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Rwandan Genocide
In Rwanda, extremist Hutu militias killed an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a period of about 100 days. The genocide was triggered by the assassination of the Rwandan president. The international community was criticized for its slow response. -
The Oslo Accords
A peace agreement between Israel and Palestine aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agreement led to mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It established the Palestinian Authority to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza. -
The Impeachment of President Bill Clinton
U.S. President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from his extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. He was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office. -
September 11 Attacks
Terrorists from the al-Qaeda group hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers and one into the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to regain control. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in these coordinated attacks. -
Invasion of Iraq
The U.S., supported by a coalition of countries, invaded Iraq under the belief that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Hussein's regime was quickly toppled, but no such weapons were found. The invasion led to years of instability in Iraq. -
Indian Ocean Tsunami
A powerful undersea earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that hit 14 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India. Over 230,000 people were killed, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. The event sparked a massive global humanitarian response. -
Hurricane Katrina
This Category 5 hurricane struck the Gulf Coast of the U.S., particularly devastating New Orleans. Over 1,800 people were killed, and widespread flooding displaced hundreds of thousands. The response from both local and federal governments faced heavy criticism. -
Global Financial Crisis
The collapse of major financial institutions, triggered by the burst of the housing bubble in the U.S., led to a global economic recession. Stock markets crashed, banks failed, and millions of people lost their homes and jobs. Governments around the world intervened with bailouts and economic stimulus packages. -
Barack Obama Elected as the First African American U.S. President
Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office. His victory marked a historic moment in U.S. politics. He ran on a platform of hope, change, and unity. -
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
An offshore drilling rig operated by BP exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, releasing millions of barrels of oil into the ocean. The disaster caused widespread environmental damage and the deaths of 11 workers. It became one of the largest oil spills in history. -
The Arab Spring
A series of protests and uprisings spread across the Middle East and North Africa, demanding democratic reforms and an end to authoritarian regimes. The movement led to the toppling of leaders in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. It also sparked civil wars in countries like Syria and Yemen. -
The Rise of ISIS
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged as a major terrorist group, seizing large territories in Iraq and Syria. Known for its brutal tactics, including mass executions and terror attacks, ISIS declared a caliphate. International coalitions launched military operations to combat the group. -
The Brexit Referendum
The United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, a decision known as "Brexit." The vote was a shock result, as the majority of voters chose to exit the EU, despite economic and political uncertainty. The event led to years of negotiations over the terms of the exit. -
The U.S. and North Korea Summit
President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore to discuss denuclearization. The summit was historic as it marked the first-ever meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. However, substantial progress on denuclearization was limited. -
The Notre-Dame Fire
A devastating fire broke out at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, causing significant damage to the iconic structure. The fire destroyed the spire and much of the roof, but the main structure was saved. Efforts to rebuild the cathedral began shortly after the fire. -
COVID-19 Pandemic
The global spread of the coronavirus led to widespread illness, millions of deaths, and major disruptions to daily life. Governments around the world imposed lockdowns, travel restrictions, and health measures to contain the virus. The pandemic triggered a global economic recession and a race to develop vaccines. -
The Taliban's Return to Power
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the U.S. and NATO forces withdrew. The sudden collapse of the Afghan government and military led to chaotic scenes, particularly at Kabul airport. The return of the Taliban brought back strict interpretations of Islamic law. -
Russia Invades Ukraine
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to widespread destruction and displacement. The invasion was met with global condemnation, and sanctions were imposed on Russia. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis. -
Queen Elizabeth II’s Death
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, passed away at the age of 96. Her death marked the end of an era, and her son, Charles, succeeded her as king. Her reign spanned more than seven decades, making her a symbol of continuity and stability. -
The Iranian Protests
Protests erupted across Iran in 2022 and continued into 2023 after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody for allegedly violating strict dress codes. The protests were primarily driven by calls for women's rights and freedom of expression. The government responded with force, leading to significant unrest and international attention.