25 Major Historical Events That Happened in 2008

25 Major Historical Events That Happened in 2008

*Originally published by Pamela in March 2023 and Updated by Felix in March 2024

2008 was a significant year, with significant occasions happening all over the planet. From the financial crisis to the ascent of virtual entertainment, the year was loaded with moments that would shape the world for quite a long time into the future.

From the appointment of Barack Obama as the first African-American Leader of the United States to the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China, 2008 was a time of progress and development. This article will feature 25 major historical events that happened in 2008.

1. Barack Obama is chosen as the principal African-American President of the U.S

Barack Obama was chosen as the 44th Leader of the US in 2008, impacting the world forever as the primary African-American Leader of the US. His election was a strong second for America and for the world. Obama’s election represented the headway that had been made throughout the long term regarding social liberties and racial correspondence. During his two terms in office, Obama left a mark on the world with his dynamic strategies and his assurance to unite the country.

2. The Enormous Hadron Collider is enacted

The Enormous Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s most remarkable atom smasher. The LHC is a 27-kilometer-long round barrow situated at the European Association for Atomic Exploration in Geneva, Switzerland. The LHC has been utilized to investigate the essential idea of the issue, as well as to find new particles and respond to the absolute most testing inquiries in physical science.

3. The Summer Olympics are held in Beijing

Image: Inside the Beijing National Stadium during the 2008 Summer Olympics. By Tom Nguyen. Wikimedia Commons

Beijing, China, facilitated the 29th Summer Olympic Games in 2008. This was whenever an East Asian city first decided to have the Olympics, and the city took incredible measures to make the occasion a triumph. Arrangements started in 2001, with the development of another Public Arena and other framework projects pointed toward making the city more affable to guests. The initial service was a staggering demonstration of lights and firecrackers, and the actual games were a triumph with a record number of partaking nations and competitors.

4. The European Association takes on the Lisbon Settlement

The Lisbon Agreement was a significant achievement during the time spent making a bound together European Association. The settlement was the zenith of a very long-term work to bring the different nations of Europe closer together and lay out a bound-together regulative and chief body to manage the locale. The deal frames the expectations of individual part states and lays out the structure for a typical unfamiliar and security strategy, as well concerning the production of a solitary market, among different measures. Furthermore, it makes the job of a European President and High Delegate for International concerns and Security Strategy.

5. The Republic of Kosovo proclaims freedom

In 2008, the Republic of Kosovo proclaimed freedom from Serbia, turning into the world’s most current country. This notable occasion was the perfection of a long battle for statehood, as most of Kosovo’s populace is ethnically Albanian. Following the announcement, Kosovo was immediately perceived by the greater part of the world’s nations, including the US and most of the European Association. However Serbia wouldn’t perceive the freedom of Kosovo, the Unified Countries supported the statement and assisted with laying out an administration.

6. Typhoon Nargis hits Myanmar

In 2008, Tornado Nargis hit Myanmar, resulting in an overwhelming wake of obliteration in its way. With ends up to 120 mph, Nargis made broad harm to the nation, bringing about more than 140,000 passings and leaving a huge number of individuals destitute. This was the most obviously awful catastrophic event in the nation’s set of experiences, and the harm was broad to such an extent that it required a long time for the country to recuperate completely.

7. The Apple Application Store is launched

The year 2008 was a paramount one for Apple fans, as it denoted the send-off of the Apple Application Store. The Application Store gave a stage to engineers to convey their applications to clients on the iPhone, iPod Contact, and iPad. This send-off reformed the versatile business and impacted how individuals utilized their gadgets. With the send-off of the Application Store, clients had the option to browse an assortment of applications, going from games to efficiency devices. It was whenever that clients first could get to an extensive variety of applications on their gadgets with only a couple of taps.

8. The huge “Sichuan seismic tremor” hits China

The year 2008 was set apart by misfortune when the monstrous Sichuan quake hit China. The greatness 8.0 quake happened in the Sichuan Territory of China on May 12, 2008. It caused wrecking obliteration, with an expected loss of life of around 70,000 individuals. The seismic tremor additionally made broad harm to foundations, including homes, schools, and organizations. The Chinese government answered rapidly to the calamity, giving monstrous measures of help and assets to help casualties.

9. SpaceX dispatches the initial secretly formed space apparatus into space

Image: Liftoff of Falcon 1 Flight 4 on September 29, 2008. By SpaceX. Wikimedia Commons

SpaceX sent off its most memorable secretly evolved shuttle, the falcon 1, into space. This was a significant achievement for the organization and denoted whenever a secretly supported rocket first had at any point been effectively sent off into space. The Falcon 1 was a two-stage, fluid-powered rocket and was fit for conveying a payload of as much as 400 pounds into a low Earth circle. This send-off was a significant accomplishment for SpaceX.

