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America in the Modern Era: 1990's to the 2010's
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Ruby Ridge and the West Branch Davidians
During the early 1990s, there were two events in American history where the ATF targeted civilians. Current Investigations of the main culprits prompted both events. The West Branch, Davidians, run by David Koresh, was essentially a cult in Texas and would end up engulfed in flames. Both events went poorly and were broadcasted entirely; the Government could not cover this. These events looked particularly bad on the Federal Government as their actions had led to resentment towards it. -
Response to the .Com crisis
During the mid-1990s, the .com boom burst, and the Big Five emerged from the ashes. Certain groups, such as Microsoft and Apple, would develop software allowing Windows or Macintosh to be possible in a home. Because of this, certain companies were able to get a strong start and establish themselves in the online community, such as AOL, Google, and Amazon, which all got their start around this time. This surge would pave the way for these companies essentially having a monopoly on the Internet. -
The Scandal that Shook America
During Bill Clinton's second campaign, it was brought to attention that he was committing infidelity with one of his White House interns. Clinton was famous for "I have not had sexual relations with that woman." Once the courts deemed that he had a relationship, he was successfully in the process of being impeached. The legislative branch did not have an entire agreement, so the procedure was never finished. Clinton essentially ended his political career as president amidst the turmoil. -
Y2K and the New Century
At the end of the 1990s, a problem emerged, computers had only been programmed up to the year 1999. Some speculated that it would revert to the year 1000, and others believed it would lead to Armageddon. This overhyped event caused more nationwide hysteria at the turn of the century. This event grasped the nation as it was, heading into the new century and millennia. It wasn’t uncommon to hear celebrities speak about their opinions on Y2K, showing the absolute magnitude of this concept. -
The Election of 2000, Al Gore vs George Bush
During the 2000 election, George Bush and Al Gore ran to be president. When the final ballots were called, it looked as if Al Gore had won the popular vote, yet the electoral college was in dispute. It was deemed too close to call, and Florida had to recount. When filling out a ballot, if the candidate punch were not removed, the vote would not count. This term was known as a Hanging Chad. It was found that George Bush had won. Many disputed this and began questioning the Electoral College. -
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Americas Renewed War on Terror
In response to 9/11, George Bush initiated a new war on terror. This would involve US troops being deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. To justify the invasion, George Bush stated that "weapons of mass destruction" were present and that American intervention was needed. After the campaign, it was revealed no weapons of mass destruction were present. The president had to state they had the means for weapons of mass destruction, leading to further political distrust of the Federal Government. -
September 11th 2001
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the North and the South Tower WTC were struck by two planes, respectively. This moment also involves another plane hitting the Pentagon and a fourth plane landing in a field in Pennsylvania. As the target was never actually reached. One famous moment from this day was when George Bush received news of this event while reading a children’s book in an elementary school classroom. This moment shook the nation and brought out patriotism in the American populace. -
"Mission Accomplished" Fiasco
(This photo is meant for the above portion: America's Renewed War on Terror.) -
Invention and Unveiling of the iPhone
In 2004, the CEO and founder of Apple, Inc., Steve Jobs, unveiled the iPhone. While cellular phones weren't uncommon, this device would be revolutionary as it would shape the style of portable cellular devices for the foreseeable future. It uses a touchscreen, creating more than just a talking and texting device was born. Now 16 years later, it is impressive to see how far this technology has come, as most of the world's population has cellular devices. -
2008 Financial Crisis
Starting in 2006, an issue in the United States became apparent. Something deemed the housing bubble was expanding. After a year, the bubble became too much, and the debt became a ticking time bomb. By 2008 the market had officially collapsed into a recession. Lehman Brothers' banking corporation filed for bankruptcy because of this event. Numerous federal bailouts helped keep other banks around, yet the impact was global. Fifteen years later, the effects of the 2008 recession are still present. -
2008 Election of Barack Obama
After eight years with George Bush as president, the United States was relatively shaken and wanted a change. The charismatic legislative branch member, Barack Obama, would announce his plan to run for president and subsequently win. This moment was monumental as he was the first African-American ever elected president in the United States' modern history. This moment would be a win for the Democratic Party, and wins his election programs, such as Obamacare, would become available nationwide. -
Whistleblowers on the US Government and Beyond
With the Internet boom, individuals used this to express the most free-speech opportunities possible. Julian Assange would go on to found WikiLeaks, a website focused on blowing the whistle on social, political, or moral issues. This website would be used in numerous scandals. Edward Snowden was a Department of Homeland Security member, and in 2013, he blew the whistle about how far the US federal government track one’s online history. Both claimed First Amendment rights.