-
September 11 Attacks
Image Source: Britannica
Description: Al-Qaeda terrorists took control of four planes, crashing into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon in a coordinated assault, while a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania.
Significance to the Road to Revolution: The attacks led to heightened government monitoring and military action, creating long-term debates about civil liberties and foreign policy that fueled public suspicion and protest movements. -
Invasion of Iraq
Image Source: Britannica
Description: The United States invaded Iraq to find weapons of mass destruction and remove Saddam Hussein from power.
Significance to the Road to Revolution: A majority of Americans were disappointed with the honesty and motives of the government, leading to widespread anti-war demonstrations and mistrust of American leadership. -
Hurricane Katrina
Image Source: Michael Appleton/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
Description: The hurricane devastated New Orleans, and the slow government response was widely blamed.
Significance to the Road to Revolution: The disaster exposed entrenched systemic failures and racial inequities, and sparked outrage and activism about government complacency and social injustice. -
The Great Recession (2007-2009)
Image Source: Richard Drew/Associated Press
Description: Severe economic decline led to massive losses of employment and home foreclosures across the country.
Significance to the Road to Revolution: Economic hardship and perceived bailout of wealthy elites gave rise to populist uprisings like Occupy Wall Street, demanding fundamental changes in economic policy and accountability. -
Election of Barack Obama
Image Source: The White House
Description: Barack Obama was inaugurated as president, the first African American to take the office.
Significance to the Road to Revolution: His election sparked a wave of political activism and hope for reform, but also occasioned backlash that mobilized grassroots movements on both the left and the right, demanding revolutionary change.