Over the past 125 years, we have undergone profound transformations in the way we all do business. Just think about how your business and personal life has been forced to change based on outside events. If you were to come up with a list that wrote the history of not just America, but the entire world, what would make your list?
These stand out to me as those that deeply reshaped business, media, government, politics, and our role in the world. My list progresses through the events that impacted the world most, and is not in chronological order. You will find no judgment below. This is only meant to shine a light on what we have endured over the last century – and why we are all who we are.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2022)
This is the one we have all lived through. We all share the common experience as the pandemic led to over a million American deaths and upended every aspect of life. It exposed weaknesses in public health and social systems. Accelerated digital transformation and reshaped work, education, and political discourse and will likely continue for generations to come. We became more “vaccine” conscious and could almost identify politically by our thoughts on the COVID vaccine and masks.
The Technology and Internet Revolution (1990s–Present)
The rise of the internet, smartphones, and social media transformed how Americans live, work, and interact. It disrupted traditional industries, reshaped politics and journalism, and gave rise to a digital economy and culture. Changed the music industry forever and reshaped the way consumers listen to the radio. It brought on new forms of competition to our landscape with the advent of streaming services.
Women’s Rights Movement (1960s–present)
Feminist movements led by women like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem brought about major change to gender equality, reproductive rights, and discrimination, particularly in the workplace. We witnessed historic court decisions, including Roe v. Wade (1973) and Title IX (1972), as well as ongoing battles for equal pay and protection. We still have fewer women in media than men, but that is changing. Noticeably so in the sports broadcasting world. This slope became somewhat more slippery with the addition of the relatively recent issue of transgender men in women’s sports.
The 2008 Financial Crisis
This nightmare scenario was sparked by a housing market collapse and large banking failures, making this “Great Recession” the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. Millions lost jobs, savings and retirement accounts, and their homes. Government bailouts and stimulus packages helped repair the damage, but they also reshaped the perception of Wall Street and government regulation, adding to the perceived economic chasm between the wealthy and the poor. Advertising dollars spent took a serious hit as the crisis spread throughout the media world.
The 9/11 Attacks (2001)
That clear, sparkling Monday morning changed the face of America overnight, faster than any since Pearl Harbor in 1941. It was the first time America was attacked on its mainland. Those terrorist attacks in New York and Washington killed nearly 3,000 people and triggered the War on Terror. The USA invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, expanded domestic surveillance through the Patriot Act, and permanently changed national security priorities. We would never navigate airports and board airplanes the same way again. Media organizations would focus on the attacks for months and years to come.
The Vietnam War (1955–1975)
This was a long, controversial conflict that divided the nation and the first war where we saw daily pictures and film of frontline action on nationwide, network newscasts. While we only sent advisors at the beginning, we began full-scale involvement in 1965. This action eroded public trust in government, spurred widespread protest, and reshaped U.S. military and foreign policy thinking for decades. It was the fodder of organizations like “Students for a Democratic Society” and its offshoot, the “Weather Underground,” which took responsibility for at least 25 bombings at the US Capitol, the Pentagon, and the California Attorney General’s Office.
The Cold War (1947–1991)
This standoff with the Soviet Union defined American foreign and domestic policy, leading to many major conflicts like Korea and Vietnam, the arms race, and the space race. This forced nations to become more conscious of nuclear threats, and also was the catalyst for frightening conflicts like the October Missile Crisis in 1962. The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union, leaving the United States as the sole superpower of that time.
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)
Led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, the movement dismantled legal segregation. It resulted in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965). It redefined American ideals of freedom and justice.
World War II (1941–1945)
After entering the war in 1941, the U.S. became a global superpower. The war was fought on an eastern front throughout Europe and in the west with Japan. WWII ended the Great Depression, mobilized American industry, and led to the creation of global institutions like the United Nations and NATO. It also began a new era of American leadership on the world stage. The war ended with Germany’s surrender to Allied forces in May 1945. Followed by the Japanese surrender in September 1945, after the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Great Depression (1929–1939)
The worst economic collapse in U.S. history caused widespread unemployment and poverty for an entire decade. President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded federal intervention in the economy and created a lasting social safety net through programs like Social Security.
These events changed more than just policy or leadership. They shifted how Americans view our place in the world. The world of journalism changed greatly during these events and continues to evolve through the current events of today. In the end, regardless of your POV, these are the global events that shaped our values, core beliefs, and the way we view the entire world stage.
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Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
