What Happened The Year You Were Born

What happened the year you were born

Cindy Pierre

Institutional Affiliation(s)

Author Note

What happened the year you were born

It is estimated that around 3,979,000 infants were born in the year 1994, which is my birth year as well. Though this year remains similar in importance for each individual born in that year, but in no way, these infants were able to shape the course of world history. If viewed in an unbiased manner, my birth or anyone else birth left no significant impression on the course of events taking place that year. However, I believe that some of the events described below had a lasting impact on the history of the world, which I believe is yet to be decided. The course these historical events took is linked to previous incidents and by no way, they get affected by anyone’s birth or death.

One of the very unfortunate incidents of the year 1994, was the Rwanda massacre. The political reasons behind these killings are unclear, but around one million Rwandans were killed. These incidents took place between April and July, and apart from Rwanda rebel forces, there were some external forces involved in this massacre. The world community paid little attention to how these incidents manipulated inside Rwanda and resulted in the death of such a large population. A thorough analysis of this event suggests that the causes were linked to political violations and arms buildup by the rebel forces and the Rwandan government.

Different from the Rwanda incidents, a very pleasant change took place in South Africa, during this same year. The people of South Africa were able to elect Nelson Mandela as their President after the country held its first interracial elections. These elections changed the course of history for the people in South Africa and therefore, many believe that from thereon South Africa experienced a time of uninterrupted democracy and progress. This change of government took place in 1994 and left a good impact on the history of South Africa. Again this change of regime was linked to several years’ struggles of Nelson Mandela.

Some other major and positive developments of 1994 were the signings of peace accords between the Palestinian republic, Israeli state and Jordan. These peace accords ended several years of mistrust between the governments of Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Republic. After the signing of this treaty, some years of peace lasted between these countries. Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres of Israel were nominated for the Nobel Peace Awards. This Nobel peace prize and signing of the agreements show how this year was a productive year for many people on the Earth.

The Irish Republican Army which was fighting against the regime and Army of Northern Ireland ended a long fight that previously had taken the lives of many Irish people. These rebel groups were involved in a serious fight against the people of Northern Ireland and its regime. Finally, in the year 1994, after a series of serious negotiations, these rebel groups left the path of the intense fight against the Irish government and its people. Once this guerilla war ended, the people of Northern Ireland were able to enjoy the years of lasting peace and prosperity.

These incidents from the year 1994 reflect a major mix of events that changed the course of history. Though some relate to how the world we see today, and some of them depict the short impact of the events. These events are linked to anyone’s birth, neither in a direct manner nor in an indirect manner, but those born in this year are enjoying the effects of peace, whose roots were laid in this year.