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Period: to
1995 - 2015
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Oklahoma City Bombing
On this day, Timothy McVeigh planted a bomb in a truck outside of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and detonated it, killing 168 people. McVeigh was anti-government and detonated the bomb exactly two years after the burning of the Branch Davidians compound in Waco, Texas. I chose this event because it is the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US history and it led to The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 which made terrorism a federal crime. (Kruse Zelizer, 221) -
Impeachment of Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton had an affair with Monica Lewinsky, an intern in the White House. Clinton was impeached because he lied under oath, claiming that he did not have the affair with Lewinsky in front of the jury. He was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice. The trial ended in February of 1999 and Clinton was acquitted. Nonetheless, I chose Bill Clinton's impeachment because only 3 US presidents have been impeached, and it's significant that Clinton is one of them.(Library of Congress) -
Columbine High School Shooting
Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris who were students at Columbine High School shot at students and staff at the school, killing 13 people and injuring more than 20. Originally, the students planned to bomb the school. However, the bombs malfunctioned and didn't detonate so Klebold and Harris walked into the school with guns. I chose this event because at the time, it was the deadliest school shooting in US history. It can be considered a catalyst for increased school shootings in America. (HISTORY) -
9/11
On this day, members of an Islamic terrorist group called al-Qaeda took over four planes and killed the pilots. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in NY, and one plane crashed into the Pentagon near Washington D.C. I chose this event because it was the worst event of terrorism in the US, with 3000 Americans killed. The event of 9/11 also led to the Department of Homeland Security and the USA PATRIOT Act, increasing safety for Americans. (Kruse Zelizer, 249) -
Failed Columbia STS-107 Mission
The STS-107 orbiter exploded as it re-entered the atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. The crew members were tasked with conducting microgravity experiments for 17 days. 16 minutes before they were supposed to land at the Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter exploded due to damage. I chose this event because it shows how progress can at times result in unforeseen tragedy. Also, the arrival back on land was televised, so many Americans watched the orbiter explode in real time. (NASA) -
Hurricane Katrina
Katrina was a powerful hurricane that struck the US in late August. With powerful winds and flooding, it resulted in 1,833 deaths. Most damage was in Louisiana Mississippi. New Orleans faced extensive damage from the storm, with 80% of the city underwater on August 31st. I chose this event because around 2,000 people were killed, making it the deadliest hurricane in modern US history. Also, Katrina is the costliest hurricane in US history, with $161 billion in damage. (National Archives) -
Bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers
On this day, the Lehman Brothers company filed for bankruptcy. They were an investment bank that offered mortgage-backed securities. However, high-risk mortgages with an absence of adequate collateral led to its bankruptcy. In an instant, 25,000 workers for the company became unemployed. I chose this event because not only was it the largest bankruptcy in US history, but it also contributed to the 2008 financial crisis, worsening the condition of the economy. (Michigan Journal of Economics) -
Passage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
The Affordable Care Act was passed during Obama's presidency. It required all Americans to purchase a health insurance plan that was up to par with government standards. If you could not afford health insurance, then you could receive government subsidies. Additionally, it prohibited establishments from using pre-existing conditions as a cause for denying healthcare. I chose this event because some prior presidents failed to pass national healthcare reform, but Obama didn't. (The American YAWP) -
Landing of Curiosity Rover on Mars
On this day, NASA's Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars. Specifically, in Mars' Gale Crater. New landing maneuvers had to be used to safely get the rover on the ground. NASA's goal with the rover was to determine whether or not Mars is suitable for microbial life. I chose this event because it demonstrates how science in America has advanced over time. The rover has led scientists to the conclusion that life may have existed on Mars at some point in the past. (NASA Jet Propulsion Lab) -
Flint Water Crisis
Leaders in Michigan decided to switch the Flint residents' drinking water to the Flint River in order to save money. The water wasn't tested properly before the switch and as time passed, the number of children with elevated lead levels in their blood increased and there was an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. These problems came from the water, and the city failed to address the problems. I chose this event because it shows how sometimes, money is put ahead of the safety of Americans. (NRDC) -
USA Freedom Act Signed into Law
The USA Freedom Act was signed into law by President Obama. It relates to American privacy. Specifically, it made bulk collection of all American phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act illegal. The PATRIOT Act was passed after 9/11, when Americans feared further events of terrorism. I chose this event because it shows how big of an impact 9/11 has on America. Even though 9/11 happened in 2001, legislation indirectly relating to 9/11 was still passed in 2015. (House Judiciary GOP)