What Happened in 2007?
2007 was a year for big political changes, enormous technological movements, and, regrettably, terrorism and war. However, there was plenty of good that came out of this 12 months – and whether or not you were around to see it all unfold, we’re here to fill you in on the most interesting bits.
Below, we take you through the biggest events of 2007, celebrate some birthdays, and look back at a few famous people we lost.
In this year
January
Nancy Pelosi officially became the first-ever female Speaker of the US House of Representatives. She would remain a force to be reckoned with until the early 2020s, regularly opposing the controversial Presidency of Donald Trump between 2016 and 2020.
February
Following on from a year of tension, North Korea preliminarily agreed to close down its Yongbyon nuclear facilities by a deadline of April 14th, 2007. It was a move reportedly spurred on by promises of energy aid, and came on the back of the state testing nuclear weapons in 2006.
March
On March 23rd, the Iranian Navy captured 15 British Royal Navy personnel in disputed waters. The event led to an international diplomatic crisis. Thankfully, the personnel would eventually be freed – but not until April 4th.
April
Researchers discovered a planet that could potentially harbor life on April 24th, 2007. The exciting discovery surrounded Gliese 581c, which is known as an extrasolar body. It was assumed the planet could be fit to sustain life much like we know it on Earth!
May
Madeleine McCann, a British toddler, disappeared from a Portuguese hotel on May 3rd, 2007. The case remains unsolved to this day, with her case being one of the most publicized and followed in recent history. The case led to a number of policing failures and even suspicion falling upon Madeleine’s parents at one stage.
June
Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip. This event took place following days of violent clashes with the Fatah forces. To this day, Hamas continues to wage conflict in Gaza.
July
Live Earth, a series of concerts put together as a semi-sequel to Live Aid, took place across the globe in an attempt to kickstart a movement to help solve Earth’s environmental issues. Co-founded by Kevin Wall and ex-US Vice President Al Gore, the event started on July 7th, and featured performers as diverse as Kelly Clarkson, Genesis, Foo Fighters, John Mayer, Fall Out Boy, Metallica, Duran Duran, and even Spinal Tap!
August
The I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed. The bridge collapsed during the rush hour one evening, tragically leading to the deaths of 13 people.
September
The Phoenix spacecraft successfully landed on Mars to search for signs of water and potential life. The spacecraft reportedly sent back over 25,000 pictures to NASA. And, in 2008, it was reported that the Phoenix found potential traces of water on the planet.
October
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto finally returned to Pakistan having spent years in exile. However, her time back home would not be for long as she was assassinated on the morning of December 27th, 2007. 22 others died in the assassination. She was killed by a man who shot in her direction multiple times before detonating a suicide vest.
November
The US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in response to concerns about the economy. Of course, less than a year later the economy would crumble, launching the planet into an economic crisis. Smooth move, everybody!
December
Following the shocking assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, riots and protests erupted all over the nation. Riots broke out severely in the Sindh Province, Bhutto's former home. Trains, other vehicles, and banks were destroyed as protesters took over the streets. At least 47 people died during the riots.
2007 was the year of the…
…pig!
According to the Chinese Zodiac, anyone born in 2007, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2019 are pigs – but don’t take that as an insult! Pig people are some of the most considerate and caring people you’ll come across. However, they can also be somewhat immature – they need good friends to support them. The next pig year is 2031.
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This page was last modified on January 15, 2024. Suggest an edit
Celebrity Births in 2007
River Russell Deary (Born June 9th, parents Keri Russell and Shane Deary)
Liam Aaron McDermott (Born March 13th, parents Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott)
Olive Cohen (Parents Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen)
Valentina Paloma Pinault (Born September 21st, parents Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault)
John Edward Thomas Moynahan (Born August 22nd, parents Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady)
Famous People We Lost in 2007
Anna Nicole Smith, American model, died aged 39
Kurt Vonnegut, American author, died aged 84
Chris Benoit, Canadian wrestler, died aged 83
Ingmar Bergman, Swedish film director, died aged 89
Luciano Pavarotti, Italian opera singer, died aged 71
