2021: A dramatic year in pictures
With the world still feeling the effects of the pandemic whilst trying to find some normal, it’s easy to forget the major events of 2021. Here we’re looking at the big events of the year in pictures.
America’s terrorist attack at the US Capitol
On January 6, 2021, a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C in an attempt to overturn the election result. Mr Trump became the first US president to be impeached twice. Five people died in the US Capitol attack including a Capitol building police officer.
Joe Biden becomes America’s 46th president
The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States took place on January 20, 2021, marking the start of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president.
The return of Bennifer
The 2000s power couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited on the red carpet. In September, JLo and Ben Affleck stepped out for the premiere of The Last Duel, holding hands, glowing, and enjoying a classic aesthetic as relevant now as it was in their early-aughts origins.
The proposed European Super League
The European Super League (ESL) was a proposed annual club football competition that was set to feature all six top English premier League clubs. However, backlash from the announcement saw ‘the big six’ announce their intention to withdraw.
Israel-Gaza violence: ceasefire after bloody 11 days
A ceasefire was agreed on 21 May between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. It came after 11 days of fighting, which left at least 255 people dead. Most of those killed were Palestinians in the territory of Gaza.
Israel and Hamas both claimed victory in the latest conflict.
Canada’s BC declares state of emergency as wildfires surge
In July British Columbia (BC) declared a state of emergency amid a surge in wildfires that forced hundreds of people from their homes and could worsen in the coming days.
Oprah with Meghan and Harry
In March, Oprah Winfrey spoke with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a wide-ranging interview. Meghan and Harry made many accusations during the Oprah interview – including racism towards baby Archie!
The Billionaire Space Race
2021 gave the world the Billionaire Space Race – a rivalry among billionaires in the private space industry. The “race” involves sending rockets to the ionosphere (mesosphere and thermosphere), orbital launch rockets, and suborbital tourist spaceflights.
The most notable billionaires involved include – Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Richard Branson.
The postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The 2020 Summer Olympics kicked off in July 2021 – a year after its original planned date due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The US topped the medal charts and China came in second. The Olympics was largely held behind closed doors with no public spectators permitted due to the ongoing Covid situation.
2021 Taliban offensive
The 2021 Taliban offensive was a military offensive by the Taliban insurgent group and other allied militants against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that led to the fall of the republic based in Kabul and marked the end of the nearly 20-year-old war in Afghanistan that had begun following the United States invasion of the country.
Euro 2020: England through to first final since 1966
England’s bid to end their 55-year wait for a major trophy ended in the familiar agony of defeat in a penalty shootout as Italy claimed the Euro 2020 crown at Wembley.
But Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions brought football home and united a nation with a summer of fun and hope. Here’s to the World Cup!
Prince Philip dies aged 99
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. He was the consort of the British monarch from Elizabeth’s accession on 6 February 1952 until his death in 2021, making him the longest-serving royal consort in history.
Historic Greece Wildfires
The 2021 Greece wildfires were multiple wildfires burning in Greece since early August 2021. Three died, at least 20 were injured and dozens of homes burned. The wildfires were a result of a historic heatwave – the country recorded its highest temperatures reaching 47.1C.
Barbados cuts ties with the Queen, becomes a Republic
Barbados has become a republic, replacing the British monarch as its head of state and severing its last remaining colonial bonds nearly 400 years after the first English ships arrived at the Caribbean island. Barbados will remain part of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries with roots in the British Empire.
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