The Government Shutdown: 1995 (09:17)

FREE PREVIEW

Partisan politics originates in the early 1990s. President Bill Clinton struggles with Congress and Newt Gingrich gives special order speeches. Republicans regain control of the House and budget talks fail; Monica Lewinski has access to Clinton.

Monika Lewinsky Scandal: 1998 (05:01)

Paula Jones accuses Clinton of sexual harassment and files a lawsuit. Linda Tripp tells Michael Isikoff, Jones' lawyers, and Ken Starr that Lewinski and Clinton are having an affair; the FBI institutes an undercover sting.

End of Traditional Media Dominance (05:05)

"Newsweek" debates running the story on Clinton and Lewinski. The "Drudge Report" changes political news coverage; it leaks news of the affair and the story goes viral. The House Judiciary Committee considers articles of impeachment.

Murder of Matthew Shepard: 1998 (10:10)

The internet allows people in the gay community to connect. Over 1,000 hate crimes are reported. Judy Shepard recalls her son coming out. The attack on Matthew makes national news; thousands attend candle light vigils.

Napster: 1999 (05:20)

Shawn Fanning wants to provide people with a way to share music. Joseph Menn describes Fanning's background. Fanning and Sean Parker go to Silicon Valley and meet Ali Aydar.

First Social Network (06:17)

Napster allows users free access to music. The software program clogs college computer networks. Experts discuss the music industry's response; Metallica arrives at Napster headquarters.

Copyright Infringement Lawsuit (07:30)

Napster is responsible for the world's largest transfer of intellectual property. In July 2000, Congress holds hearings and a judge orders Napster to cease and desist. Napster inspires entrepreneurs.

The 2000 Election: Divided Nation (07:51)

Al Gore and George W. Bush run for president; the media focuses on political polarization. Newscasters call states, sometimes prematurely. Elli Attie recalls election night.

Florida Recount: 2000 (09:29)

The 2000 presidential election results are too close to call. William Daley calls for a manual recount in major democratic counties, resulting in a media disaster. The U.S. Supreme Court reverses the Florida Supreme Court's recount order and Bush wins the presidency.

The Rise of Al Qaeda: 1990-2001 (10:43)

Terrorists bomb the World Trade Center in 1993. The CIA learns about Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. In 1998, Al-Qaeda attacks American embassies. Terrorists attack the U.S.S. Cole in 2000, but the Bush Administration does not see Al-Qaeda as the top national security threat.

September 11, 2001 (05:49)

Several people recall the attack on the World Trade Center and Flight 93; the terrorist attack brings Americans together. Experts reflect on challenges and progress. (Credits)