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End of the Cold War
The Soviet Union fought a war in Afghanistan during the 1980s and suffered the consequences of the battle for arms. As the economy remained stagnant, domestic unrest increased. The Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989 and 1990 borders were opened up and free elections were held. The war came to an end when the Soviet Union dissolved into republics in 1991, removing the Iron Curtain. This is important because the long war finally ended and Soviet Imperialism was lifted.(americanhistory.si.edu) -
Ruby Ridge
6 U.S marshals went to the cabin of Randy & Vicki Weaver & their kids on Ruby Ridge in Idaho. Law enforcement had to locate Weaver after he skipped court on charges of selling 2 illegal guns to an undercover agent. A shootout began when the family & federal agents came into contact. Weaver was hurt, his wife & kid died, & some were concerned the federal government was out of control.This was a problem of government abuse. It is significant because the American militia movement was born.(pbs.org) -
Oklahoma City Bombing
On April 19, Timothy McVeigh, an ex-army soldier and security guard, bombed Oklahoma City's Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He had a powerful bomb made of deadly chemicals in the car that he parked in front of the building. Soon after going off, the area was destroyed with over 300 buildings damaged. Hundreds were injured and 168 were announced dead. This was significant because it was the worst act of domestic terrorism in the country's history at the time. (fbi.gov) -
Bill Clinton's Impeachment
A legal lawsuit w/ allegations of sexual harassment led to President Clinton's impeachment. Clinton's unlawful relationship w/ Lewinsky was brought up & was investigated whether Clinton was lying in the testimony. The House launched an impeachment trial before the Judiciary Committee for 4 articles of impeachment. The House voted that Clinton lied to the grand jury & messed w/ the administration of justice. This had long-lasting effects on his presidency and political landscape.(guides.loc.gov) -
Columbine High School Massacre
This was the deadliest school shooting of the time. It took place in Littleton, Colorado leaving 15 dead. The shooters were seniors Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris killing 12 students, 1 teacher, and themselves as well as injuring 21 others. It all happened within less than 30 minutes. They both entered with bags that contained propane bombs as well. This event was significant as it instilled fear in students all over and lead to the implementation of better security. (bowdoin.edu) -
Bush Elected President
The 2000 election stressed personality over policy. It was one of the closest elections in history with all states decided but Florida. Bush had 246 electoral votes and Gore 267. On Dec.12th, the court handed down its pivotal decision, and the conservative majority ordered to stop recounts. This awarded Florida's electoral votes leading to Bush's win. This highlighted the significance of the electoral process and the Supreme Court's role in deciding on tight elections. (Kruse & Zelizer 239-242) -
9/11 Attacks
19 Al-Qaeda terrorist members boarded 4 planes, killed the pilots, & took control. 3 of them flew into major buildings, the twin towers & the Pentagon, and the 4th into a field. It seemed like an accident until it went on after the first. The buildings crumbled as the streets of NY filled w/ debris & smoke. There were thousands of deaths & many first responders went to help. This is vital in history as it is the worst terrorist attack but brought national unity. (Kruse & Zelizer 249-251) -
Legalized Same Sex Marriage in Mass.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declared in 2003 that it is illegal to only let heterosexual couples get married. This was significant as it made Massachusetts the 1st state in the US and the 6th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. The Goodridge ruling caused controversy, but the judges said only marriage could establish equality. On May 17, 2004, Governor Mitt Romney directed town clerks to issue marriage licenses after 180 days. (historycambridge.org) -
Hurricane Katrina
Katrina struck the Gulf Coast as a category-5 storm that destroyed Texas to central Florida. New Orleans experienced a hard hit leaving places underwater. This is an important event in history causing 1,833 deaths and over $108 billion in damage making it one of the deadliest and most expensive. Federal, state, & local leaders were underprepared and ineffective as well as Bush's administration did nothing. This caused damage to his presidency which showed in the polls. (Kruse & Zelizer 280-283) -
Barack Obama Elected President
Despite the prejudices of the day, Barack Obama was the first African American to hold office in 2008. This was an important point reached in history. He was elected as the 44th president of the U.S. beating John McCain. Obama implemented measures to boost the economy and restore America's standing in the world despite the economic collapse, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and terrorism. He was the fourth president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and was reelected in 2012. (whitehouse.gov)