What Happened This Year 2001

Historical Events from This Year 2001

Economics & Industry

Greece Joins Eurozone as 12th Member

January 1st, 2001 24 years ago

Greece officially adopted the Euro as its currency, becoming the 12th country in the Eurozone. This transition marked a significant milestone in Greece's economic integration with Europe. The changeover was aimed at strengthening economic stability and enhancing trade within the Eurozone. The Euro was introduced on January 1, 2001, and Greece began circulating Euro banknotes and coins in January 2002.

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Entertainment

Downtown Disney Opens at Disneyland Resort

January 12th, 2001 24 years ago

Downtown Disney opened as a vibrant urban center at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, providing guests with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The area was designed to enhance the guest experience at the resort, bridging the gap between Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure. This dynamic outdoor space was celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere and thematically immersive environments, drawing both tourists and locals to enjoy its attractions.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Earthquake Strikes El Salvador

January 13th, 2001 24 years ago

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck El Salvador, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake occurred during the early morning hours, resulting in more than 800 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in the city of San Vicente. Thousands of homes were rendered uninhabitable, leading to a humanitarian crisis as survivors sought shelter and aid in the aftermath. Rescue and recovery operations were launched quickly, with local and international organizations engaging in relief efforts.

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Science & Technology

Launch of the Wikipedia Encyclopedia

January 15th, 2001 24 years ago

Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia, was launched in January 2001. It offered a platform for collaborative editing and crowd-sourced knowledge, allowing anyone with internet access to contribute and edit content. This innovative approach revolutionized how information was shared and accessed worldwide, fundamentally changing the landscape of the internet and online knowledge bases.

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Military & Warfare

Clinton Awards Roosevelt Posthumous Medal of Honor

January 16th, 2001 24 years ago

In a historic ceremony at the White House, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to former President Theodore Roosevelt for his courageous service during the Spanish–American War. This recognition was particularly significant as it honored Roosevelt's leadership of the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment. The medal was awarded posthumously and attended by Roosevelt's family, symbolizing a long-overdue acknowledgment of his military contributions.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of President Laurent-Désiré Kabila

January 16th, 2001 24 years ago

Congolese President Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards in Kinshasa. Kabila had been a pivotal figure in the Second Congo War, which saw various factions and foreign powers battling for control. His rise to power was marked by the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997, leading to attempts to stabilize a war-torn nation. The assassination reflected ongoing tensions and instability within the Congolese government and military structure.

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Politics & Government

Joseph Estrada Ousted by Nonviolent Revolution

January 20th, 2001 24 years ago

Joseph Estrada, the President of the Philippines, was ousted in a peaceful four-day revolution known as EDSA II, which took place from January 16 to 20, 2001. The revolution was a response to allegations of corruption against Estrada and was marked by massive protests in Metro Manila. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then the Vice President, became his successor after Estrada was forced to resign amid public pressure and military withdrawal of support. This significant political shift highlighted the role of civil society in pushing for accountability in government.

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Politics & Government

Self-immolation Incident at Tiananmen Square

January 23rd, 2001 24 years ago

Five individuals set themselves on fire in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, leading to widespread speculation that the act was orchestrated by the government to implicate the Falun Gong spiritual movement. This incident occurred amidst a growing campaign against the group, which had been facing severe repression since 1999. The self-immolation was televised, shocking the nation and drawing global attention to both the incident and the Chinese government's actions against Falun Gong practitioners.

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Crime & Law

Diane Whipple Killed in Dog Attack in San Francisco

January 26th, 2001 24 years ago

Diane Whipple, a lacrosse coach, was fatally attacked by two dogs owned by her neighbors, Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel, in San Francisco. The incident occurred as Whipple was returning home. The attack drew significant media attention and raised questions about dog ownership laws. Following Whipple's death, a high-profile court case ensued, which ultimately clarified the legal standards regarding implied malice murder in the context of pet ownership.

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