Key Events in U.S. History (1993-2008)

World Trade Center Bombing (1993)

Foreign terrorist attack on February 26, 1993; a truck bomb exploded under the North Tower, killing 6 people.

Waco

In 1993, a federal siege occurred at a Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, led by David Koresh. 4 ATF agents and 82 Branch Davidians were killed.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement (1993); a treaty that lowered tariffs and included Mexico in the free trade zone with the U.S. and Canada.

Contract with America

A 1994 conservative legislative agenda by Republicans, drafted by Newt Gingrich; called for term limits, balanced budgets, and tax cuts.

Bill Clinton

Impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice. The Senate acquitted him on February 12, 1999, lacking a two-thirds majority to convict.

Oslo Peace Accords

Peace agreement in which Israel granted Palestinian self-rule in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

NASDAQ

A major stock exchange consisting mainly of technology companies and over-the-counter sales.

USS Cole Bombing

Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked a U.S. naval ship refueling in the Gulf of Aden, killing 17 U.S. soldiers.

Election of 2000

George W. Bush (R) narrowly defeated Al Gore (D). The Supreme Court ended the Florida recount, awarding Bush the presidency. Bush lost the popular vote.

Nancy Pelosi

Became the first female Speaker of the House on January 4, 2007. Democrat.

September 11th Attacks

Terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001; included hijacked planes hitting the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a crash in Pennsylvania.

Guantanamo Bay Prison

U.S. detention center in Cuba for suspected war criminals; known for indefinite detention without trial.

Anthrax Scare

In fall 2001, anthrax-laced letters were sent to media and government offices; 5 people died and 17 were infected.

Saddam Hussein

U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 over alleged WMDs and U.N. violations. Saddam Hussein was captured in Operation Red Dawn on December 13, 2003.

Financial Crisis of 2008

Triggered by deregulation and mortgage failures. Bush approved a $700 billion bailout and rescued GM and Chrysler with $17.4 billion.