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Assassination Attempt of President Ronald Reagan
On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan while he was returning to his vehicle after giving a speech in Washington, D.C.. Although nearly killing him, Hinckley was not found guilty by reason of insanity. -
Bombing of Libya by the U.S.
Also known as El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. launched air strikes on Libya in retaliation for sponsoring and encouraging terrorism against the United States. Five military targets were hit and over 100 American aircrafts were involved in the attack. -
Beginning of the Oprah Winfrey Show
Oprah Winfrey began her nationally successful syndicated talk show on September 8, 1986. Her show stars numerous celebrities and is a daytime talk show that continues even now. -
Stock Market Crash
On the Black Friday of October 19, 1987, the Stock Market crashed and plunged 800 points. Investors across America lost over $500 billion dollars and the crash erased 13 percent of the market's entire value. -
Operation Desert Storm
In response to Sadam Hussein invading Kuwait, the United States decided to intervene in the Gulf War. The U.S. hoped that, by launching Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi forces would withdraw from Kuwait. Air attacks were launched against Kuwait and lasted for six weeks. -
Collapse of the Soviet Union
Officially ending the Cold War, the Soviet Union collapsed on December 25, 1991. It broke into 15 Communist-controlled republics, leaving the United States as a world power. -
Hurricane Andrew
Hurricane Andrew was a Cape Verde-type storm that affected South Florida, South Louisiana, and the Bahamas. It was both the strongest and most destructive hurricane that has hit Florida thus far, ending in 65 causalities. -
Lewinsky Scandal
Despite Monica Lewinsky stating that her and Bill Clinton had sexual relations from 1995 to 1997, Bill Clinton openly told the American public that he did not have sexual relations with her. He was charged with perjury and impeached, but all charges were soon acquitted. -
Inauguration of George W. Bush
George W. Bush was inaugurated on January 20, 2001. He served as the 43rd President of the United States and was a Republican. -
September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001, terrorist members belonging to Al-Qaeda hijacked four planed and crashed them into the World Trade Center complex in New York City. The horrific attacks resulted in 2,997 victim fatalities.