What Happened This Year 2000

Historical Events from This Year 2000

Natural Disasters

Strongest Earthquake in Baku in 158 Years

November 25th, 2000 24 years ago

A powerful earthquake with a Richter magnitude of 7.0 struck Baku, Azerbaijan, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of 26 people. This event marked a significant geological occurrence, as it was the strongest earthquake in the region in over a century and a half. The tremors were felt across a wide area, impacting buildings, infrastructure, and the daily lives of residents. The local community faced challenges in both immediate rescue efforts and long-term recovery.

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Politics & Government

Certification of Florida's Electoral Votes

November 26th, 2000 24 years ago

Katherine Harris certified George W. Bush as the winner of Florida's electoral votes, enabling him to secure victory in the United States presidential election despite losing the national popular vote. This contentious decision followed a prolonged recount process, which became a focal point of the election controversy.

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Space Exploration

NASA launches STS-97 mission to space

November 30th, 2000 24 years ago

NASA'S STS-97 mission launched on November 30, 2000, aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, marking the 101st Space Shuttle flight. The primary goal of this mission was to deliver and install the Solar Array Wings to the International Space Station (ISS), which would provide critical power to the station. The mission crew included astronauts Marc Garneau, Joseph J. A. E. Tanner, Carlos I. Noriega, and others. STS-97 lasted a total of 12 days, establishing key infrastructure for the ISS's future operations. This successful launch further demonstrated NASA's continuing commitment to space exploration and international collaboration in science.

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Politics & Government

Vicente Fox Quesada Becomes Mexico's President

December 1st, 2000 24 years ago

Vicente Fox Quesada was inaugurated as President of Mexico, symbolizing a significant shift in the country's political landscape. This moment marked the culmination of years of effort by the National Action Party (PAN) to challenge the hegemony of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The peaceful transfer of power followed a free and democratic election, showcasing the growing strength of democratic institutions in Mexico.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Decision in Bush v. Gore

December 12th, 2000 24 years ago

The Supreme Court ruled on the contentious Florida recount, determining George W. Bush as the victor of the 2000 presidential election. The decision effectively halted a manual recount of votes in Florida required by a previous state Supreme Court ruling. This pivotal case addressed issues of equal protection under the law in relation to handling ballots, concluding that varying standards in the recount process violated the Constitution. The verdict had significant implications for the electoral process in the United States.

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Science & Technology

Shutdown of Chernobyl's Third Reactor

December 15th, 2000 24 years ago

The third reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was officially shut down in December 2000, marking the end of nuclear operations at the facility. This decision was part of Ukraine's commitment to close down the reactors following the disastrous explosion in 1986, which had catastrophic consequences for the region. The shutdown was a significant step in the long process of decommissioning the site and mitigating the lingering effects of radioactive contamination on the environment and local communities. The formal closure was celebrated by both Ukrainian officials and the international community as a move towards safer energy practices.

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Politics & Government

Leninist Guerrilla Units Attack in Istanbul

December 19th, 2000 24 years ago

In a targeted assault, members of the Leninist Guerrilla Units wing of the Communist Labour Party of Turkey launched an attack on a Nationalist Movement Party office in Istanbul. During the attack, one person was killed and three others sustained injuries. This incident occurred amid a backdrop of rising tensions between far-left and far-right political groups in Turkey, illustrating the growing violence in Turkish politics at the time.

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Crime & Law

Rizal Day Bombings in Metro Manila

December 30th, 2000 24 years ago

A series of coordinated bombings occurred in Metro Manila, Philippines, killing 22 people and injuring approximately 100 others. The bombings took place in various locations, including shopping malls and bus stations, during the Rizal Day celebrations. Authorities reported that the attacks were timed to coincide with the national holiday, which commemorates the life of national hero José Rizal. Initial investigations suggested possible links to various militant groups, raising concerns about national security and public safety in the Philippines.

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