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Ronald Reagan becomes president
Ronald Reagan, the former Republican governor of California, beats President Jimmy Carter and independent candidate John B. Anderson, also a Republican, in a landslide victory, ousting the incumbent from office. The victory in the Electoral College, 489 to 49, as well as an 8 million vote margin in the popular vote over Carter, ensured a mandate for the new president. -
Tax cut legislation proposed by President Ronald Reagan, the largest in history, is passed by both houses of the U.S. Congress.
Tax cut legislation proposed by President Ronald Reagan, the largest in history, is passed by both houses of the U.S. Congress. It would reduce taxes by $750 billion over the next five years. -
Martin Luther King Day is officially observed for the first time as a federal holiday in the United States.
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The Challenger Space Shuttle explodes
The Challenger Space Shuttle explodes after liftoff at Cape Canaveral, Florida, killing seven people, including Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire school teacher. -
The United States and the Soviet Union sign an agreement, the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
The United States and the Soviet Union sign an agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, to dismantle all 1,752 U.S. and 859 Soviet missiles in the 300-3,400 mile range. -
The Hubble Telescope is placed into orbit by the United States Space Shuttle Discovery
The Hubble Telescope is placed into orbit by the United States Space Shuttle Discovery. One month later, the telescope becomes operational. -
The Gulf War begins
Iraq invades its neighbor, Kuwait, setting into motion the beginning of U.S. involvement in the Gulf War. Four days later, the United Nations begins a global trade embargo against Iraq. On November 29, the United Nations passes a resolution, #678, stating that Iraq must withdraw its forces from Kuwait by January 15, 1991, or face military intervention. -
U.S. Congress passes a resolution authorizing the use of force to liberate Kuwait
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Bill Clinton wins the presidency
In a three-way race for the presidency of the United States, Democratic candidate Bill Clinton defeats incumbent President George H.W. Bush and businessman H. Ross Perot of the Reform Party. Many trace the loss of President Bush to his reneging a pledge for "no new taxes." Clinton received only 43% of the popular vote, but 370 Electoral votes to Bush with 37.4% and 168 Electoral College votes. Perot garnered 18.9% of the popular vote, but no Electoral College delegates. -
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is created
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is created, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) formed from a series of post-war treaties on trade. The World Trade Organization is more highly structured than the previous GATT and counted seventy-six nations among its members in 1995. -
One hundred and seventy nations decide to extend the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty indefinitely.
One hundred and seventy nations decide to extend the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty indefinitely. -
Hillary Rodham Clinton wins a seat for the United States Senate from New York
Hillary Rodham Clinton wins a seat for the United States Senate from New York. It is the first time a former First Lady wins public office. -
incident of 911
Islamic fundamentalist terrorists hijack four U.S. airliners and crash them into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York City. The attack of two planes levels the World Trade Center and the crash of one plane inflicts serious damage to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, causing nearly 3,000 deaths. -
George W. Bush wins the presidency
George W. Bush wins the presidency