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USSR gets dissolved and Cold War ends
The USSR getting dissolved in late 1991 was the official conclusion of the Cold War. This was important to US history because we no longer had to worry about our rivalry with the Soviet Union to prevent the spread of communism and socialist beliefs. Even with the restriction of global power put in place against the USSR, the US government was still putting effort into preventing this fascist-run force from claiming even more territory and forcing communism throughout the world.(Britannica, 2024) -
World Trade Center Bombing of 1993
The bombing of the bottom of the World Trade Center was kind of like the pre-requisite or dress rehearsal to the 9/11 attacks. The main terrorist behind this attack had the goal to collapse both towers, but was unsuccessful. When he was caught and convicted two years later, we learned of this plan. When 9/11 happened, we found out that it was this mastermind's uncle who was one of the four terrorists involved, alongside Osama Bin Laden. This attack led the US to catch the terrorists. (FBI.gov) -
Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy
Clinton's "DADT" Policy was one of the first he made during his presidency. This was significant to US history because it allowed homosexuals to join the armed forces. This raised issues for many. The homophobes were upset by this because they didn't want homosexuals to be able to serve in the US. The homosexuals were upset by this because though they could serve, they had to keep their sexual identity a secret. This was the start of many US citizens disliking Clinton. (Kruze and Zelizer, 206) -
Clinton/Lewinsky Scandal
In January of 1998, news emerged of President Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. This affair was huge because despite the evidence of it, he was caught for lying under oath. He was charged with perjury and got impeached by the US House of Representatives. But when this case goes to the Senate, he was found innocent and didn't get impeached. This scandal was huge in the political world and caused much controversy in the US government. (Kruse and Zelizer, 226) -
Columbine High School Massacre
The Columbine Massacre was the first and most significant school shooting and attempted bombing America has ever seen. This was very important to US history because it brought the entire nation together to support each other in this hard, saddening time. It also raised many concerns that the US government is currently still trying to figure out about gun control and how people of certain ages or mental states shouldn't be allowed access to guns and assault weapons. (Education Week, 2024) -
Woodstock 1999
Woodstock music festival had its last year in 1999, due to the consistent annual unruly events that occurred. People were enduring poor sanitation, injury, sexual harassment/assaults, looting, and drug use every year at this event, leading to some fatalities. This was significant to US history because attendees were acting erratically, despite the arrests made, and all festivals of this nature are now filled with higher security to ensure safety. (Hello Magazine, 2022) -
No Child Left Behind Act
The NCLB Act was extremely significant in helping students all over the US. This act emphasizes the improvement of students' academic accountability and success, and required every state to implement mandated tests to measure how the students are learning. It aimed to provide all children with the opportunity to a fair and high quality education, regardless of their location, financial status, and disabilities. It was replaced by the ESSA in 2007, and is still used today. (Britannica, 2024) -
9/11 Attacks
The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 was one of the most horrifying days the US had seen in this timespan. Though extremely saddening, these attacks brought the US together to show strength and remorse. The attacks also led to the creation of the US Department of Homeland Security. This department combines 22 different federal departments and its duties are to improve the security of the US by securing the borders and providing emergency response in disaster. (DHS, 2023) -
Same-Sex Marriage Legalization
In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in the US to legalize same-sex marriage. This was without a doubt a significant part of US history because homosexuals were finally able to legally get married, despite Clinton's prior DOMA. Not only was this an amazing thing at the moment, but it led to this legalization in many other states as well, making the US far more same-sex friendly. (mass.gov, 2022) -
The Great Recession of 2008
The Great Recession of 2008 was the longest lasting economic downturn since World War 2. The US GDP, consumer spending rates, and demand for goods decreased, where the unemployment rates and cost of living increased. This was important to US history because it was an eye-opener to the government of where they needed to put their focus and thus led to the creation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, stimulating the economy in times of need. (Federal Reserve History, 2013) -
Invention of iPhone
The invention of the iPhone was revolutionary. It was the first device that was touchscreen that allowed you to communicate, search, play music, and more all in one. This invention paved the way for the technological devices we use today and opened up a new, modernized way of life. The iPhone changed the way we live and life in today's world almost requires you to have a mobile, touchscreen phone. This also opened up job opportunities in many fields and boosted the economy. (Apple, 2007) -
Barack Obama Elected
Barack Obama being elected in 2008 was a huge moment in US history. Obama was the first African-American to be elected President and is currently the only one America has ever had. Obama had a great presidency and served two terms. He was a well-liked president and enacted many great things that are currently part of our laws and government. Being the first black US president was very important in reminding those of the equality within our country. (Britannica, 2024)