What was a major contributing factor to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995?

The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 was primarily fueled by anti-government sentiment, particularly among certain extremist groups in the United States. This sentiment was exacerbated by perceptions of government overreach and the actions of federal agencies, most notably the handling of incidents such as the Waco siege in 1993 and the Ruby Ridge confrontation in 1992. These events can be seen as rallying points for individuals who believed that the government was infringing upon personal liberties and freedoms, leading some to advocate violent actions against the federal government.

The bombing, carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, was intended as a response to this perceived oppression and was seen as a way to send a message against the policies of the federal government. McVeigh's motivations were deeply rooted in a belief that he was fighting against a tyrannical government, which he viewed as infringing upon the rights of American citizens. Thus, the historical context of anti-government ideology plays a crucial role in understanding the motivations behind the Oklahoma City bombing.