2001

Overview

The year 2001 was the first year of the 21st century and the third millennium of the Christian era.

Events

### International Year of Volunteering

The United Nations declared 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, recognizing the importance of volunteer work in promoting social development and community engagement.

### January

* **January 1**: The year began with the start of the 21st century and the third millennium. Moritz Leuenberger became the President of Switzerland.
* **January 2**: A power outage affected a significant portion of northern India, leaving many areas without electricity or communication services.
* **January 4**: An investigation was launched in Italy into the deaths of some soldiers, suspected to be caused by the use of depleted uranium weapons in the Balkans.
* **January 6**:
+ Pope John Paul II closed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and celebrated Mass for the end of the Jubilee Year in Vatican City.
+ The US Supreme Court ruled that George W. Bush was the winner of the 2000 presidential election, resolving a long-standing controversy.
* **January 9**: Italy's Minister of Health announced a measure to limit the freezing of new embryos for scientific use.

### Politics and World Affairs

* **January**:
+ The first World Social Forum of opponents of globalization took place in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
+ Greece acceded to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), introducing the euro as its official currency.
+ The Bundeswehr began basic training for women on firearms.

### September 11 Terrorist Attacks

The most significant event of 2001 was the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The attacks killed approximately 3,000 people and had a profound impact on global politics and international relations. They are often described as a historic turning point, leading to ongoing debates about domestic and foreign policy changes in both the US and Europe.

The attacks led to a new phase of the war in Afghanistan and served as a justification for the Iraq War, which began two years later. The event also increased tensions between the Muslim and Western worlds, with far-reaching consequences for global politics and international relations.