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Clinton Affair
President Bill Clinton had an affair with a White House intern named Monica Lewinsky. He was 49 years old while she was only 22. This information was leaked to the press and a huge scandal broke loose. Hilary, his wife and future presidential candidate/Secretary of State, stayed with him after this information broke. Even after the impeachment and proof was revealed, she stayed with him. I chose this because the trial and impeachment process is interesting to learn about.(Kruse and Zelizer, 226) -
Creation of Google
Google is the main search engine on all devices. The company has broadened into writing software, spreadsheets, Google Classroom and more. Google Drive is used around the country as the main site for school, work, or other professional activities. This was not the first search engine created, but it is certainly the most influential. I chose the creation of Google because I believe the world would be vastly different if Google did not exist. Google Classroom was very helpful during Covid. -
9/11 Terrorist Attack
On September 9th, 2001, two planes hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Four known commercial planes were hijacked and crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. The towers fell with many still inside. Almost 3000 people died and thousands more injured. The passengers aboard the plane that crashed into the field managed to fight the highjackers and take control of their plane. I chose 9/11 because it changed the future of travel in the US. -
Launch of Facebook
Facebook was the first Social Media Platform that had a large social presence. While others like Six Degrees and MySpace existed prior, the platform that is Facebook rose above them all. Mark Zuckerberg made Facebook a priority within many families and communities. This website allows businesses to be highlighted and for people to share their lives with their friends. There are 3 billion users worldwide. I chose Facebook because social media would look very different without its creation. -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was a category 5 hurricane that created damage from Texas to Florida. This caused severe destruction and significant amounts of death. Widespread flooding in New Orleans and almost 2000 deaths led the state of Louisiana in disarray. Millions would be without homes, power or food. This hurricane was one of the most devastating and costly in U.S. History. I Chose this hurricane because every natural disaster since has been compared to it. (Kruse and Zelizer, 280-281) -
First iPhone Released
The creation of the iPhone is one of, if not the most influential items on this list. Apple is still the largest technological company and their first invention was in 1984. Almost everyone has a cell phone nowadays and most have one with a screen that became popular because of the iPhone. In the social climate of the U.S. it is almost mandatory to have some type of cell phone. The iPhone is the top seller out of them. I chose the iPhone because I could not picture life without this invention. -
Election of 2008
In the Election of 2008, the first black president was elected. President Barrack Obama, was running against John McCain as a democrat. He won and would soon deal with the 2008 stock market crash. Obama also fought for the legalization of gay marriage and the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. This increased access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans. I chose this election because Barrack Obama is one of the most influential presidents in U.S. History. -
Sandy Hook Shooting
Mass Shooting of Sandy Hook Elementary School where 20 children and 6 faculty were brutally murdered. This shooting happened in Newtown Connecticut. It changes the course of gun control in the United States and especially Connecticut. Parents of the children that died and survivors of the shooting have spoken out about gun violence since this horrific day. Sand Hook Promise was created to advocate gun safety and school safety. I chose this because it has changed school functions in many ways. -
Trump Announced Candidacy for 2016 Presidential Election
President Donald Trump has changed American politics forever. MAGA is the largest political organization to exist within America. He has managed to be elected for a second term even after having a failed last term and being a convicted felon. Modern politics had defined itself when Trump decided to throw his hat in the ring. He has been found guilty of rape and other crimes as well. While I do not personally support him, he has influenced the country and this nation has been different since. -
Obergefell V. Hodges
A Landmark Supreme Court Decision allowing same-sex marriage. This would open windows and doors for the LGBTQ+ community and their acceptance would be widely welcomed because of this case. The 5-4 ruling used the Dual Process and the Equal Protection Clauses of the fourteenth amendment to prove that Gay marriage is legal. I Chose this Supreme Court case because it has changed the country-wide view on the LGBTQ+ community. One court case allowed for a new wave of acceptance for this community.