Decades ProjectBy Michelle Burke

The Decade in Review

The Decade of Contradictions2000-2009 I named the first 10 years of the 21st Century the Decade of Contractions because this decade showed humanity at its best and its worst. Thedecade was one of consumption, and also starvation, unity and division, and tolerance andignorance. It is a decade so perplexing that we have yet to find a name to explain it.

Top 10 Events of the Decade of Contradictions

10Conflict in Darfur

Conflict in Darfur

What is the Conflict in Darfur?Civil WarActs of GenocideThousands Dead

Where is the Conflict in Darfur?Darfur located in western region of SudanSudan located in northeastern Africa

Conflict in Darfur: An In-Depth LookConflict begins in 2003Conflict between Black African Muslims and Black Arab Muslims Fighting for control of Darfur

Conflict in Darfur: An Impact on the FutureLarge potential that conflict will spread furtherImpact on American-Chinese relationsDemonstrates how the US will deal with acts of genocide in the future

9Debut of the Euro

Debut of the Euro2002-The official currency of the European UnionCurrency used in 16 of the 27 European Union countries2008-The Euro is valued higher than the American dollar

8Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane KatrinaAugust 29, 2005Category 5 Hurricane hits the Gulf Coast, specifically the Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana coastline, including New OrleansDeath toll-1,836

7Global Warming and Energy Crisis

Global Warming and Energy Crisis2000-presentEnergy Crisis causes gasoline prices to soar and impacts economyRising water levels threatens poles, and cities at sea levelThousands of animals habitat are threatened

6Rise of Social Networking

Rise of Social Networking2002-Debut of MySpace2004-Debut of Facebook2005-Debut of YouTubeSocial Networking becomes adominant communication resource

5Economic Crisis of 2008

Economic Crisis of 2008September 2008-presentHousing bubble bursts and thousands of homes are foreclosed Government bail out of major banks and investment agenciesStimulus Package created by Bush and Obama to aid failing institutions

4Election of 2000: Election of George W. Bush

2000 Election: Election of George W. BushElection takes place on November 7, 2000Al Gore is declared winner and then retractedDecember 29, 2000-Supreme Court declares George W. Bush winner of election

3Election of Barack Obama

Election of Barack ObamaElected November, 2008First African American elected into Presidential office

2Invasion of Iraq

Invasion of IraqMarch 19, 2003United States invades Iraq to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction4,000 American soldiers killedOver 100,000 Iraqis killed

1September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001September 11-al-Qeda hijack planes and attack the World Trade Center in NYC and the Pentagon building in Washington DC2,9995 Americans die

September 11, 2001

Top 10 Events of the Decade of Contradictions10. Conflict in Darfur9.Debut of the Euro8.Hurricane Katrina7.Global Warming and Energy Crisis6.Rise of Social Networking5.Economic Crisis of 20084.Election of 2000: Election of George W. Bush3.Election of Barack Obama2.Invasion of Iraq1.September 11, 2001

Darfur-eastern region of SudanCivil War- that has been taking place since 2003Thousands have been killed-murdered, starved to death, in warDarfur-western region, on Sahara desert, dry climate, difficult living conditionsSudan is located in northeastern Africa and shares a border Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Chad and Libya. Large potential for oil Conflict-begins in 2003Civil War: 1959-1989, and continued in Darfur RegionGovernment: Conflict ended in 2006, no acts of genocide-support JanjaweedBlack African Muslims in Darfur want independenceBlack Arab Muslims militia groups, known as Janjaweed committing acts of genocide Black African Muslims in Darfur 2 million displaced, 400,000 murdered or starve to death-many Black Muslims going into Chad; 80 children die a day of starvationDarfur Conflict-spilling into Chad; over 1 million Black African Muslims seek refuge in ChadChad attempting to keep outChina has sided with Sudanese government and denying acts of genocideUS siding with people of Darfur