U.S. History 1980-2001

President Ronald Reagan

Jan 20, 1981

Ronald Reagan is elected as the 40th President of the United States.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan 20, 1986

President Ronald Reagan had signed a bill that stated the first MLK Day would be in 1986. This federal holiday is to honor King on his birthday which is January 15.

Tax Reform Act of 1986

Oct 22, 1986

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 simplified to federal income tax code and broadened the tax base. It was signed into law by President Reagan.

Black Monday

Oct 19, 1987

The stock market dropped by 22% in one day unexpectedly.

President George H. W. Bush

Jan 20, 1989

George H. W. Bush became the 41st President of the United States.

27th Amendment

May 7, 1992

The 27th Amendment was ratified. No law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

President Bill Clinton

Jan 20, 1993

Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the United States.

NAFTA

Jan 1, 1994

The North American Free Trade Agreement authorized free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

President George W. Bush

Jan 20, 2001

George W. Bush becomes the 43rd President of the United States.

9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Sep 11, 2001

On 9/11 al-Qaeda initiated four terrorist attacks on the United States. The terrorists hijacked planes in the U.S. and attempted to crash into the Pentagon and were successful on the attack on the World Trade Center. Many lives were lost due to this attack.