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Women Become Priests
In 1992, the option of ordaining women into priesthood of The Church of England was given. It wasn't until 1994 the decision was made to allow women to become priests. There were many people who did not agree with the decision, most of those people were traditionalist, while most other members of the church welcomed the idea. -
Britain gives control of Hong Kong back to China
Britain had ruled over Hong Kong for more than 150 years, but due to a 99 year lease had to be returned to the Chinese rule. Britain had also taken control of a new territory just north of Hong Kong. Hong Kong gained its own legal system, currency, etc. for at least a minimum of 50 years because of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. -
Britain decides not to use the new European Currency
The 'euro' was made as an electrical currency so that banks could use it with ease, especially when dealing with foreign exchange. The Prime Minister of England at the time, Tony Blair, was determined not to get involved with the new currency, for reasons unmentioned. When the euro was finalized, it was used in 12 different European countries, not including England. -
The Foot-and Mouth Disease
A new epidemic passed thorugh England ruining the economy because of the cost of repairs and medications needed to be rid of the epidemic. The epidemic casued many deaths of animals due to the lack of medications for them. England did not want to waste much of their medicine on the animals. Although, this epidemic did cost England a very large amount. -
9/11
On Spetember 11, 2001 Islamic terrorist hijacked aircratfs and crashed them into The World Trade Center and Pentagon, killing thousands of deaths, along with all of the people aboard the aricraft dying as well. There were 67 English people on those aircrafts and all lost their lives. This was a major event that affected multiple countries, especially because of the lives lost that were actually aboard the aircrafts. -
England Joins the U.S in Battle
The two countries join together in the first retaliation of 9/11. They went to Afghanistan to over throw the Taliban, who had allowed the group responsible for the attack on 9/11, the al-Qaeda, to use Afghanistan as a base. They successfully were able to over throw the base and take control, although they were unable to locate the leader of the attack, Osama Bin Laden. -
10 New States Join The Europen Union
Ten new states join the European Union, from both North and South Europe, making Europe the largest trading bloc due to the population. There was a huge population shift too because of this. Most people immigrated to the western wealthier countries from the poorer eastern countries because of the economic shift in power. -
Countries Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions
An agreement was arranged to force countries to cut their carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases emissions. This agreement was signed by 141 countries even thought the worlds largest economy (United States) did not sign it. This agreement was made in order to protcet the climate because it had been rapidly changing. -
Suiced Bombers Kill 52 People
3 men committed suicide by blowing themselves up in London Underground Trains killing 52 people and injuring 700 people. A fourth bomber set off his bomb on a double-decker bus. Al- Qaeda claimed responsibility for the bombing but it was believed that the bombers (British Muslims) acted alone in the bombing. Shortly after, there was 4 more unsuccessful attempts of bombing. -
Same- Sex Couples Get Legal Rights
The Civil Partnership act came into law in 2005 allowing same- sex couples to have the same rights as married couples. The Act permits the couples to have a ceremony, wedding-style, just like any other married couple. The Act was initially introduced in 2004 but was successfully passed in 2005.