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George W. Bush is inaugurated as the 43rd President
This commencement marked the first four-year term of George W. Bush. Bush got sworn into the presidency, and took the oath of office. This event was held at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Terrorists hijack four planes and crash them into both World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. The estimated fatalities numbered around 3,000. It is the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor. -
Bush's Ground Zero Speech
At the scene of the 9/11 event, President Bush stood in the destruction of the property, holding a bullhorn, speaking to the people of New York City. Bush stated, "...and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!" He later reassured America by invading Iraq in October later that year. -
War with Afghanistan
This military operation was code-named Enduring Freedom. The United States turned their attention to the Taliban regime which had provided sanctuary to Al Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks. The U.S. demanded that they surrender Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda. -
No Child Left Behind Act
President Bush Signs a education reform bill into law. This act offers local authorities more flexibility in spending money, but requires standardized math and reading tests. It includes Title I provisions applying to disadvantaged students. -
US Congress authorizes the declaration of war on Iraq
Following the invasion on Iraq, Bush addresses the Congress that Saddam Hussein is "a serious threat". The U.S. was aiming to dismantle Al Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Bush sought out to get support from Great Britain for action against Iraq. -
Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster
While re-entering the atmosphere, the space shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas, killing all seven crew members on board. The disaster occurred minutes before their scheduled landing at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Soon after, an investigation determined that the problem took place after launch. The problem was when a piece of foam insulation broke off and damaged the shuttle's wing. -
Bush's National Address
Aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Bush declares that major combat operations in Iraq are over. While giving this address, he stands in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner, symbolizing the victory in Iraq. Bush vowed to continue searching for banned weapons in Iraq. -
Operation Red Dawn
Operation Red Dawn was an American military operation that took place in the town of ad-Dawr, Iraq. This eventually lead to the capture of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Forces from the 4th Infantry Division coalition forces and special operations forces captured Hussein in a remote farm house. -
9/11 Commission Report
With the signature of President George W. Bush, the commission was chartered to prepare a complete account of the events that surrounded the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks. This included the preparation and immediate responses for the attacks. The Commission also provided ideas to guard against future attacks. -
Bush wins re-election
Bush wins a second four-year term taking 51 percent of the popular vote and 274 electoral votes. Bush went up against Democratic representative, John Kerry. With this win, the Republican Party slightly builds on it majority in the White House. -
Space Shuttle Discovery takes off
From the Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery is set off for a mission. The shuttle goes to deliver repairs to the International Space Station. This is the first U.S. space mission since the failure of Columbia back in 2003. -
Hurricane Katrina
The southern coast of the United States is destroyed with the devastating effects produced by Hurricane Katrina. The storm reaches the levee system in New Orleans, causing massive flooding and destruction. Bush's administration is harshly criticized due to their response to the storm's destruction. -
Roberts confirmed Chief Justice
Replacing William Rehnquist, who died in office, was John Glover Roberts. Roberts is President Bush's first nominee to the court. John G. Roberts is the 17th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and still is currently. -
Democratic Party takes control
The Democrats recapture control over both houses. This starts in the midterms elections, taking over the U.S. House an Senate. Democrats won a 51st seat in the Senate and regained control of Congress after 12 years of near-domination by the Republican Party. -
Former President Ford dies
Former President Gerald Ford died in the year of 2006 due to cardiovascular disease at the age of 93. He died in his home in Rancho Mirage, California. Ford's funeral took place in Capitol Rotunda in the U.S. Capitol with attendees such as his wife and children. -
Saddam Hussein found guilty
The fifth President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was convicted of crimes against humanity dating back to 1982. Hussein was sentenced to death but hanging in Baghdad, Iraq. His death was watched by many Iraqis due to footage put of him being hung. -
New troops in Iraq
President Bush announces a "troop surge" in Iraq. This was in attempt to increase security in the capital of Baghdad. Another reason was to cover the capital with insurgency centers as well as the whole country. -
Congress passes the Antiterrorism Bill
This bill will allow for the screening of air and sea cargo. It will also give more money in government antiterrorism grants to states with the greatest risk for terrorists attacks. This bill was introduced earlier that year but was enacted upon until mid-year in July. -
Obama is elected
Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States. Obama is the first ever African American president and represented the Democratic party. Along with him, the democrats win several Republican states and pick up the seats in the House and the Senate.
