What Happened in 2014?
For many of us, 2014 was a pretty memorable year! From the beloved people we lost to the celebrity births we celebrated, it definitely was a year full of emotions. And, on a global scale, it was a time for change. Between tense meetings and severe decisions, to big sporting events that brought people together, 2014 was a year that will always mark the history books!
And, just in case you don’t quite remember everything that happened, here are some of the biggest events that took place during 2014.
In this year
January
The Elk River chemical spill occurred. Crude 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM) was released from a Freedom Industries facility into the Elk River, in Charleston, West Virginia. The spill affected the water supplies for thousands of residents in the area.
February
Ukraine experienced political unrest, leading to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych. He was removed on the grounds that he had not fulfilled his constitutional duties. Sadly, it wouldn’t be the end of Ukraine’s troubles, as the country would experience conflict into 2016, and Russia would formally invade in 2022. In fact, in March 2014, Russia would escalate matters further by annexing Crimea.
March
As of March 8th, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 would disappear while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. 239 people were onboard, and there was no reason to expect hijacking – the airplane disappeared across the Gulf of Thailand. Debris would be found in 2015, but even now, no one’s certain exactly what happened to the flight.
April
In April 2014, over 200 schoolgirls aged from 16 to 18 were kidnapped by Boko Haram, an Islamic terrorist group. They were taken from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria. The kidnapping rightfully caused international outrage.
May
India welcomed a new premier on May 26th – as Narendra Modi successfully became the latest Prime Minister, succeeding the outgoing Manmohan Singh.
June
The 2014 FIFA World Cup officially took place in Brazil. In the end, the German national football team defeated Argentina and took the Jules Remaine trophy home.
July
The Church of England made a pioneering decision on July 14th, 2014, with women allowed to become bishops for the very first time. The matter went to a vote, but a clear motion in favor was passed – a fantastic progressive moment for the church!
August
In US business, a major acquisition took place – as Burger King announced it would expand its fast food empire by purchasing Canadian donut retailer Tim Hortons, started by the ex-NHL star. The deal would cost the King around $11.4 billion!
September
Scotland held a definitive referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. However slight the vote was, the majority voted to remain in the United Kingdom. As of today, Scotland remains a part of the UK.
October
Joko Widodo was officially inaugurated as the President of Indonesia. He is the 7th, and to this day, the current president of Indonesia. He is a leading member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.
November
The One World Trade Center building, opening in New York City, was unveiled to the public as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at the time. Holding the same name as the original World Trade Center destroyed in the September 11th terrorist attacks, the building is around 546 meters, or 1,792 feet tall.
December
The Taliban decided to attack an army-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan. In doing so, they killed over 140 people. Tragically, most of the victims were children. In the years to follow, the Taliban would take hold of Afghanistan, extending their powers elsewhere.
2014 was the year of the…
…horse!
Like 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, and 2002, 2014 celebrated Horses everywhere, according to the Chinese Zodiac. People born in horse years are said to be very spirited, active, and energetic. They also tend to be pretty cheerful, passionate, and faithful. However, they can also be very impatient, and they do not like being tied down. The next horse year won't be until 2026 – plenty of time to gee up, then!
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This page was last modified on January 6, 2024. Suggest an edit
Celebrity Births in 2014
Bodhi Ransom Green (Born February 12th, parents Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green)
Future Zahir Wilburn (Born May 19th, parents Ciara and Future)
Royal Reign (Born June 9th, parent Lil' Kim)
Esmeralda Amada Gosling (Born September 12th, parents Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling)
Briar Rose Christensen (Born October 29th, parents Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen)
Famous People We Lost in 2014
Philip Seymour Hoffman, American actor, died aged 46
Robin Williams, American actor, died aged 63
Joan Rivers, American television host, died aged 81
Maya Angelou, American memoirist, died aged 86
Richard Attenborough, British director, died aged 90
