On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was stormed by right-wing protestors, fueled by conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
The events were driven by historical factors: technological change, global flows of goods and people, the War on Terror, inequality, diversity, climate change, political stalemate.
These factors culminated in an era marked by partisan division, racial and ethnic tension, protests, economic inequality, and national anxieties.
II. American Politics before September 11, 2001
1988 Election: George H. W. Bush vs. Michael Dukakis.
Bush won, continuing Reagan's conservative policies.
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, marking the U.S. as the sole superpower.
The Gulf War in 1991 was a swift victory for the U.S., showcasing new military technologies and media coverage.
Bill Clinton's presidency saw attempts at welfare reform and NAFTA, but faced economic challenges and scandals.
III. September 11 and the War on Terror
September 11, 2001: Al-Qaeda attacked the U.S., killing nearly 3,000 people.
The Bush Doctrine justified preemptive war and led to prolonged conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Invasion of Iraq in 2003, based on alleged weapons of mass destruction.
Iraq war led to ongoing insurgency and instability.
IV. The End of the Bush Years
Bush's second term was affected by Iraq's worsening situation and Hurricane Katrina's aftermath.
Domestic issues included immigration, with a focus on border security.
The surge strategy in Iraq attempted to quell violence.
V. The Great Recession
The recession began with the housing bubble burst, leading to financial crises.
Major financial deregulation contributed to risky practices.
The recession exacerbated wealth inequality.
VI. The Obama Years
Barack Obama became the first African American president in 2008.
Focus on the Great Recession recovery and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
Encountered a polarized political landscape with the rise of the Tea Party.
VII. Stagnation
Obama's second term faced legislative gridlock due to Tea Party influence.
Economic recovery was slow, with income inequality persisting.
Climate change remained a contentious political issue.
VIII. American Carnage
2016 election: Donald Trump won, promising to "Make America Great Again."
Trump's presidency was marked by deepening political and cultural divisions.
Trump's policies included a 2017 tax cut favoring the wealthy, immigration restrictions, and aggressive rhetoric.
IX. The Pandemic
COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, causing global lockdowns and economic disruptions.
The U.S. faced high infection and death rates, with politicized responses.
Vaccines were developed, but hesitancy and new variants prolonged the crisis.
X. New Horizons
Millennials and Gen Z are defined by diversity, liberal attitudes, and technological engagement.
Social movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo gained prominence.
The Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage.
Ongoing debates on race, gender, and immigration.
Conclusions
The past few decades were marked by significant socio-political changes and challenges.
The future remains uncertain but is shaped by historical contexts and evolving perspectives.