- The American Civil War (1861-1865): This conflict between northern and southern states resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans, the abolition of slavery, and significant social, economic, and political changes.
- The Great Depression (1929-1939): A severe economic crisis that had devastating effects on the country, causing widespread poverty, unemployment, and social unrest.
- The September 11 attacks (2001): A series of coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and causing unprecedented national trauma and upheaval.
- The assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963): A shocking event that shook the nation and left a lasting impact on American society and politics.
- The attack on Pearl Harbor (1941): A surprise attack by Japan on the US naval base in Hawaii, which led to the United States entering World War II.
- The Oklahoma City bombing (1995): A domestic terrorist attack that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more, causing widespread fear and outrage.
- Hurricane Katrina (2005): A powerful and destructive hurricane that devastated the Gulf Coast region, particularly New Orleans, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and significant damage.
These are just a few examples of major events that have profoundly affected the United States and its citizens. Each of these events had unique characteristics and consequences that made them highly significant in US history.