12 U.S. Events That Caused Global Shockwaves
These 12 pivotal U.S. events unleashed seismic global shockwaves, reshaping everything from international politics to social justice and leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
From the horrific shockwaves of 9/11 to the revolutionary power of the Civil Rights Movement, watershed moments in American history have shaken the world, redefining global relations, social justice causes, and economic policies. These happenings underscore the global connectivity of the world and the significant role the U.S. has played in determining the direction of world history.
1. The Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)
Image from HISTORY
Japan attacked the U.S. military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a surprise military strike on December 7, 1941. The attack drew the U.S. into World War II, which altered history. The event not only shocked the American nation but also greatly changed the global balance of power, establishing the U.S. as a superpower in the 20th century.
2. The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963)
Image from Wikipedia
President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. His assassination sent shock waves around the globe, profoundly affecting the global climate of the Cold War and international political relationships. Kennedy’s assassination also gave birth to extensive conspiracy theories and a reevaluation of the political ideals of America.
3. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Image from History.com
The American Civil Rights Movement, particularly the historic 1963 March on Washington, highlighted America’s profound racial injustice. Events such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech reverberated across the globe and fueled other anti-colonial resistance movements. The movement was pivotal to reframing the world’s race, equality, and justice discourses.
4. The Watergate Scandal (1972-1974)
Image from Britannica
The Watergate scandal, which resulted in President Nixon’s resignation, stunned the U.S. and the world by exposing corruption in the government. The scandal undermined confidence in American institutions and brought about sweeping reforms in U.S. politics. Globally, it questioned democracy and the susceptibility of even the most powerful to being exposed.
5. The September 11 Attacks (2001)
Image from Britannica
On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked by terrorists from the radical group al-Qaeda, leading to the destruction of the World Trade Center towers and extensive damage at the Pentagon. The world was shocked instantly, with countries all over the globe showing solidarity with America and being afraid of a rise in terrorism. The incident changed the policies of global security, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq followed along with the continued War on Terror.
6. The U.S. Invasion of Iraq (2003)
Image from Wikipedia
The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, based on allegations of weapons of mass destruction, prompted widespread protests and international outrage. Although the U.S. government expected to establish stability and democracy, the consequences resulted in chaos, increased extremism, and destabilization of the Middle East. The decision still influences U.S. foreign policy discussions and international geopolitical strategies.
7. The Election of Barack Obama (2008)
Image from Rice News - Rice University
The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president in the history of the United States was a historic moment that resonated across the globe. His appeal of hope and change echoed everywhere, representing an advancement in the struggle against racism and inequality. Obama’s term also represented a change in foreign policy in America, especially in attempts to improve relations with the Muslim world and combat climate change.
8. The End of the Vietnam War (1975)
Image from Wikipedia
The capture of Saigon in 1975, which brought the Vietnam War to an end, shook the foundations of international politics. Not only did it destroy American morale and ignite anti-war protests, but it also indicated the failure of the U.S. Cold War strategy. The event transformed U.S. foreign policy, prompting a more guarded policy of military interventions in subsequent decades.
9. The Great Depression (1929)
Image from Britannica
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 gave rise to the Great Depression, a worldwide economic catastrophe that hit all major countries. Stock markets crashed, unemployment skyrocketed, and nations across the globe faced widespread poverty. The crisis caused serious social upheaval and transformed economic thought, with welfare states and international economic cooperation becoming the order of the day.
10. The U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2017)
Image from IndustriALL Global Union
When President Trump declared the U.S. would pull out of the Paris Climate Accord, it caused shock across international environmental politics. The action discredited global attempts to tackle climate change and was denounced globally. It raised questions regarding America’s role in solving global problems and led other countries to increase their environmental pledges.
11. The Great American Oil Crisis (1973)
Image from Center on Global Energy Policy
The 1973 oil embargo by OPEC resulted in a huge global energy crisis. American gas stations ran out of fuel, inflation skyrocketed, and the economy was paralyzed. The crisis revolutionized global energy policies, and countries began to seek energy independence and reexamine their dependence on oil.
12. The Black Lives Matter Movement (2013-present)
Image from Britannica
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, ignited by the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2013, fueled an international outcry against systemic racism and police brutality. Demonstrations broke out across the globe, demanding justice and a halt to racial injustice. The impact of BLM reconfigured global discourse regarding race, policing, and justice, with most nations reconsidering their own past and methods.