Notes on U.S. History (1992-Present)

Rapid advances in multiple fields:
- Computer: Significant improvements in speed and processing power.
- Satellite: Enhanced communication capabilities and global positioning.
- Science & Agriculture: Innovations leading to more efficient farming techniques and methodologies.
- Medicine: Breakthroughs in treatments and medical devices, improving healthcare outcomes.
- Internet: Revolutionized communication, facilitating real-time global interactions.
Globalization: Increased interconnectedness of people and businesses worldwide, fostering international cooperation and trade.

1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act - Aimed to reduce illegal immigration and strengthen border security.
2001: Zadvydas v. Davis - Supreme Court case addressing the detention of immigrants.
2002: Homeland Security Act - Established the Department of Homeland Security post-9/11 for enhanced national security measures.
2012: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) - Provided temporary relief from deportation for eligible immigrant youth.
2014: Expanded DACA and implemented Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA).
2017: Muslim travel ban - Executive order restricting entry from several predominantly Muslim countries.

Treaty established on January 1, 1994, between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Purpose: To phase out tariffs and trade barriers among the three countries, enhancing trade efficiency.
Signed into law by President Bill Clinton on December 8, 1993, with key figures such as Vice President Al Gore present.

Duration: April 6, 1992 – December 14, 1995.
Roots: Conflict stemmed from the collapse of communism and the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
Significant violence included state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing, particularly against Croats and Muslims, resulting in over 100,000 deaths.
UN intervention provided humanitarian aid amidst the violence, which is classified as a humanitarian crisis.
The US facilitated the Dayton Peace Accord, signed in Paris on December 14, 1995, ending the conflict.

Event Date: April 19, 1995; Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building attacked.
Perpetrators: Timothy McVeigh & Terry Nichols, showcasing domestic terrorism motivated by anti-government sentiment.
Casualties: 168 fatalities and nearly 700 injuries; memorial chairs symbolizing each victim.

Date of impeachment by the House of Representatives: December 9, 1998.
Clinton became the 2nd president in US history to be impeached on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
Acquitted in the Senate trial, leading to claims of partisan political motivations behind the impeachment.

A legislative agenda by the Republican party during the 1994 midterm elections
Enhanced Republican control in Congress, initiated by Speaker Newt Gingrich leading the "Republican Revolution."

Key accomplishments include:
- Welfare reform, Family Medical Leave Act, Brady Act, Crime Bill, CHIPS, Patient’s Bill of Rights.
- Economic achievements: balanced budget, budget surplus, low unemployment, and reduced crime rates.

Outcome: Bill Clinton (Democrat) defeated Bob Dole (Republican) with an electoral college vote of 379 to 159.
Campaign depicted Dole as out of touch compared to the youthful Clinton.

Definition: Government's ability to take private property for public use with compensation.
1990s – 2000s: Increased use of eminent domain for private development, resulting in legal challenges alleging abuse of power (e.g., Mississippi's Nissan plant).

Candidates: George W. Bush (Republican) vs. Al Gore (Democrat).
Historic election defined by a razor-thin margin, notably in Florida, determining the presidency.

Concerns about potential computer failures as the year 2000 approached due to programming limitations; created widespread anxiety over technology failures.

Events:
- Four airplanes hijacked, targeting significant structures, including the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
- Approximately 3,000 lives lost, marking the deadliest terrorist attack on US soil.
Perpetrators: 19 terrorists affiliated with Al Qaeda, led by Osama Bin Laden.

Initiated on October 7, 2001, through Operation Enduring Freedom against Taliban forces protecting Al Qaeda.
Involved international coalition forces and lasted until the end of 2014, officially.

Timeline: March 2003 – December 2011.
Justification: Belief in Saddam Hussein's ties to Al Qaeda and the possession of weapons of mass destruction.
Outcomes: Hussein captured, tried, and executed; US military presence aimed at stabilization faced significant challenges.

Enacted shortly after September 11, enhancing law enforcement's abilities to prevent terrorism.
Controversial for potential violations of civil liberties.

2004: Bush defeated Kerry (286-251 electoral votes); war issues were vital.
2008: Obama defeated McCain (365-173), marking the first African American presidency.
2012: Obama (332) defeated Romney (206), showcasing a generational voting gap.
2016: Trump won against Clinton (304-227) in a controversial election.
2020: Biden defeated Trump (306-232) with substantial voter turnout, the highest in over a century.

Inauguration on January 20, 2021, with Kamala Harris as the first female and woman of color vice president.

Definition: Total money owed by the country to lenders, primarily to federal trust funds and domestic investors, with some foreign ownership.

Date: June 26, 2015; Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, requiring states to recognize out-of-state marriages.

Definition: Long-term shifts in climate patterns attributed to climate change.
Growing international focus on climate initiatives and actions to address emissions, utilizing renewable and clean energy.