What Happened in 2002 Major Events, Popular Culture, Prices

USA -- US Airways Bankruptcy

More Information for the US Airways Bankruptcy

The United States’ seventh largest airline, US Airways files for bankruptcy during August. While the airline had financial issues prior to the September 11th terror attacks, it had been disproportionately impacted as it had a large presence at the major airports in the Washington D.C. region. After declaring bankruptcy, a judge granted the corporation $75 million in emergency financing and $500 million in debtor financing. In 2004 , US Airways filed for bankruptcy again and it merged with America West in 2005 . In 2013 it merged with American Airlines and in 2015, American Airlines discontinued use of the US Airways brand name.

United States - XIX Winter Olympics

The XIX Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah during February. A total of 2,399 athletes from 77 different countries participated in 80 athletic events. Women’s bobsleigh was added as a new event and the skeleton event was re-introduced. It also marked the first time that a black athlete won a gold medal at the winter games with Vonetta Flowers (USA) in women’s bobsleigh and the first black male athlete won a winter gold with Jarome Iginla (Canada) in men’s ice hockey. Norway won the most gold medals and Germany, the United States, and Canada came in second, third and fourth.

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup for soccer was held between May 31 and June 30th. The massive sporting event was hosted by South Korea and Japan, making it the first World Cup to be held in more than one nation. It was also the first time the World Cup was held somewhere other than Europe or the Americas. The team from Brazil defeated Germany to win the final, becoming the first team to win five World Cups as well as being the only team to win all of their matches.

President George W. Bush "Axis of Evil" speech

More Information for President Bush's "Axis of Evil" speech.

In January of 2002, only a few months after the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush makes one of the most memorable State of the Union Addresses of any president. In his annual presidential speech he addressed the pressing problem of terrorism and the development of weapons used for mass destruction. During the speech he also describes "regimes that sponsor terror" as an Axis of Evil, in which he includes Iraq, Iran and North Korea. He outlined plans for combating terrorists such as Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban and urged for a greater focus on “Homeland Security.” This was his first public speech as President of the United States.

World -- Nobel Peace Prize

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October of 2002. Carter was given the prize for dedicating his life promoting peace and democracy, and working to advance human rights and social issues. Carter’s greatest achievement came in 1978 during his presidency when he brokered a peace deal between Egypt and Israel, but the majority of his work came after he left office. He was active in advocating for human rights and working as a mediator in international conflicts. He also established the Carter Center to fight against social and economic injustice and was heavily involved in the affordable home-building charity, Habitat for Humanity.

Switzerland and East Timor Join the UN

Switzerland and East Timor join the United Nations during September. Switzerland made steps towards becoming less politically isolated by holding a referendum in March with 54.6% voting in favor of joining. They became the 190th member of the United Nations. East Timor became the 191st member of the United Nations in September after changing its official name to Timor-Leste. Prior to its independence, the United Nations had been involved in transitional politics and peacekeeping in East Timor. The small island nation became the first new sovereign state to establish its independence during the 21st Century earlier that year in May.

The Euro

The Euro becomes the official currency of twelve of the European Union's Members

European Union

The European Union votes to add 10 new countries to the EU.

Kmart Corp

Kmart Corp becomes the largest retailer in American history to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Washington DC Snipers

Two Snipers in Washington DC area kill 10 people and injure 3 more spreading panic and fear

Queen Mother Dies

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother of the UK Dies

Department of Homeland Security

George Bush creates the Department of Homeland Security on June 7th to fight threats of terrorism

No Child Left Behind Act

The No Child Left Behind Act is passed and President George W. Bush signs into law

Basque terrorist organisation ETA

The Basque terrorist organisation ETA continues it's bombing campaign in support of its aim for self determination for the Basque country.

Terrorists Bombing Bali

Terrorists detonate massive bombs in two nightclubs in Kuta, Bali, killing 202 and injuring over 300.

Siskiyou National Forest wildfire

A wildfire destroys almost a half million acres in Oregon’s Siskiyou National Forest

Yasser Arafat

Yasser Arafat trapped in his Compound By Israeli Troops until his death in 2004

2002 World Cup

Brazil Wins 2002 World Cup in Korea Republic and Japan

Aids / HIV

Estimated 40 million people now infected with Aids / HIV virus worldwide.

Sabarmati Express Train

Mobs of Muslims Burn the Sabarmati Express Train Killing 57 Hindu Pilgrims

Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart is kidnapped from her family's Salt Lake City home ( Found Alive in 2003 )

Yucca Mountain, Nevada

The plan to create a single Nuclear Waste Dump in the United States at Yucca Mountain, Nevada to replace 130 separate dumps around the US is passed by the US Senate