10. The Unified Countries General Gathering embraces a goal requiring a prompt truce in the Darfur district of Sudan

The Darfur locale of Sudan saw a quick truce in the continuous nationwide conflict that had been seething for quite a long time. The truce was set up by the Unified Countries and African Association and was generally viewed as a significant step in the right direction in the harmony cycle. The truce was expected to assist with giving an open door to a political answer for the longstanding clash and to lessen the viciousness that had been raising in Darfur. With the truce set up, a huge number of exiles had the option to get back to their homes, while new harmony talks and exchanges started to occur between the clashing gatherings.

11. The Northwest Passage turns out to be fairly traversable

The Northwest passage became traversable without precedent for written history because of an unnatural weather change. This notable occasion denotes a huge achievement throughout the entire existence of a human investigation, as the Northwest Entry is a long-looked-for course interfacing the Atlantic and Pacific seas. This course has been pursued for a long time by pioneers and brokers the same, as it would give a more limited course to the Orient, saving them time and assets. The softening of the polar ice cap has permitted boats to go through the entry, but with intense mindfulness.

12. The Worldwide Monetary Emergency starts

The Worldwide Monetary Emergency was the most extreme monetary emergency since the Economic crisis of the early 20s of the 1930s. It started with a real estate market slump in the US yet immediately spread to the remainder of the world. Banks and other monetary organizations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia had to record billions of dollars in resources, prompting monstrous misfortunes and the disappointment of a few enormous banks. The emergency gigantically affected the worldwide economy and was a significant contributing element to the Incomparable Downturn that started in late 2008.

13. The Czech Republic assumes control over the Administration of the Board of the European Association

The Czech Republic assumed control over the Administration of the Board of the European Association. This occasion denoted a significant improvement in the Czech Republic since joining the EU in 2004. During their administration, the Czech Republic worked tirelessly to advance straightforwardness and work towards a more brought-together Europe. They additionally attempted to work on the EU’s intensity by pushing for expanded public-private associations and propelling EU administrative change. Moreover, the Czech Republic attempted to grow the EU’s job in the worldwide economy by fortifying its binds with different nations. The Czech Republic’s administration likewise remembered a concentration on energy security, ecological manageability, and tending to the developing worldwide monetary emergency.

14. India dispatches its previously automated lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1

Image: Chandrayaan-1 Lifting off from Second Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre. By Indian Space Research Organisation. Wikimedia Commons

India impacted the world forever by sending off its previously automated lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1. This mission was the first of its sort in Quite a while and set India up for life as a future innovator in space investigation. The mission was a colossal achievement, accomplishing various firsts in space investigation including the disclosure of water particles for the moon’s surface, a significant forward leap for the space business. The mission likewise took north of 1,000 pictures of the moon and conveyed two orbiters around the moon to concentrate on its geography. Also, Chandrayaan-1 denoted whenever an Indian rocket first left the World’s circle and branched out into profound space.

15. The US endorses the bailout of the US car industry

The US endorsed a bailout bundle for the car business during the profundities of the Incomparable Downturn. This bailout remembered $17.4 billion for advances for General Engines and Chrysler, with an extra $6 billion put away for the providers of the two organizations. The public authority contended that this bailout was essential to forestall a breakdown of the whole car industry, which would make crushing financial impacts.

Taking everything into account, these 15 significant verifiable occasions, going from the worldwide to the nearby, have had enduring results that are as yet clear today. From the economy to legislative issues and civil rights, 2008 was a time of enormous advancement and misfortune that has formed our reality in manners that resound today.

For additional amazing verifiable realities and occasions, see the discover walks blog.

16. The Conflict between Russia and Georgia erupt over South Ossetia

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Jim Hoeft, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The world witnessed tensions between Russia and Georgia escalate into an armed conflict over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Russian troops poured into the region, clashing with Georgian forces and raising fears of a wider war. The conflict highlighted Russia’s willingness to project power in its backyard and defends pro-Russian movements. It also strained Russia’s relations with the West, which criticized Moscow’s military intervention. The brief but intense fighting left hundreds dead and displaced thousands, underscoring the complex ethnic and geopolitical dynamics in the Caucasus region.

17. Global Food Shortages spark Unrest and Humanitarian Concerns

A rise in global food prices sparked widespread unrest and humanitarian concerns in 2008. Droughts, high oil prices, and rising demand, severely strained food supplies worldwide. Riots erupted in dozens of nations as basic food staples became unaffordable for millions. The crisis highlighted vulnerabilities in the global food system and its inability to cope with shocks. Food shortages threatened to reverse decades of progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition, especially in the developing world. The food crisis underscored the need for more sustainable agricultural policies and greater investment to boost productivity and affordability.

18. The Discussion around Torture and its Extend

Shane T. McCoy, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The use of harsh interrogation techniques by U.S. forces in the wake of 9/11 remained a controversial and hotly debated topic in 2008. Leaked memos from the Bush administration revealed approval of tactics like waterboarding, sparking worldwide condemnation as well as legal and ethical scrutiny over whether such methods constituted torture. As the U.S. campaigned against torture globally, revelations about practices at CIA black sites and Guantanamo Bay raised charges of hypocrisy. The incoming Obama administration pledged to ban legally controversial interrogation tactics.

