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The eruption of Mt. Saint Helen in Washington kills 57 people and caused over $1 billion in damage.
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U.S. citizens, after being held hostage for 444 in Iran due to the U.S. embassy being taken over by Islamic students and militants, are released.
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The Challenger Space Shuttle explodes 73 seconds after lift off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, resulting in seven deaths.
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The Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code and broadened the tax base, is passed.
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The United States and Soviet Union sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which is an agreement to dismantle all United States and Soviet Union missiles in the 300-3,400 mile range.
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George H.W. Bush declares the Cold War to be over at the Malta Summit.
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The Hubble Space Telescope is put in orbit. A month later, it become operational.
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The 27th Amendment is ratified, prohibiting changes in Congressional salaries until after the next election cycle.
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The North American Free Trade Agreement goes into effect. It creates a free trade zone between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
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The bombing, occurring during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, killed 1 person and injured 111 people.
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On September 11, 2001, four airplanes were hijacked by Islamic fundamentalist terrorists. Two destroyed the twin towers in NYC, one crashed into the pentagon, and one crashed into a field in PA.