Read on for a recap of 2011 by Annie Hui '23!
It has been a decade since 2011, and a lot has changed. So, it’s about time to reminisce about the past we only have faint memories for. Here are some forgotten yet major news events from 2011.
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck below the North Pacific Ocean, east of the Tohoku region. The earthquake triggered a violent tsunami that sent walls of water washing over cities, swamping towns, and crippling infrastructure of Japan. It killed more than 15,000 people and displaced another 450,000. Concerns mounted over radiation leaks from two nuclear plant meltdowns near the epicenter. As of 2017, there were still 150,000 evacuees who lost their homes.
Death of Bin Laden
Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the devastating 9/11 attack, was killed during an intense gun battle with U.S. forces in Pakistan, ending a global manhunt. “The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat Al Queda,” announced former President Obama. For many, Bin Laden’s demise is a historic moment in the fight against terrorism, which came 10 years after terrorists hijacked four American passenger jets.
Steve Jobs resigns
Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple to be replaced by the elected CEO Tim Cook. In his letter, Jobs stated, “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.” The Apple co-founder was on medical leave for an undisclosed condition since January that year. He passed away six weeks later.
Though we often dwell on what we’ve lost, we still witness the most wholesome moments every now and then.
The Royal Wedding
Bells pealed, and crowds cheered. Prince William and Kate Middleton – now Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge – finally tied the knot on April 22, 2011. From the Alexander McQueen dress by Sarah Burton to the 1936 Cartier diamond tiara loaned by the Queen, Kate played her part to perfection. An estimated two billion people tuned in to watch the lavish ceremony broadcast around the clock. It was an occasion of traditional customs tweaked by modern developments.
Harry Potter ends
Harry Potter is entangled to a generation’s childhood, selling over 500 million copies worldwide. Its film series came to an end when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 premiered in movie theaters. The movie garnered great attention and added another $1.3 billion USD to the box office, which totaled at $7.7 billion USD.
The Rise of Adele
The first single of Adele’s studio album 21, “Rolling in the Deep,” topped charts soon after its release. Following her MTV Video Music Awards performance, “Someone Like You” became likewise popular. The album sold more than 12 million copies and the British singer received six Grammy nominations.
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