Significant Events that Changed the World

This article discusses five significant events that changed the world including the atomic bombs dropped in Japan, assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., 9/11, Facebook launch, and election of Barack Obama. It explores the impact of these events on the world and how they shaped history.

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Atomic Bombs dropped in Japan in 1945
The Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings literally changed the world as we know it. The
1945 atomic bombs gave the world a glimpse of the massive destruction that can be caused by
nuclear weapons. Ironically, the bombings are credited for subsequent peace that the world
enjoys to date. According to historians, the bombings led to the end of the Second World War as
well as the formation of the United Nations which is tasked with maintaining global peace
(Gordin, Michael D 157). The destruction caused by the bombs also informed United States of
its responsibility in preventing such future occurences.Consequently,the US became vocal
against the use of nuclear weapons. Other countries also started exercising more restraint on the
use of nuclear weapons and there were increased efforts to advocate for disarmament. The
atomic bombings of 1945 have also led to the signing of numerous peace treaty and
reconciliation among countries.
Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968

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The fourth of April 1968 will forever remain a dark day in America’s history particularly
for the civil society that advocated for racial equality and opportunities for all American
Citizens. For many, Martin Luther King had proven to be a mobilizer as well as renowned
advocate for the minority living in America. Throughout his campaigns, Luther had advocated
for the use of peaceful means in airing views. Luther was also credited for his use of television in
airing his views which made his course even more relevant despite facing violence from the
establishment. King’s assassination sparked immediate violence in numerous cities across the
United States. Even more importantly, his assassination evoked grief in the hearts of many
Americans. Abeilt momentarily, King’s assassination unified America as people joined in
mourning the loss of a great man who had high hopes for a country a broken country (Posner,
Gerald 192). In a way, King’s assassination highlights how costly the struggle for equality can
sometimes be.
9/11 in 2001
The 9/11 incident is arguably the most devastating attack carried against America in
recent memory. The attack which left more than three thousand people dead not only shook the
country but also it also exposed America’s vulnerability in the face of terror. The attack threw
the country into paranoia and forever changed people’s way of life as evidenced by the many
policies enacted after its occurrence (Zarembka, Paul 43). For instance, the increased safety
concerns led to the signing of the Patriotism act which violates most of the American civil
liberties. For instance, the act allows law enforcement agencies access to private email and
telephone records if they believe it is a matter of national security. The act also permits the police
to search private property even without the proper documentation. 9/11 was also the main cause
for America’s involvement in the war on terror in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The

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war on terror has taken a toll on the country’s budget as well as the American military. Tighter
regulations at airports were also imposed as a result of the attack.
Facebook is launched in 2004
The launch of Facebook is one of the most important occurrences in the 21st century. The
social networking site has had an immense impact on various spheres of people’s lives. For
instance Facebook has highly impacted how people keep in touch. The networking site has made
it possible for people to instantly socialize and interact the distance notwithstanding. The launch
of Facebook also made it possible for people to share moments they deem important in their
lives. For instance, people are able to capture and share images and videos instantly, something
that was impossible in the pre-Facebook era. Facebook has also acted as a source of news and
information on happenings around the world, marking a shift from traditional news sources such
as television and newspaper. Facebook has also changed how businesses carry out their
operations (Susan Dobinick 65). The advent of Facebook has also made the society grapple with
challenges posed by cyber bullying.
Election of Barack Obama in 2008
The election of Barack Obama as president was and is still viewed by many as a defining
moment in the history of American politics. For over 200 years, America had never elected a
president of African dissent. Obama’s victory, therefore, was seen as the fall of the racial barrier
that had existed in the American society for many years. The triumph represented optimism for
minority Americans including Hispanics and African Americans. Additionally, the election was
viewed as a chance to foster equality which had previously proven elusive (Michael Tesler,
David O. Sears 144). The Obama presidency rekindled the memory of Martin Luther King’s

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dream that there would come a time when all citizens in the American society would be treated
equally without considering their differences. Many Americans were therefore hopeful of better
job opportunities, healthcare and better education for their children. The election of Barack
Obama is therefore proof that America’s future is optimistic and that the struggles of civil
movements in the 20th century were not in vain.
Works Cited
Gordin, Michael D. Five Days in August: How World War Ii Became a Nuclear War.
Princeton UP, 2015, p. 157
Michael Tesler, David O. Sears. Obama's Race: The 2008 Election and the Dream of a Post-
Racial America. University of Chicago Press, 2010, p. 144.
Posner, Gerald L. Killing the Dream: James Earl Ray and the Assassination of Martin
Luther King, Jr. Open Road Media, 2013, p. 192.
Susan Dobinick. "Business Developments." Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, The Rosen
Publishing Group, Inc, 2012, p. 65.
Thomas J. Johnson, David D. New Media, Campaigning and the 2008 Facebook Election.
Routledge, 2011, p. 76.
Zarembka, Paul. The Hidden History of 9-11. Seven Stories P, 2008,p.43