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Clinton Impeachment (1998-1999)
Bill Clinton’s scandal centered on his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which he initially denied under oath. This led to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. This became a media sensation and deeply polarized the nation. While many saw it as a private matter, others viewed it as a serious breach of trust and legal responsibility, ultimately resulting in his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998, though he was acquitted by the Senate. (Kruse Zelizer, 228) -
NASDAQ Peaks: The Dot-Com Bubble Bursts
The NASDAQ, an electronic stock market focused on tech companies, hit a record 5,048 on March 10, 2000, during the dot-com boom. Investors poured money into internet startups, many with no profits. The bubble burst soon after, and NASDAQ lost nearly 80% of its value by 2002. This crash revealed the risks of tech speculation and reshaped how technology companies were valued in the stock market for years to come. (Kruse Zelizer, 232-233) -
The 2000 Presidential Election: A Nation Divided
The 2000 U.S. Presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore was one of the closest in history. Despite Gore winning the popular vote, the Supreme Court halted a Florida recount in Bush V. Gore, effectively awarding the presidency to Bush. The event raised questions about the electoral fairness and voting systems, highlighting the importance of the Electoral College and judicial influence in political outcomes. (Kruse Zelizer, 240) -
September 11, 2001: A Day That Changed America
On September 11, 2001, terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, crashing them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people died, The attacks led to the War on Terror, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and sweeping changes in U.S. security. policy. 9/11 deeply impacted American socity, reshaping global politics and the nation's approach on the national security and civil liberties. (Kruse Zelizer, 243) -
The No Child Left Behind Act (2002)
Signed into law in 2002 by President George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind Act aimed to improve education by increasing accountability in public schools. It required annual testing in reading and math and tied federal funding to student performance. While it sought to close achievement gaps, critics argued it led to "teaching to the test" and unfair pressure on schools. It was eventually replaced by the "Every Student Succeeds Act" in 2015. (Kruse Zelizer, 245) -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, causing severe flooding in New Orleans after levees failed. Over 1,800 people died, and thousands were displaced. The slow government response faced heavy criticism. The disaster highlighted issues of poverty, racial inequality, and poor infrastructure, leading to changes in disaster management and a focus on improving future preparedness. (Kruse Zelizer, 280-281) -
The Election of Barack Obama (2008)
Barack Obama's 2008 election marked a historic moment as the first African American president. He defeated John McCain with 365 electoral votes, campaigning on hope and change. His innovative use of social media and community-based organizing raised millions in small donations. Obama's victory symbolized a shift away from conservative policies, offering a new direction amid the economic crisis, and advancing civil rights in the U.S. -
Afforable Care Act (2010) "Obamacare"
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, aimed to expand healthcare coverage, reduce costs, and improve healthcare quality in the U.S. Key provisions included expanding Medicaid, creating health insurance exchanges, and prohibiting insurers from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions. The ACA was a landmark reform, though it faced significant political opposition and legal challenges, particularly regarding the individual mandate. -
Occupy Wall Street (2011)
Occupy Wall Street, starting in 2011, protested economic inequality and corporate influence in politics. Demonstrators camped in New York’s Zuccotti Park, targeting the "1%"—the wealthiest individuals controlling most of the nation’s wealth. The movement sparked global protests, raising awareness about wealth disparity, economic justice, and corporate power, though lacking clear leadership and specific goals. It highlighted issues of financial inequality and inspired similar movements worldwide. -
The Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)
On December 12, 2015, nearly 200 countries, including the U.S., adopted the Paris Agreement at COP21 in Paris. The accord aimed to limit global warming to below 2°C, with a goal of 1.5°C. Countries pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with regular progress reviews. It marked a historic global consensus on climate action, though challenges remain in its implementation and future commitment from some nations.