1994

1994 was an ordinary year that began on a Saturday according to the Gregorian calendar. It was part of the 1990s decade, a period when the world was emerging from the structures of the Cold War and many states were changing their political and economic systems.

The year saw events that historians commonly note, among them the first universal democratic election in South Africa, the genocide in Rwanda, and the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), agreed at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round negotiations.

South Africa

In April 1994, South Africa held a general election open to all races, which formally ended the apartheid system that had legally separated people by race. Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress, became the country's president. This transition was preceded by an interim constitution and negotiations among political parties.

Rwanda

Following the shooting down of the plane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana in April 1994, organized violence erupted targeting Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Deaths are estimated at hundreds of thousands within a period of months. UN forces present on the ground lacked sufficient power and mandate to stop the violence, a matter that drew scrutiny in subsequent investigations.

Economics and international agreements

That year saw the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), which began operations in early 1995. Also, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into force at the start of the year, linking the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Technology and society

The commercial internet expanded in 1994 with the release of the Netscape Navigator browser, while the Channel Tunnel officially opened carrying rail service between France and the United Kingdom. The FIFA World Cup was hosted by the United States, and Brazil won the tournament.