-
-
After the failed coup, the fall of the USSR was a matter of time. The United States stood to benefit from the collapse of its most significant rival in multiple ways. Opening previously closed markets in Eastern Europe meant more growth for the world's largest economy. It also resulted in a large foreign policy shift for the US. Regional powers grew in Europe and Asia to fill the power vacuum, notably reunited Germany and China. (Office of the Historian, "The Collapse of the Soviet Union") -
Response to the beatings of Rodney King, an African American man, and the subsequent acquittal of the officers involved led to the most devastating riots in American history. Costing $1 billion in total property damages, more than 50 deaths, and over 2,000 injuries. The national guard, along with 3,000-4,000 Army troops and marines were deployed by President Bush to restore order to the city, which was declared a federal disaster area. (Wallenfeldt, Los Angeles Riots of 1992) -
The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy instated by President Bill Clinton changed the way the US military dealt with homosexuals in the military. Despite not outright lifting the ban, it did stop the military from asking. However, if it was revealed that a service member was gay, they were subject to discharge. This policy summarizes Clinton's campaign promises to be very moderate. Attempting to compromise with his Pro-LGPT base and the conservative Republicans.(Anonymous.“Don't Ask, Don't Tell.") -
To this day, the Oklahoma City Bombing is the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American History. The bombings killed 168 people, including many children in the building's daycare area, which was located near the detonation area. The bombings led to an increase in prevention efforts directed at domestic terrorism, and increased security around federal buildings. Timothy McVeigh, one of two people involved, was executed on June 11, 2001. (Linenthal, "Oklahoma City Bombing") -
The sex scandal that involved President Bill Clinton and then White House Intern Monica Lewinsky. The scandal was heavily pushed by conservative news network FOX News and represents the advent of news networks being used to push political agendas that we still see in politics today. President Clinton was successfully impeached in the House under charges of perjury but was able to escape conviction. Clinton remained popular with the public until the end of his term. (“Kruse and Zelizer, 234-253.) -
The Columbine Highschool Shooting was the first major school shooting in the United States. It set the morbid tone that still haunts American schools to this day with a death toll of 15 people including the two shooters, who both committed suicide, as well as 20 non-fatal injuries. The shooting sparked debates around gun regulation and the second amendment which are still ongoing today in spite of the large number of shootings in the United States. (History.com "Columbine High School Shooting") -
Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Islamic extremist members of the terrorist group Al-Quaeda Boarded 4 flights across the east coast, highjacked them, and successfully flew 2 into the world trade center, and one into the Pentagon. The passengers on the 4th plane managed to take control of the terrorists and crashed the plane into a field in Pennsylvania. These attacks shaped American Foreign policy for years.(“Kruse and Zelizer, 263-275.) -
Spurred on by continuing 9/11 terror, President Bush argued for another invasion of Iraq in 2003. Bush alleged that Iraq was nearing the completion of WMDs and that Iraqi dictator Sadam Husain had to be removed from power. Bush aimed to install a new democratic regime and promote stability in the middle east. Recently it has been revealed that Iraq had no WMDs and that the war was more likely influenced by Iraq's strategic oil reserves.(The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica "Iraq War") -
Hurricane Katrina made landfall first in Florida as a category one hurricane, with sustained winds over 70 miles per hour. However, after entering the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane grew into one of the largest Atlantic storms on record. The wind speeds topped out at over 170 mph before it slammed into the southern United States. Up to 80% of New Orleans was underwater at points. Mayor Ray Nagin ordered citizens to evacuate. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica "Hurricane Katrina") -
With his victory in the 2008 election first African American president in United States history. Along with future President Joe Biden as his running mate, Obama was able to defeat Republican John McCain and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who sought to become the first female VP. During his campaign, Obama overcame racially motivated attacks including accusations that he was born outside of the United States. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica "United States Presidential Election of 2008")