-
Oklahoma City Bombing
On April 19, Gulf War veteran Timothy McVeigh, who had become increasingly anti-government, detonated a truck bomb at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 children in a daycare. The attack shocked the nation and was, at that time, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in history. It revealed deadly domestic extremism and permanently changed U.S. security approaches to homegrown terrorism. (Kruse and Zelizer, 204) -
2000 Election
The contested election between George W. Bush and Al Gore hinged on Florida’s disputed vote count, culminating in the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore ruling (5–4), which halted recounts and handed Bush the presidency. The controversy highlighted flaws in the electoral system, including ballot design (butterfly ballots) and the role of the Electoral College (Kruse and Zelizer, 240). This event reshaped political polarization and trust in democratic institutions. -
9/11 Terrorist Attack
On September 11, al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, crashing two into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one in Pennsylvania after passenger resistance. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and fundamentally reshaped U.S. foreign policy and domestic security. This event triggered the War on Terror, created lasting security changes, and remains the deadliest foreign attack on U.S. soil. (Kruse and Zelizer, 249) -
USA PATRIOT Act Passed
The USA PATRIOT Act was passed in response to 9/11. It expanded federal surveillance powers to combat terrorist attacks, permitting roving wiretaps, access to business records, and warrantless searches to gather evidence. It demonstrated how far the country is willing to go to protect others. Overall, it established lasting changes to privacy laws and government authority, reshaping the balance between national security and civil liberties in America. (Kruse and Zelizer, 227) -
US Invasion of Iraq
The U.S. invaded Iraq in March 2003, claiming Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ties to al-Qaeda. Neither claim proved true. The war removed Hussein but triggered years of chaos: insurgencies, sectarian violence, and costly reconstruction. U.S. troops withdrew in 2011 after 4,487 deaths and $2 trillion spent. The war damaged U.S. credibility, destabilized the Middle East, and became a cautionary tale about intelligence failures and rushed military action. (Britannica) -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina, a Category three hurricane, flooded 80% of New Orleans, displacing over 1 million people and causing $108 billion in damages. Government failures, especially FEMA’s slow response, highlighted racial and economic inequalities, disproportionately affecting poor Black residents. The damaged President Bush’s reputation and ignited debates on climate change and infrastructure. Katrina symbolizes systemic neglect and resilience. (Kruse and Zelizer, 280-284) -
The Great Recession Begins
The Great Recession began in 2007 due to the collapse of the housing market, resulting in job losses and a loss of $19 trillion in wealth. The government implemented a $700 billion TARP bailout and an $831 billion stimulus. The crisis prompted major financial reforms, fueled the Occupy Wall Street movement, and increased wealth inequality. Its lasting effects include stricter banking regulations and changed views on homeownership and economic security. (Federal Reserve History) -
Barack Obama Elected President
The 2008 U.S. presidential election was historic, as Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, became the first African American president by defeating Republican John McCain. Campaigning on "Hope and Change," Obama promised healthcare reform, economic recovery, and an end to the Iraq War. Obama won decisively with 365 electoral votes to 173, achieving record youth and minority turnout. This election represented progress, broke racial barriers, and redefined American politics. (Britanica) -
Affortable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2010, aimed to expand access to healthcare. It implemented insurance for all Americans, created subsidized marketplaces, and expanded Medicaid, although some states opted out. The ACA banned coverage denials for pre-existing conditions and allowed young adults to remain on their parents' plans until they turned 26. The law significantly reduced uninsured rates, representing the largest healthcare overhaul since Medicare. (Britannica) -
Same Sex Marriage Legalized
In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right in the US. This decision invalidated all state bans, mandating that every state license and recognize the marriages. Justice Kennedy stated that marriage equality is safeguarded under the 14th Amendment. The ruling influenced public opinion, with support increasing from 27% in 1996 to 60% by 2015. It represented a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. (Britannica)