Historical Events tagged with "economy"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Joe Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion Rescue Plan

March 11th, 2021 4 years ago

US President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan into law, aimed at providing financial relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation includes direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funds for vaccine distribution. This plan seeks to boost economic recovery and address the health crisis affecting millions of people and businesses across the nation. The signing took place in Washington, D.C., marking a significant step in the federal response to the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

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Economics & Industry

New Trade Deal Unveiled for North America

July 1st, 2020 4 years ago

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, implementing new trade regulations and provisions aimed at modernizing and revitalizing trade relations among the three countries. The agreement sought to address labor rights, environmental standards, and intellectual property protections, marking a significant shift from its predecessor. Leaders from the three nations emphasized that the new deal would benefit all parties economically, fostering a more equitable trading environment across North America.

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Economics & Industry

U.S. Unemployment Rate Reaches 14.9 Percent

May 9th, 2020 4 years ago

In May 2020, the U.S. unemployment rate surged to 14.9 percent due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating the highest level since the Great Depression. This rapid increase was attributed largely to widespread business closures and lockdown measures aimed at containing the virus, which affected millions of workers across various industries nationwide. The staggering number of job losses highlighted the profound impact of the pandemic on the economy and prompted urgent discussions about economic relief and recovery.

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Economics & Industry

Historic Drop of Oil Prices Below Zero

April 20th, 2020 4 years ago

In April 2020, oil prices plunged below zero for the first time in history due to the collapse of demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. This unprecedented situation caused traders to pay others to take oil off their hands, highlighting the crippling excess supply and lack of storage options. The price drop particularly affected U.S. oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which saw a dramatic fall that left experts stunned and realized the extent of the global economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.

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Health & Medicine

Global Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Surpass One Million

April 2nd, 2020 4 years ago

As countries grappled with the COVID-19 crisis, the World Health Organization reported over one million confirmed cases of the virus worldwide. This milestone highlighted the rapid spread of the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for public health measures to control the outbreak. The figures reflected the extensive impact that the virus had on global health systems, economies, and daily life, as countries implemented varying degrees of restrictions and lockdowns to mitigate the spread.

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Economics & Industry

Macau Casinos Close Amid COVID-19 Concerns

February 4th, 2020 5 years ago

All casinos in Macau were temporarily closed for 15 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made by the Macau government as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus. This marked a significant disruption to the gaming industry in the region, which is highly reliant on gambling revenue. The casinos, major contributors to the local economy, took measures to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors.

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Politics & Government

Senate Approves United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement

January 16th, 2020 5 years ago

The United States Senate ratified the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which serves as a comprehensive trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement aims to enhance trading standards and economic relations among the three countries, significantly modernizing trade rules. The Senate’s vote reflected bipartisan support, highlighting the agreement’s anticipated benefits for American workers and the economy.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Santiago Riots Prompt State of Emergency Declaration

October 18th, 2019 5 years ago

Violent protests erupted in Santiago over a metro fare hike, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Responding to escalating chaos, President Sebastián Piñera declared a 15-day state of emergency while nearly all of the city's 164 Metro stations faced attacks, showcasing widespread discontent in the capital. The protests highlighted deep-rooted economic grievances and inequality, drawing attention from both national and international observers.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Lebanon's Nationwide Protests Erupt

October 17th, 2019 5 years ago

On October 17, 2019, mass protests erupted across Lebanon against the government and economic conditions. Triggered by proposed taxes, including a tax on WhatsApp calls, demonstrators took to the streets in major cities. The protest quickly escalated, with citizens demanding the resignation of the ruling political class that had been accused of widespread corruption and mismanagement of resources. The scale and unity of these protests were notable, as people from various sects, regions, and socio-economic backgrounds participated in the demonstrations, showcasing a rare moment of solidarity among the diverse Lebanese populace.

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