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The 1996 Presidential Election
It marked a moment in the realignment of American political ideology. Simultaneously, the media landscape was transforming, with the rise of cable news like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC growing the polarization of political discourse and reshaping how Americans consumed news and understood politics.(Kruse and Zelizer, 221) -
2000 Presidential Election
The contested results in Florida exposed flaws in the U.S. electoral system hurt public trust. At the same time, it saw the Republican Party incorporate religious messaging, signaling ideological shift that combined evangelical values with conservative policy. It also saw the rise of politically active communities on social media platforms changing what political engagement looks like.(Kruse and Zelizer,240) -
9/11 Terrorist Attack
9/11 reshaped U.S. domestic and foreign policy. The attacks led to the launch of the War on Terror, beginning with the invasion of Afghanistan. Domestically, the government expanded its national security capability with the creation of new agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. With that also saw, the passage of the Patriot Act, which expanded government surveillance powers in a time defined by the increased usage of technology.(Kruse and Zelizer, 251) -
War in Iraq
The invasion was first justified by claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. This messaging created initial public support, but as such weapons were not found and the conflict dragged on, the war became unpopular. Media coverage played a central role in both promoting and later criticizing the war, deepening political polarization depending on how it was framed.(Kruse and Zelizer, 261) -
Goodridge V Public Health Department
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health (2003) is a critical point as it marked the first time a U.S. state(Massachusetts) legalized same-sex marriage, sparking legal and cultural battles across the country on the issue. The decision overall reflected a growing shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights and became a flashpoint for future broader social issues.(Kruse and Zelizer, 273) -
Hurricane Katrina
It exposed severe failures in government response, particularly by FEMA, and damaged President Bush’s public image. The poor federal response, especially in Black and low-income communities, sparked national outrage. The crisis marked the start of a series of political setbacks and controversies for the Bush administration. In turn, it motivated the Democratic party in its messaging in the lead-up to the 2008 election.(Kruse and Zelizer, 280) -
2008 Fiscal Crisis
Triggered by the collapse of the housing market and risky banking practices, the crisis led to job losses and a global recession. The crisis reshaped public trust in Western financial and political institutions domestically and across the globe.(New York Times) -
Election of Barack Obama
Obama's election saw the first African American elected to the Presidency. It served as a statement on race and social progress in American society. His campaign also served as a referendum on the Bush era and it was his campaigns use of social media and digital organizing that revolutionized political campaigns.(Kruse and Zelizer, 289) -
Annexation of Crimea
The first major land takeover in Europe since World War II, it challenged the post-Cold War international order. The annexation heightened tensions between NATO and Moscow and sparked fears of future Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. This event set the stage for future conflicts and instability in the region.(New York Times) -
Obergefell v. Hodges
It legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The ruling marked a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights and reflected shifting public attitudes toward same-sex relationships. It also energized its supporters and opponents, becoming a defining issue in other ongoing social debates and political discourse on future court battles.(CBS News)