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Mt Saint Helen's Eruption
The eruption of Mt. Saint Helen in Washington kills 57 people and caused over $1 billion in damage. -
Iran Releases Hostages
U.S. citizens, after being held hostage for 444 in Iran due to the U.S. embassy being taken over by Islamic students and militants, are released. -
Challenger Crash
The Challenger Space Shuttle explodes 73 seconds after lift off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, resulting in seven deaths. -
Tax Reform Act of 1986
The Tax Reform Act of 1986, which simplified the tax code and broadened the tax base, is passed. -
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
The United States and Soviet Union sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which is an agreement to dismantle all United States and Soviet Union missiles in the 300-3,400 mile range. -
Cold War Ends
George H.W. Bush declares the Cold War to be over at the Malta Summit. -
Hubble Space Telescope Launched
The Hubble Space Telescope is put in orbit. A month later, it become operational. -
27th Amendment Ratified
The 27th Amendment is ratified, prohibiting changes in Congressional salaries until after the next election cycle. -
NAFTA Goes Into Effect
The North American Free Trade Agreement goes into effect. It creates a free trade zone between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. -
Centennial Olympic Park Bombing
The bombing, occurring during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, killed 1 person and injured 111 people. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001, four airplanes were hijacked by Islamic fundamentalist terrorists. Two destroyed the twin towers in NYC, one crashed into the pentagon, and one crashed into a field in PA.