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Rise of the World Wide Web
In the early to mid 1990's, the World Wide Web shifted into the public use, with households rapidly adapting PC technology and dial-up internet. This event is significant due to it changing the way we connect, regardless of distance and allowing instantaneous contact and access to information. -
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Significant US Events 1995-2015
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Oklahoma City Bombing
At the time, this was the deadliest event of domestic terrorism in US history, resulting in 168 deaths and hundreds injured -- including children. Timothy McVeigh drove a truck filled with thousands of pounds of explosives around the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. This was part of a slew of anti-government wings circulating at the fringes of national politics. This event is important to include as it was the largest domestic terrorist event, bringing fears to the forefront. -
Columbine High School Shooting
One of the deadliest school shootings in American history, with two students opening fire inside of Columbine High School outside of Denver, CO. They ultimately killed 16 people, including faculty, and injured 23 more. The significance regarding the shooting is that it began a new slew of violence inside of American schools, with school shootings occurring frequently until today. This has been monumentally significant in the gun control and school safety debate until present-day. -
2000 Election
This is monumental as the Supreme Court decided the outcome of the election effectively, with a scandal regarding hole-punch ballots, leading many votes to be nullified. The state of Florida, containing millions of ballots, ultimately came down to 537 votes, with the contesting of the election making its way up to the Supreme Court. The difference caused by nullified ballots was large enough in number to sway the election for George Bush. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Four planes hijacked by radical Islamists affiliated with Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden, a known terrorist. "The horrific, large scale terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 revealed the nation's vulnerabilities and swept aside the easy confidence America had held..." (Kruse and Zelizer, 241) Issue with US influence in the Saudi Arabia/Islamic holy land Mecca. Four planes hijacked, two crashed into Twin Towers in NYC, another into the Pentagon. Changed US policy forever, terror fears + DHS/TSA. -
Invasion of Iraq - Start of Iraq War
Iraq rumored to have weapons of mass destruction (never found), was always a controversial war among the public, but supported action in Afghanistan containing many Al Qaeda militants. Many casualties, hundreds of thousands, up to a million civilian casualties. This was part of the downfall of American trust in government, compared to Vietnam, mass protests. Overthrew Hussein's regime. "CIA interrogators could now use once banned techniques such as 'waterboarding'.." (Kruse and Zelizer, 260) -
Hurricane Katrina
Powerful hurricane devastating the Gulf Coast, especially New Orleans with billions of dollars in damages and mass displacement. Significant as one of the costliest natural disasters in the US. Federal government was ineffective in its response, largely neglecting communities, leaving them stranded without food or supplies. Lead to reforms in disaster relief and preparation. -
2008 Financial Crisis
Adjustable rate mortgages along with Wall Street's baskets of mortgage-backed securities lead to many being foreclosed upon, 12-15% unemployment devastating the economy largely in places like Texas and Florida. People signed onto mortgages they couldn't afford at low rates, and when rates shot up in the late 2000's, many drowned in their finances. Significant for its long-lasting impact, including raising the rate of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck. Banks closed, government bailouts. -
Affordable Care Act Passes
Landmark legislation expanding federal healthcare, reduced number of uninsured Americans. Expanded benefits for low-income Americans, required large companies to offer insurance. Pres. Obama's largest domestic reform. Brought the US a step closer to European model of socialized medicine. Important due to its coverage of more Americans, allowing marginalized groups access to preventative medical care. -
Obergefell v. Hodges Gay Marriage Case
Landmark Supreme Court ruling that enabled same-sex marriage nationwide. This is significant for extending all protections included in legal marriage for same-sex couples. Prior, only some states allowed gay marriage, with it not being federally recognized. Lawsuit arose when Jim Obergefell was legally married (same-sex) in a state allowing it, but recognition was not present in other states. Opened door for same-sex marriage nationwide until present day.