 20, 1999

This was a school shooting in Colorado that killed 13 people. It was committed by 2 teenage gunman. They tried to bomb the cafeteria and the nom did not go off. This shooting started a national debate on gun control. It also started a realization that schools need more safety.