2,000s Decade
Kortney Kirking
Presidents
The first president was Bill Clinton. He served from January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001. Clinton was able to reduce the poverty rate from 15.1% to 11.8%. He was known for cutting the military by 320,000 members. The second president who was in office at this time was George W. Bush. He served from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009. He led the United States into a war of turmoil with Iraq and Afghanistan in response to the 9-11 attacks. The last and current president of this time is Barack Obama. Barack Obama is the 43rd president of the United States. He has created Obamacare and has been trying to retract troops from duty.
President Bill Clinton
January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001
President George W. Bush
January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009
President Barack Obama
January 20, 2009 to Present
Key Leaders
Tony Blair was the Prime Minister of Great Britain. He supported George W. Bush's foreign policy. He was criticized for his choices and for supporting the policy. Blair supported for world wide reduction of greenhouse gases.
Jean Chretien was the Prime Minister of Canada. He supported the United States in war against Afghanistan. He sent troops over when the war began. Chretien didn't see the connection between the Iraq and 9/11, so he didn't support that war.
Key Laws
The no child left behind act of 2001 required all states to make demonstrable annual progress in raising the percentage of students in reading and math. It also was made to help narrow the test-score gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged students.
The parentally and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness act of 2008 helps provide support services to parents receiving a positive test diagnosis for down syndrome or other parentally and postnatal diagnosed conditions for their children.
The affordable care act of 2010 required insurers to issue and renew insurance to employers and individuals with disabilities.
Critical Supreme Court Decisions
Gonzales V. Raich (2005): It was made legal for congress to ban the use of Marijuana even if it's for medical purposes.
Gonzales V. Carhart (2007): Congress can prohibit a specific abortion procedure known as partial-birth abortion if there is evidence of justification for the procedure.
Kennedy V. Louisiana (2008): In the instance of rape, the death sentence can not be ordered if the victim did not die, or death wasn't intended.
Wars/Defense Decisions
September 11th, 2001, left the United States in turmoil. The world trade centers were attacked by terrorists. Two planes hit each of the world trade centers. The nation began to see many changes in our security of the nation, as well as the economic downturn that we have faced. Since this attack happened, the Department of Homeland Security was created. Security in many places, including airports, were increased.
The Afghanistan war was started in October 7, 2001 due to the 9/11 attacks. The Iraq war started in March 20, 2003.
Technology
Cell Phones: Helps people communicate with each other better and easier.
Digital Cameras: You can print as many pictures as you want and you can save pictures for as long as you want.
Laptops: A portable computer that improved work life.
Video Games: Entertains people all over the world. It also can teach people knew things.
Entertainment
Music:
In the 2,000s, pop was very influential. Some famous artists from the 2,000s are Eminem, The Black-Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, and Kelly Clarkson. The song Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson was the number one song of the decade.
Movies and Music:
Some popular movies were The Dark Knight (2008), The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).
Video Games:
Some popular video games were Call of Duty, Gears of War, Diablo II, and Kingdom Hearts II.
Sports
Some of the main sports that were popular were basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, golf, swimming, motor racing, and boxing. One of the most popular athletes of the decade was Michael Jordan. He played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls. Another popular athlete of the decade was Serena Williams who was a tennis player. Jimmie Johnson was also a well known racecar driver. Some famous teams in the 2,000s were the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Yankees, the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and North Carolina college basketball team.
Michael Jordan
Played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls.
Serena Williams
Tennis Player
Jimmie Johnson
Racecar Driver
Lifestyle: Wages & Jobs
The average wage decreased from the decade before. The average wage for the 2,000s were $39,423. People made a lot less. There was a zero net job creation.
Lifestyle: Teen Life
Teens are surrounded with a lot of technology like cell phones. This decade was known as the technology decade. Teen life revolved around friends and family. Teen girls wore less conservative clothing. They wore shorter shorts and skin tight skirts. Jeans were also still popular. Teen boys often wore jeans and t-shirts.
Famous People
Oprah Winfrey: Famous entrepreneur and talk show host who is always there to help people in need. She has helped with a lot of disasters, including helping the victims of hurricane Katrina.
Ellen DeGeneres: Famous talk show host, gay activist, and animal rights supporter who is constantly giving to people who aren't so fortunate.
Taylor Swift: Famous singer who is constantly there to support her fans.
Michael Jackson: He was a singer and songwriter who made his mark with new and interesting dance moves along with great music.
Bill Gates: He is one of the wealthiest people in the world who built one of the world's largest software (Microsoft).