19.  A New Tribe is Discovered in the Amazon

User:Shao, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a rare encounter, researchers in the remote Amazonian rainforests of western Brazil made contact with an indigenous tribe thought to have lived in complete isolation from the outside world. Incredible aerial footage captured images of the tribe’s thatched huts and gardens, as well as members brandishing bows and arrows. Experts believe the group was likely uncontacted and may have fled deeper into the forest to avoid encroaching deforestation and development over decades. The discovery highlighted the rich diversity of indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation in the Amazon and the urgent need to protect their land and way of life from external threats. Avoiding further contact to prevent the spreading of disease remained a top priority.

20. Terrorists Attack in Mumbai targeting major Landmarks

In November 2008, ten Pakistani militants carried out a series of coordinated attacks across Mumbai, India’s financial capital. They struck multiple landmarks and locations, including luxury hotels, a Jewish center, a café, and a railway station. The bloody sieges and hostage situations lasted nearly sixty hours, leaving almost two hundred civilians and security personnel dead. The brazen assaults by the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group exposed gaps in Mumbai’s emergency response and highlighted the persistent threat of extremism in the region. The attacks further strained tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. The unprecedented violence on Indian soil sparked increased security measures nationwide and a renewed focus on counter-terrorism cooperation.

21. The Category 4 Storm, Hurricane Ike devastates the Caribbean and Gulf Regions

NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Unforgettable Hurricane Ike, a powerful Category 4 storm, tore a destructive path through the Caribbean islands and the Gulf Coast regions of the United States. The massive hurricane caused catastrophic damage in Cuba before slamming into Texas and Louisiana. Storm surges flooded entire towns, winds over a hundred mph uprooted trees and power lines, and tornadoes spawned by Ike added to the devastation. Ike ranks among the costliest hurricanes, with an estimated thirty billion dollars in damage. The storm highlighted vulnerabilities in coastal defenses and emergency preparedness, prompting a renewed focus on resiliency and recovery efforts in hurricane-prone regions.

22. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin is introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto

Elekes Andor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the hottest topics was the revolution in digital currency, which was quietly in motion with the release of a white paper by the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin was the world’s first Cryptocurrency operating on a decentralized block chain network without any third-party intermediary. Nakamoto’s pioneering work solved the “double-spending” problem that had plagued previous digital cash efforts. The launch of the open-source Bitcoin software kicked off an era of innovation as people mined and exchanged the novel virtual currency. Bitcoin’s underlying block chain technology captured imaginations and fueled aspirations of upending legacy financial systems and traditional payment models in the years ahead.

23. Long-term Cuban leader Fidel Castro steps down due to Health issues

Fidel_Castro_-_MATS_Terminal_Washington_1959.png: Warren K. Lefflerderivative work: Damiens.rf, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

After nearly fifty years of iron-fisted rule, the ailing Fidel Castro officially resigned as president of Cuba in February 2008 for health reasons. His departure marked the end of an era for the communist island nation he had controlled since seizing power in the 1959 revolution. Castro had provisionally ceded power to his younger brother Raul in 2006 after undergoing intestinal surgery. The transition formalized Raul’s role and sparked speculation about potential reforms, though the regime insisted its socialist policies would remain intact. For many Cubans and exiles, Castro’s exit stoked hopes for democratic change.

24. The Kenyan Post Election Violence after a disputed Presidential Election

Weeks of ethnic bloodshed followed Kenya’s deeply flawed 2007 presidential election, leaving over a thousand dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. Incumbent Mwai Kibaki’s re-election amid widespread allegations of rigging sparked protests by supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga. The post-election crisis laid bare Kenya’s deep ethnic divisions and underscored the fragility of its democracy. International mediation and a power-sharing deal eventually quelled the unrest, but the trauma highlighted the need for comprehensive electoral reforms. The violence tarnished Kenya’s reputation and slowed economic progress.

25. The Conflict between Gaza and Israel intensifies causing Civilian Deaths

collection by Nick.mon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tensions between Gaza and Israel erupted into violence in 2008, with civilian casualties on both sides. After a six-month ceasefire broke down, Israeli forces launched airstrikes and a ground offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza, aiming to stop rocket attacks into southern Israel. The twenty-two-day conflict devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving approximately two thousand Palestinians dead, including many civilians. In Israel, Palestinian rocket fire killed several civilians while keeping populations under constant threat. The high toll sparked an international outcry over the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated Gaza Strip. Though temporarily halting hostilities, the intense fighting underscored the lack of progress toward a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In 2008, the world witnessed several pivotal events that shaped our collective history. The global financial crisis shook economies worldwide, while Barack Obama’s historic election as the first African American US President symbolized hope and change. The war in Iraq raged on, and the Beijing Olympics showcased China’s rising power on the global stage.