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First Woman in the Supreme Court
Sandra Day O'Connor is sworn in as the first woman Supreme Court justice. -
Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Day is officially observed for the first time as a federal holiday in the United States. -
Challenger Space Shuttle Explodes
The Challenger Space Shuttle explodes after lift off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, killing seven people, including Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire school teacher. It is the worst accident in the history of the U.S. space program. -
Black Market
he stock market crash known as Black Monday occurs on the New York Stock Exchange, recording a record 22.6% drop in one day. Stock markets around the world would mirror the crash with drops of their own. -
Cold War Ends
George H. W. Bush declares the Cold War to be over at the Malta Summit. -
Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Telescope is placed into orbit by the United States Space Shuttle Discovery. One month later, the telescope becomes operational. Launched during a Space Shuttle Discovery mission. The telescope allows us to see farther into space. -
Resolution to liberate Kuwait.
U.S. Congress passes a resolution authorizing the use of force to liberate Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm begins four days later with air strikes against Iraq. Iraq responds by sending eight Scud missiles into Israel. -
NAFTA in Effect
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect, creating a free trade zone between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.