Heather Whipps: History Repeats ... How 2008 Reflected the Past
For all the talk about change, everything old seemed oddly new again in 2008.
The events of this year, perhaps more than any other, had a way of dredging up historic memories, bad and good - from the ongoing, Depression-like economic scare to the Civil Rights struggles that led to Barack Obama's milestone election win.
Overall, 2008 was a year that made more sense if you had paid attention in history class. Here's how:
2008 was like the 1930s
With the economic plummet taking firm hold of the national consciousness in the latter half of the year, talk about the possibility of "another Depression" had journalists scrambling for their Cliff Notes on the original incarnation. The Great Depression was long, deep and devastating, and while it doesn't seem likely the latest downturn will be anywhere near as bad, lessons learned from the mistakes and successes of the 1930s should come in handy for today's politicians.
2008 was like the 1980s
The world descended upon China in August for the Summer Olympics, turning a spotlight on the country for better (friendly people, rich culture) or for worse (media restrictions, controversial gymnasts). It felt a bit like the 1980s, when the insular, 30-year-old republic first started to open its doors to the West, seeking economic progress and acceptance. What the world saw was a big, complex place filled with potential, but one also facing some serious growing pains in the form of student protests.
2008 was like the 1970s
Also in August, Russia rolled into neighboring nation and former Soviet republic Georgia in an invasion eerily reminiscent of the USSR's expansionary campaigns during the Cold War. Back then, the United States was committed to fighting the spread of Communism and backed the Soviets' opponents. Today, things are a bit more complicated, and there was brief but widespread alarm that the United States and its allies may be forced to pick up arms against Russia again. Georgia and Russia ultimately came to a peace agreement on their own, though observers worry it could be a sign of things to come....
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The events of this year, perhaps more than any other, had a way of dredging up historic memories, bad and good - from the ongoing, Depression-like economic scare to the Civil Rights struggles that led to Barack Obama's milestone election win.
Overall, 2008 was a year that made more sense if you had paid attention in history class. Here's how:
2008 was like the 1930s
With the economic plummet taking firm hold of the national consciousness in the latter half of the year, talk about the possibility of "another Depression" had journalists scrambling for their Cliff Notes on the original incarnation. The Great Depression was long, deep and devastating, and while it doesn't seem likely the latest downturn will be anywhere near as bad, lessons learned from the mistakes and successes of the 1930s should come in handy for today's politicians.
2008 was like the 1980s
The world descended upon China in August for the Summer Olympics, turning a spotlight on the country for better (friendly people, rich culture) or for worse (media restrictions, controversial gymnasts). It felt a bit like the 1980s, when the insular, 30-year-old republic first started to open its doors to the West, seeking economic progress and acceptance. What the world saw was a big, complex place filled with potential, but one also facing some serious growing pains in the form of student protests.
2008 was like the 1970s
Also in August, Russia rolled into neighboring nation and former Soviet republic Georgia in an invasion eerily reminiscent of the USSR's expansionary campaigns during the Cold War. Back then, the United States was committed to fighting the spread of Communism and backed the Soviets' opponents. Today, things are a bit more complicated, and there was brief but widespread alarm that the United States and its allies may be forced to pick up arms against Russia again. Georgia and Russia ultimately came to a peace agreement on their own, though observers worry it could be a sign of things to come....