Each year, certain historic events dominate the headlines and spark widespread discussion. Some stand out more than others, and when truly monumental moments take place, they often become destined for the pages of history books.
In 2024, a range of impactful events unfolded—many of which could find their place in future textbooks or even inspire entire books of their own. Which ones do you think will be written about in the near future?
1. The Ongoing War Between Russia And Ukraine
In August 2024, Ukraine launched its first direct offensive into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, marking a significant shift in the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The offensive drew continued support from Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, the UK, and Germany, with ongoing military and financial aid.
2. Palestine-Israel Conflict Intensifies
The Palestine-Israel conflict reached new heights after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel invaded Gaza later that month, escalating the conflict. By August 2024, over 40,000 deaths had been reported, with millions suffering from the resulting humanitarian crisis, including widespread violence, famine, and disease.
3. Supreme Court Rules on Presidential Immunity
In September 2024, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that former presidents are immune from prosecution for actions related to their official powers. The decision raised questions about the future of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Donald Trump’s alleged 2020 election interference.
4. Donald Trump’s Felony Conviction
On March 30, 2024, Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of a felony. He was found guilty of 34 charges involving falsified documents used to conceal payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
5. NASA Astronauts Stranded in Space
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams faced an extended stay aboard the International Space Station after their June 2024 mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner was delayed due to safety concerns. They are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 using a SpaceX craft, extending their mission to eight months.
6. Joe Biden Withdraws from Re-Election
On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, citing health concerns and doubts about his ability to win re-election following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
7. Assass!nation Attempts on Donald Trump
Donald Trump survived two assass!nation attempts in 2024. In July, Matthew Crooks fired a shot that grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Pennsylvania, killing a bystander before Crooks was shot by authorities. In September, Ryan Routh was charged with attempting to assass!nate Trump near a golf course.
8. Kamala Harris Makes History
After Joe Biden withdrew from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee. She made history as the first Black woman and first South Asian woman to lead a major party’s ticket, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz chosen as her running mate.
9. Record-Breaking Summer Heat Linked to Climate Change
Summer 2024 was the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging three degrees above the 20th-century norm. The United States experienced extreme heat, droughts, and storms, intensifying climate change concerns.
10. Sweden Joins NATO
On March 7, 2024, Sweden became NATO’s 32nd member, despite initial resistance from Turkey and Hungary, marking a significant expansion of the alliance.