By: HISTORY.com Editors

The 1990s

Published: March 21, 2017Last Updated: February 02, 2026

The 1990s is often remembered as a decade of relative peace and prosperity: The Soviet Union fell, ending the decades-long Cold War, and the rise of the internet ushered in a radical new era of communication, business and entertainment.

The decade was not without violence and tragedy, including the Bosnian genocide, the Rodney King beating and subsequent L.A. Riots, and the bombing of the World Trade Center. The Columbine High School shooting marked a solemn chapter in gun violence, and the devastatingly deadly Oklahoma City bombing by a domestic terrorist followed lethal standoffs between federal agents and armed civilians at Ruby Ridge, Idaho and Waco, Texas.

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Citation Information

Article Title
The 1990s
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
February 06, 2026
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
February 02, 2026
Original Published Date
March 21, 2017

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