Between the year 1999 and 2009 the world was plagued by many events that put the world at an argent need for peace, unity, and reforms. This chapter will discuss how America was effected by many terrible events and a few positive events that happened within America and also foreign nations.

Fight for Same Sex- Marriage in California One of California’s largest gay rights groups, Equality California, fought for gay marriage rights in California. Gay Marriage advocates did what they could to give people support and encouragement to vote for gay marriage rights. ‘“We’re hoping the court rules the right way, but we’re not counting on it,” said Marc Solomon, Equality California’s newly hired director. “And we believe that 2010 is the right time to go back to the ballot”’ (Mckinley). The group also started a campaign and tried to influence people by noting that other states were doing it and it was time for California to get on board. Same sex marriage rights were a prominent topic all throughout the new millennium, and by states legalized same sex marriages. “Explaining The Gay Marriage Thing « Agree to Disagree.”

“After a rough first eight months in office, Bush was delivered a tragedy on a scale few Presidents have experience- The World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks” (George W. Bush; 43 rd President of the United States). On September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacked the nation. According to the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist attacks, the government under estimated the true treat of the terrorist, thus leading to the unexpected attack. “These were the main conclusions of a landmark report released July 22, 2004, by a federal commission that devoted nearly two years to studying all aspects of the terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people, damaged the U.S. economy, and led to major U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The commission recommended a revamping of the government's intelligence- gathering agencies and a broad series of programs to defeat terrorists and make the United States more secure against their attacks”( Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks). The Commission’s report had a huge affect because of the publicity it received and because of how quickly Congress jumped to adhere to the commission’s recommendations. After this terrible event, the nation did not lose hope. The nation almost immediately stated in the hard process of rebuilding physically, mentally and emotionally. President Bush increased security in airports, and schools started having security drills. After 9/11 there was a lot of national pride. People and organizations came together to help families who loss someone in the attacks. ( 9/11)

 "Explaining The Gay Marriage Thing « Agree to Disagree." Agree to Disagree. 26 Sep  “George W. Bush:43 rd President of the United States.” American History. ABC-CLIO,2009. Wed. 21 Sept  MLA Style "Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks." Historic Documents of Ed. CQ Press. Washington: CQ Press, Historic Documents Series Online Edition. Web. 26 Sept  " 9/11." Townhall.com::Blog. 26 Sep