World Events · 2009
A Year of Change, Recovery, and Transition
In 2009, the world navigated the aftermath of the global financial crisis while witnessing historic political transitions and unexpected public health emergencies. From groundbreaking political inaugurations to tragic losses in pop culture, the year reshaped global politics, technology, and society.
- January 20, 2009 | Washington, D.C.
Inauguration of Barack Obama
Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation's highest office before an estimated two million onlookers.
- January 15, 2009 | New York, USA
Miracle on the Hudson
Captain Chesley Sullenberger safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the freezing Hudson River after bird strikes disabled both engines, saving all 155 people aboard.
- June 11, 2009 | Global
H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic
The World Health Organization declared the novel H1N1 influenza strain a global pandemic, prompting worldwide public health responses and mass vaccination campaigns.
- May 18, 2009 | Sri Lanka
End of the Sri Lankan Civil War
The Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers after the death of leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, bringing a bloody end to a 26-year ethnic conflict.
- June 2009 | Iran
Iran's Green Movement Protests
Millions of Iranians took to the streets to protest disputed presidential election results, sparking the civil uprising known as the Green Movement.
- June 25, 2009 | Los Angeles, USA
Death of Michael Jackson
Pop icon Michael Jackson passed away suddenly at age 50 from acute propofol intoxication, triggering an unprecedented global outpouring of grief and crashing major internet networks.
- April 6, 2009 | Italy
L'Aquila Earthquake
A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Abruzzo, Italy, leaving more than 300 people dead and devastating the historic medieval city center of L'Aquila.
- December 2009 | Denmark
Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP15)
World leaders met in Denmark for the UN Climate Change Conference, producing the Copenhagen Accord amidst intense debate over binding carbon emission targets.
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