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Presidential Election of 2000
George W. Bush narrowly beats Al gore after controversial Supreme Court decisions (Bush v. Gore). This is significant mainly due to its unrivaled closeness and the following legal battle that ultimately decided the outcome which then exacerbated partisan divisions. Fig 1: History. How the U.S. Supreme Court Decided the Presidential Election of 200. YouTube, 18 June 2018. https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=URL. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
Y2K Scare
Concern amongst the public surrounding computer failures as the year 2000 came. This was significant because it revealed the vulnerabilities of outdated technology, as well as society's heavy reliance on them. Fig 2: Best Buy. Turn Your Computer Off Before Midnight on 12/31/99. 1999. Best Buy Corporate, hhtps://corporate.bestbuy.com/geek-squad-agents-reflect-on-20th-anniversary-of-y2k/. Accessed 13 May 2025 -
9/11
Terrorists hijack four commercial airplanes, thousands die in attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania crash. This attack is significant because it led to a "War on Terror," expanded security measures worldwide, and had a long-term effect on U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Fig 3: The 9/11 Photos We Will Never Forget. 10 Sept. 2021, https://ww.cnn.com/interactive/2021/09/9-11-photos/. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
War in Afghanistan
U.S. invades Afghanistan to remove the Taliban and target al-Qaeda. This is significant due to its response on the 9/11 tragedy and its efforts to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Fig 4: Britannica. U.S. Army soldiers on security duty in Paktīkā province, Afghanistan, 2010. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Afghanistan-War#/media/1/1686268/214638. Accessed 13 May 2025 -
USA Patriot Act Passed
Expanded federal surveillance and law enforcement powers. This was significant because in the direct aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, this was turning point f legislation and sought to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts. Fig 5: Encyclopedia Britannica. George W. Bush: signing of USA PATRIOT Act. 26 Oct. 2001. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/USA-PATRIOT-Act. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
Invasion of Iraq
U.S., along with coalition, forces invasion of Iraq over scrutiny surrounding WMDs. Saddam Hussein was overthrown. This was significant because it resulted in long-term consequences, instability, and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. Fig 6: Encyclopedia Britannica. Iraq War: U.S. soldiers. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Iraq-War. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
Hurricane Katrina
Devastated the Gulf Coast, specifically New Orleans; government response heavily criticized. This was significant not only for its devastating impact, but its exploitation of the flaws in recovery efforts and disaster response. Fig 7: Encyclopedia Britannica. Hurricane Katrina. 28 Aug 2005. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Hurricane-Katrina. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
Great Recession
Collapse of housing market and banking system triggers global financial crisis. This is significant because it marked an economic decline, leaving a long-term impact on global economies (job loss, housing value decrease, etc.). Fig 8: The Entrepreneur Ethos. The Great Recession. https://theentrepreneurethos.com/part-3-the-great-recession/. Accessed 13 May 2025. -
Barack Obama Elected
First African American president, elected on a platform of "change" and "hope." This is significant because he was the first African American president and resonated with many young voters promoting a new approach to government. Fig 9: Encyclopedia Britannica. Barack Obama. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-2008. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
Tea Party Movement Rises
Conservative backlash against government spending and healthcare reform. This is significant because it sparked a revival of politics of indignation and mistrust in the government. Fig 10: Encyclopedia Britannica. Sarah Palin and the Tea Party movement. 2010. Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tea-Party-movement. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
Affordable Care Act
Also known as Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act was passed, aiming to expand healthcare coverage and reduce costs. This is significant because it placed consumer protections to ensure insurance was fair, increased coverage, improved access to care, etc. Fig 11: Obama White House. 2017. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2017/01/06/American-life-and-without-affordable-care-act. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
Osama bin Laden killed
U.S. Navy SEALs kill the al-Qaeda leader in Pakistan. This was significant because it indicated the end of the search for the person behind 9/11, as well as weakened the al-Qaeda. Fig 12: Encyclopedia Britannica. Osama bin Laden. 1998. Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Osama-bin-Laden. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
Obama Reelected
Wins second term, defeats Republican Mitt Romney. This is significant because it marked a turning point in terms of political agenda, race, and evolving demographics. His re-election permitted him to continue his political agenda further, underscoring the importance of minority groups. Fig 13: Samad, Jewel. President Obama wins re-election. 2012. https://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/tech/web/obama-campaign-tech-team. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
Government Shutdown
Due to standoff over the Affordable Care Act and the federal budget. The 16-day shutdown highlighted partisan divides in Congress. This is significant because it resulted in a decline in work hours, delayed tax funds, decline in GDP, etc.--lead to wide economic harm. Fig 14: Encyclopedia Britannica. Closing a landmark. 2013. Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/government-shutdown-2234304. Accessed 14 May 2025 -
Rise of ISIS
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria caught international attention, prompting U.S military to renew engagement. This is significant because it established a major security threat with their rapid territorial gains and brutal tactics, eventually inspiring attacks worldwide. Fig 15: AP News. Iraqi Army soldiers celebrate as they hold captured flag. 29 Nov 2016. AP Photo, https://apnews.com/article/b35c5ac2cdee48dda3eefaaece769d06. Accessed 14 May 2025. -
2016 Election
Hillary Clinton secured the Democratic nomination and Donald Trump secured Republican. Donald Trump ultimately wins. This is significant because Trump was an upset with no prior experience, Hillary Clinton was the first female nominee, it deepened political divisions, and raised many questions about electoral systems, voter behavior, and social media influence. Fig 16: BBC. One of these two will make it to the White House. Jul 2016 https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-36202424 14 May 2025