Century

21st Century

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Events

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2015

Civil Rights 21st Century Europe

Ireland Approves Same-Sex Marriage by Popular Referendum

Ireland had undergone significant social liberalization in the decades leading to 2015, with growing public support for LGBTQ+ rights following earlier reforms like the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1993. A constitutional convention recommended allowing same-sex marriage, prompting the government to hold a referendum on amending the constitution. On May 22, 2015, voters approved the Thirty-fourth Amendment by 62% to 38% on a 61% turnout, making Ireland the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote. The result reflected broad cross-party and grassroots campaigning by groups like Yes Equality. The amendment took effect later that year, enabling the first same-sex marriages in November.

Event Detail

2015

Civil Rights 21st Century North America

Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide

By 2015, same-sex marriage was already legal in many U.S. states following years of state-level litigation and shifting public opinion. Cases from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee reached the Supreme Court after conflicting lower court rulings on marriage equality. On June 26, 2015, the Court issued its 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages. Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion framed marriage as a fundamental right tied to liberty and equality. The ruling immediately extended marriage rights to all 50 states and territories.

Event Detail America 250 Atlas

2015

Other 21st Century Europe

Coordinated ISIS Attacks Strike Paris, Killing 130

In the wake of earlier ISIS activities in Europe and the Middle East, a cell of operatives planned simultaneous strikes in the French capital. On the evening of November 13, 2015, suicide bombings occurred near the Stade de France during a soccer match attended by President François Hollande. Gunmen then attacked cafes, restaurants, and the Bataclan concert hall, taking hostages in a prolonged siege. French security forces responded with raids that ended the Bataclan standoff. The attacks killed 130 people and wounded hundreds more, marking the deadliest terrorist incident in France since World War II.

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2018

Politics 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma Resigns

Post-apartheid South Africa faced persistent challenges with corruption, inequality, and governance under the African National Congress. Jacob Zuma, president since 2009, had been embroiled in scandals including allegations of state capture by private interests and personal corruption charges. On February 14, 2018, amid mounting pressure from his own party and public protests, Zuma resigned after a late-night meeting with ANC leaders. He was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa, who had defeated Zuma's preferred candidate in party elections. The resignation followed a no-confidence motion threat and highlighted internal ANC fractures over accountability.

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2019

Disaster 21st Century Europe

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral Severely Damaged by Fire

During ongoing restoration work on the iconic 12th-century Gothic cathedral in central Paris, a fire broke out in the attic on the evening of April 15. The blaze rapidly spread through the wooden roof structure, causing the 19th-century spire designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc to collapse and destroying most of the lead-covered roof. Firefighters battled the flames for hours, preventing total destruction of the stone vaulting and the two main towers while rescuing precious artifacts including the Crown of Thorns. The cause was later attributed to an electrical short circuit or construction accident. French President Emmanuel Macron immediately pledged a major rebuilding effort, drawing worldwide donations and support.

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