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From Jeff Bezos’ Garage to a $2 Trillion Market Cap

Jeff Bezos walks onto the stage, behind him is a blue backdrop with the Amazon logo

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes the stage during the launch of the new Amazon Fire Phone, Wednesday, June 18, 2014, in Seattle, Washington.
Photo: Ted S Warren (AP)

Amazon has become synonymous with American consumerism. Want to buy groceries? Order delivery with Amazon Prime. Order a gift for your mother-in-law? Amazon Prime. Want to see Meghan Markle in Suits before she became the Duchess of Sussex? Try Prime Video. You get the idea.

Founded by Jeff Bezos in his Washington garage on July 5, 1994, the company has grown into a $2 trillion e-commerce giant. But it has faced criticism, regulatory scrutiny, and financial troubles. As Amazon turns 20, Quartz takes you on a journey through the most important moments in its history.