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"We Are the World" recorded
A song title that foreshadowed the eventual trends toward globalization, "We Are the World" was recorded. This was a collaborative fundraising effort between many of the top musicians of the day. -
Windows by Microsoft
Bill Gates led Microsoft to create this graphical operating system for computers. This innovation made computers more user-friendly, which contributed to the tech boom that revolutionized personal lives and business. -
Free Trade Agreement
The United States and Canada signed a free trade agreement. This development in trade led to more trade between the two countries; especially, Canadian access to American economy, and American access to Canadian industry and energy. -
The Berlin Wall Falls
A series of events led to a civil revolution between East and West Germany. The Berlin wall that separated them was demolished, which began a re-unification of Germany. This was another event that foreshadowed the elimination of barriers to promote globalization. -
World Wide Web Goes Public
The World Wide Web was released to the general public. This event created industries and was a technological revolution. Businesses could now operate online. -
North American Free Trade Agreement Signed
Mexico joins in with Canada and the US to create the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA eliminated trade barriers between the three countries. -
Y2K Scare
Analysts realized that when we reached the year 2000, a data computing limitation could possibly yield disastrous effects for the world. Preparations were put in place, and a crisis was averted. The event forced countries to work together to prevent a problem. -
Terrorist Attack - 9/11
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 changed many aspects of daily life across the world. From heightened security measures at airports, to increases in funding for homeland defense, to the inevitable war in Iraq/Afghanistan, to financial markets dropping, this event affected everyone. -
Facebook Invented
The world was forever changed with the invention of Facebook and the era of social media. This revolutionized e-commerce, communication, and relationships. -
The Pension Protection Act
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 helped solidify the change from private pension plans to 401(k) plans. Through technical stipulations, this made it harder for private plans to exist. -
The Housing Crisis
Due to predatory loans and shady lending practices, the housing market collapses. The Dow Jones drops 4.4% in a single day, and government bailouts are issued for major financial institutions. -
Smartphones Sold
The digital age continued to thrive as smartphones were released to consumers. No longer did people have to carry several devices to do different tasks. This made business and communication even easier as it kept with the trend of connecting people worldwide. -
Black Lives Matter Forms
As a response to racial profiling, police brutality, and social injustice toward African Americans, Black Lives Matter emerges as a political movement. -
Same-Sex Marriage Legalized
Obergefell v. Hodges was heard by the Supreme Court and same-sex marriage was legalized in all fifty states. This continued the progression of social changed that affected the workplace, politics, and personal lives. -
Donald Trump Elected President of the US
Donald Trump wins the presidency over Hilary Clinton. His victory and subsequent presidency has had effects on the economy and foreign relations. -
#metoo Movement
As a response to filmmaker Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct conviction, many women shared stories to Twitter about how they were abused. They used the "metoo" hashtag and began a movement that is still going strong. Their campaign has brought about change in the workplace and society.
