California Department of Forestry crews battle the Cerrito fire in Corona, California, on May 5. (Photo: © Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Wide World)

What was the big news in 2004? News about the U.S. presidential election was everywhere you turned, but there were plenty of other stories. From elections in Afghanistan to wildfires in California, we've collected pictures representing some of the year's major headlines.

Click here to take a look back at events that made headlines in 2004.