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September 11, 2001 – Terrorist Attacks on the U.S
Description: Coordinated attacks by al-Qaeda on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killed nearly 3,000 people.
Significance: Led to massive changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, including the War on Terror, the PATRIOT Act, and increased national security surveillance.
Citation: “September 11 Attacks.” History.com, AE Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/21st-century/9-11-attacks. -
October 26, 2001 – USA PATRIOT Act Signed into Law
Description: This law expanded the government’s surveillance powers in the name of counterterrorism.
Significance: Sparked a national debate on privacy vs. security; civil liberties advocates viewed it as a turning point for government overreach.
Image: https://www.aclufl.org/en/news/extension-patriot-act-vote-unconstitutional-snooping
Citaion: “Patriot Act.” Justice.gov, U.S. Department of Justice, www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm. -
August 29, 2005 – Hurricane Katrina
Description: A Category 5 hurricane that devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas; over 1,800 deaths and billions in damages.
Significance: Exposed racial and class inequalities in disaster response and stirred public outrage over government inaction.
Citation: “Hurricane Katrina.” National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.org/article/hurricane-katrina/
Image: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Federal-Emergency-Management-Agency -
November 4, 2008 – Barack Obama Elected President
Description: Obama became the first African American president in U.S. history.
Significance: Marked a turning point in civil rights history and energized young voters and minority communities across the country.
Citation Image: “Obama Wins Election.” The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/us/politics/05campaign.html -
March 23, 2010 – Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Signed
Description: Major healthcare reform law was intended to expand insurance coverage and regulate the health industry.
Significance: Sparked intense political debate and activism on both sides; became a central issue in future elections and protests.
Citation: “Affordable Care Act (ACA).” Healthcare.gov, www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/
Image: https://revolthealthcare.com/before-and-after-obamacare-the-expanding-empire-of-healthcare-giants/