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Period: to
1990-2010
These ten historically significant events that span from 1990-2010 have a significance in the future of America together, as well as hold value individually. -
Bill Clinton Wins 1992 Presidential Election
Leading up to Bill Clinton winning the 1992 Presidential Election, he separated himself from the pack of other people running for president by running moderately, progressively fighting for LGBTQ rights to appease the left. He coined the phrase "The Era of Big Government is Over," and in this State of the Union address he proclaimed, "we must go forward as one America, one nation working together to meet the challenges we face together" (Shoop 2022). He wanted to reinvent smaller government. -
NAFTA: The North American Free Trade Agreement
Clinton passed The North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, which allowed free trade within North America. The bulk of voters who rallied for NAFTA were republican. The consequence of this act was that many American-based companies moved to Mexico, or out of the US, which resulted in a loss of manufacturing jobs. This sought to eliminate barriers to trade and facilitate movement of goods, while promoting conditions for fair competition and increasing investment opportunities. -
Lewinsky Scandal and Impeachment
Bill Clinton was accused of having an affair with Monica Lewinsky, an intern at the white house, when she was caught on tape admitting to the affair. Clinton denies it, and refuses to admit the truth until 7 years later. "Fox News distinguished itself by close attention to the scandals unfolding the Clinton administration" (Kruse and Zelizer 225). The republican party sees an opening to bring about impeachment orders for lying under oath. He is impeached from the house, but survives the Senate. -
Columbine High School Massacre
In 1999, there was a mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado where 12 students and 1 teacher were killed. This was the first and most significant school shooting in America yet. The shock of this event left America in grief and trauma. The significance of this event is still relevant in present time, as gun reform laws are pushed to be passed by society. This also began awareness for signs of shooting, and introduced America to the severity and importance of mental health and safety. -
Y2K: The Millennium Bug
Y2K describes potential errors relating to computer programs formatting and software issues. America was afraid technology would be affected by the new millennium, and fail to operate. There was fear surrounding extreme havoc and the shutting down of banks. Smart phones and social media being introduced to society had implications, and continues to be a prominent component of society. Y2K brought the rise of media in broadcasting events, which effected to country socially and politically. -
9/11
On 9/11/01, Islamic terrorists hijacked 4 planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in PA. Nearly 3,000 Americans were killed and over 6,000 were wounded.This became the largest attack on the US since Pearl Harbor, and sparked a War on Terror."While the nation reeled from the assault, its political leaders mounted a joint response, hastily scrambling to put a nation that had largely been at peace for a decade back on a wartime footing"(Kruse and Zelizer 252). -
War on Terror
The nation sought to return to normal post-9/11, so the Bush administration spearheaded a new chapter in foreign policy, targeting Afghanistan in pursuit of al-Qaeda. This anti-terrorism campaign resulted in the arrest of terrorist suspects, the prevention of further terrorism through increasing security, and the formation of the Patriot Act, which "expanded the ability of the government to trace multiple phones, have authority of undocumented immigrants" (Kruse and Zelizer 257). -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina, a category-5 storm devastated costal areas on the Gulf Coast states, becoming one of the greatest natural disasters in the US. This had immense economic effects, as it resulted in an estimated $108 billion in property damage as well as 1,833 deaths (Kruse and Zelizer 280). Politically, the Bush administration convinced Americans that their basic needs would be handled by local governments, but the hurricane needed the federal government's direct involvement. -
2007-2008 Recession
The Great Recession began with a decline in overall economic activity that began in 2007 when the US housing market fell, and large amounts of mortgage-backed securities and derivatives plummeted in value. This was the most severe economic recession in the US since the Great Depression. The aftermath of this resulted in unprecedented fiscal and regulatory policies unleashed federally. It ended because the government launched a bailout program to assist consumers and unemployed people. -
Barack Obama Elected
Barack Obama was elected as the first African American US President in 2008. He was remembered for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or "ObamaCare" (healthcare.gov). This act was introduced to increase quality and affordability of health insurance. Obama aimed to lower the rate of uninsured Americans, and reduce the costs of healthcare. This was a significant addition to the healthcare system. Also during his presidency, the war in Iraq ended and he increased benefits for veterans.