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Rodney King
In Los Angeles, California, Rodney was driving and police started following him with their lights on which led to a brief chase. He surrendered and was then brutally beaten by four police officers. He survived and it was all caught on tape. The officers were charged with assault but the trial was moved to a suburb outside of LA that was predominantly white and where a lot of police officers lived, and they were found not guilty. This caused a lot of uproar in Los Angeles. -
North American Free Trade Act
This was also referred to as NAFTA. This was an agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This act allowed for trade across borders without tax or tariff. This was beneficial for all of the countries. Trade increased due to this act being put into motion due to the accessibility of trade across borders. -
Ruby Ridge
Randy Weaver of Idaho was investigated for making illegal firearms and a suspected member of white supremacy groups. When law enforcement went to his residence, there were gunshots exchanged which led to a siege for 11 days. Federal forces eventually arrest him after these 11 days but his wife, son, and dog were killed in the crossfire. This event became far more detrimental and dangerous than initially intended. -
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
This act forced families off the welfare rolls. This was done by cutting off their benefits after two years, limiting their lifetime benefits to five years, and allowing people without children to receive food stamps for just three months in any three year period. This was important because of its impact on the public and how it affected a vast group of people.(Kruse and Zelizer, 219). -
Defense of Marriage Act
Also referred to as DOMA. This was a piece of legislation that said same-sex marriage was threatening to straight marriage. This legislation defined marriage as between a man and a woman. This was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. This act said that no state is required to recognize a same sex marriage. This put a barrier up for all same sex relationships nationwide, making it difficult for them to be in a relationship openly. -
Lewinsky Scandal
News breaks that President Clinton had an affair with a White House intern Monica Lewinsky who was 22 at the time and he was 49. He is impeached on perjury because he lied under oath, claiming he did not have an affair with her. This was not his first affair, but one of the most prominent ones. As the President of the United States, this was a terrible look and the way he acted following was worse. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act solidified the federal commitment to funding public education. This expanded education and integrated national standards for specific subjects like math and english. Every public school would now be required to meet certain standards in order to continue receiving funding from the government. This act was a huge advancement in US education systems and the commitment to schools. (Kruse and Zelizer, 248) -
USA Patriot Act
This was passed by the House in a 357 to 66 vote and passed the Senate in a 98 to 1 vote. This was legislation that allowed the US government to have more surveillance on the citizens. This was established after the 9/11 attacks. This improved security and helped with safety in the US. (Kruse and Zelizer, 256) -
Bush Tax Cut
First major reduction in 20 years and the largest single tax cut in American history. This cost 1.35 trillion dollars. People with high incomes had the largest benefit from this. This was an incredibly large event in the US and one of the major tax changes. (Kruse and Zelizer, 245). -
Hurricane Katrina
Struck the Gulf Coast. Category 5 storm that caused destruction from Texas to central Florida. This was one of the most expensive natural disasters in US history. The damage was estimated to cost 108 billion dollars. This caused many Americans to express the governments need to care for citizens and their needs following such an event. This was a large, notable event in America that had a lasting affect everywhere. (Kruse and Zelizer, 280)