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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Pictures of 2005

Spanish Translation

First came a monstrous series of waves. Next was an intense cycle of swirling, churning hurricanes. After that, a massive earthquake shook up South Asia. Years from now, people may recall 2005 as the year that Mother Nature chose to show us who's boss. However, the year will also be remembered for the generous spirit that inspired millions of people to reach out to those harmed in natural disasters. There were also milestones in democracy, such as Iraq's elections, Saddam Hussein's trial and Lebanon's protests against Syria. Triumphs in sports and science reminded us that humans are capable of greatness. Here are some moments from 2005 that made big news. Will they also make history?

JANUARY
A massive tsunami hit South Asia near the end of 2004. As 2005 began, people all over the world gave billions of dollars to help the devastated survivors.

Citizens of Iraq voted in the first free elections in 50 years. More than 60% of eligible Iraqis voted.

FEBRUARY
Talk about super! At the Academy Awards, The Incredibles won for Best Animated Feature Film and for sound editing.

After Lebanon's former prime minister Rafiq Hariri was assassinated, tens of thousands gathered in Martyrs' Square, in Beirut. The protesters blamed Syria.

MARCH
Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo and nonstop around the world.

Baseball stars Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Curt Schilling and others testified to Congress about illegal steroid drug use.

APRIL
In a secret vote, 115 cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church chose a new pope. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany became Pope Benedict XVI. Pope John Paul II had died on April 2.

MAY
The sixth film in the Star Wars series, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, opened May 19. The effects-filled film made $308 million in U.S. theaters alone.

JUNE
Five rare cheetah cubs met the public for the first time at the National Zoo, in Washington, D.C.

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons in four of seven games to become the National Basketball Association champs. This was the team's third title since 1999.

JULY
A terrorist attack shook London, England. People were going to work when bombs on a bus and in the subway exploded.

Lance Armstrong biked into the record books with his seventh Tour de France victory. No one had won that many times. He is now retired.

AUGUST
It was a difficult step toward Middle East peace. Some 9,000 Israelis left their homes in Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians have long fought over the land.

Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast. In New Orleans, Louisiana, floodwaters swallowed city streets. Desperate survivors scrambled to find safer ground.

SEPTEMBER
John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the U.S. Supreme Court's 17th Chief Justice. He was chosen for the top job after William H. Rehnquist died.

OCTOBER
A killer earthquake rocked Pakistan and neighboring nations, leaving 90,000 dead and millions homeless. Rescuers struggled to reach survivors.

African-American civil rights hero Rosa Parks died. In 1955, Parks challenged Alabama's segregation laws. She refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.

NOVEMBER
It's definitely the next big thing. The eagerly awaited Xbox 360 console went on sale. Tons of gamers lined up to buy the new Box.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, known to his fans around the world as the Greatest.

DECEMBER
Former dictator of Iraq Saddam Hussein, on trial for mass murder, makes a scene in court.

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