-
Oklahoma City Bombing and Anti-Government Militias
A bombing by militia members killed 168 people in Oklahoma City. It raised fears about domestic terrorism and led President Clinton to pass a law giving the government more power to fight terrorism. (Kruse and Zelizer, 204–205.) -
Impeachment of President Bill Clinton
President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House for lying under oath and obstructing justice about his affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Senate later acquitted him, so he stayed in office. The scandal revealed deep political divisions in the country. (Kruse and Zelizer, 226–230.) -
2000 Presidential Election
The 2000 presidential election was a turning point in American politics. George W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" aimed to soften Reagan-era policies, focusing on issues like education and poverty, but was faulted for refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocol and rolling back environmental regulations. (Kruse and Zelizer, 243-245.) -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
On this day, terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked four planes and launched deadly attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This led to major shifts in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, including the War on Terror and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. (Kruse and Zelizer, 242-288.) -
Invasion of Iraq
The U.S. and coalition troops entered Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and oust Saddam Hussein. Despite initial assertions, the invasion brought about long-term conflict, no WMDs being found and ongoing instability within the country. (Kruse and Zelizer, 264–270.) -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, where levees failed, causing widespread flooding. Despite early warnings, the federal, state, and local responses were slow and ineffective, leading to massive criticism of the Bush administration and FEMA's failure to respond. (Kruse and Zelizer, 281–283.) -
The 2008 financial crisis
The 2008 financial crisis, driven by the U.S. housing collapse, mortgage defaults, and predatory lending, was worsened by risky behavior from financial firms and weak regulation. It peaked with Lehman Brothers' collapse, triggering a stock market crash and global banking turmoil. ("2008 financial crisis." Wikipedia). -
United States Presidential Election of 2008
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th U.S. president, defeating John McCain. He won 365 electoral votes and became the first African American president. His message of hope and change resonated with voters during a time of war and economic crisis, marking a historic moment in U.S. politics. (United States presidential election of 2008, Britannica). -
Affordable Care Act
The law started in 2010 to help more Americans get health insurance. It stopped companies from refusing coverage for pre-existing conditions, set up state marketplaces for affordable plans, and required most people to have insurance. Some people didn’t like the cost or government control, but others said it helped Medicare and people without insurance. ("HR 3590: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." Health Reform Votes). -
Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the Fourteenth Amendment. The 5–4 decision required all states to recognize and license same-sex marriages, legalizing them nationwide. The ruling marked a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights. ("Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized Nationwide," History.com)