The 2000's Textbook
Presidents
During the 2000 decade the United States had three different presidents. In order of office the presidents were Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Barack Obama. Clinton is best known for his affair during office and passing NAFTA. Bush is best known for the war in Iraq after the 9/11 attack. Obama is best known for his Obamacare or healthcare reform. Other key leaders from this time were Tony Blair from Great Britain and Jean Chretien from Canada.
Key Laws and Court Cases
The No-Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was signed by president George W Bush and required states to up their testing systems, frequency of testing, and the ability of teachers. The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 prevents employers from discriminating with refusal of hiring, firing, or employee privileges based on genetics. Both of these Acts helped with creating a more fair work environment and chances for all.
In November of 2000 it was found unconstitutional to use specific highways for drug traffic searching. In Gonzales vs. Raich of 2005, it was determined legal for congress to ban marijuana from use, even if used medically. Kennedy vs, Louisiana was held in 2008 and made the death sentence illegal in cases of rape where the victim did not die or the death was not intended. This last one could be questioned based on the usual meaning behind rape.
War - Defense
On September 11th of 2001 the World Trader Center towers one and two, the pentagon, and the white house were attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists using hijacked planes. Over 3000 people died, both towers collapsed, and a wall of the Pentagon was destroyed, but the plane heading for the White House was crash landed in Pennsylvania. On this day President George W. Bush declared war on terror, launching the United States into a fight for revenge and justice. Troops were deployed on October 7th, 2001 into Afghanistan and March 20th of 2003 into Iraq. Based on how events unfolded during this attack, the Department of Homeland Security was created in an effort to increase safety in areas like airports.
War on Terror
The United States joined the war on terror on September 11th, of 2001. However, the actual War on Terror had been raging for years and will continue to for years to come. Terror is not only the act against America, but all acts of unneeded violence against other countries. On November 11th Mohammed Alef, Osama bin Laden's commander and chief, was slain in an air strike. As well, on May 2nd of 2011 Osama bin Laden was slain by US Navy Seals in his compound.
The war in Iraq was mainly headed by George W Bush. The war itself is looked at as a war for oil, where the cover up story was trying to capture or kill Saddam Hussein. Troops are currently working their way out of the war zone, but many are still in harms way.
School Shootings
Multiple school shootings took place during the 2000's. May 26th, 2000 at Lake Worth Florida, March 2001 at Santee California, March 21st, 2005 at Red Lake Minnesota, September 2006 at Cazenovia Wisconsin, and February 5th 2010 at Madison Alabama, just to name a few. In these five a total of fourteen people died and thirteen others were wounded.
Famous People
Some famous names from the 2000 decade could be noted as Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, or Oprah Winfrey. Bill Gates created Microsoft which includes much of your computer usage, or Xbox usage. Michael Jackson was a famous singer from many decades, who sadly died in 2009. Oprah Winfrey is and was a television talk host who has contributed many millions of dollars to charity and charitable causes such as schools in Africa.
The Teenage Life
Many styles or trends Teenagers took part in were brought on by celebrities or other famous people. With technology of the time being so advanced, many hours were spent daily on technological devices such as phones, computers, games, etc. With so much increase in technological impact on lives, many young adults sought out jobs in the computer or other new areas of the sort. The enjoy ability of life for most teens in this time was rather high. Fashion consisted of jeans and t-shirts.
Music and Entertainment
Sporting events and television were still entertaining during this time, but other options such as video games and computers became increasingly more popular. Such consoles as the Xbox360 and Playstation3 came out during this decade and have sold amazingly. Music from this time was still very widespread and enjoyed by millions. Such artists as Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, and The Black Eyed Peas were fairly popular along with others.
Sports
Many athletes of the 2000's still perform today, and are still very successful. Some examples might be Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, Usain Bolt who gold at the Olympics, and Shaun White a professional snowboarder.