Late 20th and Early 21st Century American History

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering major political, economic, and social events in U.S. history from the Vietnam War through the early 21st century.

Reaganomics

An economic policy characterized by supply-side economics, emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending to stimulate growth.

OPEC's oil embargo (1973)

An event that caused gasoline prices to quadruple, triggering a recession and highlighting U.S. vulnerability to foreign oil reliance.

New Federalism

A policy introduced by Nixon aimed at decentralizing power from the federal government to state and local governments.

Watergate scandal

A political crisis involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and a subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration.

Détente

A significant shift in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War representing a transition from containment to eased tensions.

The Gulf War (1990-91)

A conflict initiated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, where a U.S.-led coalition demonstrated military dominance and unipolar power.

Black Power

A movement that introduced a militant approach to civil rights, focusing on self-determination and empowerment within the African American community.

Environmentalism

A social movement that emerged in response to industrialization and pollution, leading to significant legislative changes for environmental protection.

Whitewater Investigation

A legal inquiry stemming from a failed real estate venture involving the Clintons that set a precedent for future political investigations.

Starr Report

A report by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr alleging obstruction of justice and perjury by President Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal.

NAFTA (1993)

The North American Free Trade Agreement which integrated North American markets, accelerating offshoring and labor dynamic shifts.

WTO (1995)

The World Trade Organization, established to create global trade rules and dispute mechanisms to promote international trade.

Dot-Com Bubble

An economic period marked by the overvaluation of internet startups like Pets.com, leading to an eventual market crash.

Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)

The deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history, reflecting the rise of homegrown extremism.

World Wide Web (1993)

A technology developed by Tim Berners-Lee that enabled unprecedented global information sharing and commerce.

Contract with America (1994)

A Republican policy agenda led by Newt Gingrich emphasizing tax cuts, welfare reform, and deregulation.

Reagan Doctrine

A foreign policy strategy aimed at countering Soviet influence globally by supporting anti-communist movements.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

A concept that shaped U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War, where both powers sought to avoid nuclear conflict.

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (1987)

An arms reduction agreement reached between Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Stagflation

An economic condition of the 1970s characterized by stagnant wages, high inflation, and rising unemployment.

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993)

Legislation that introduced mandatory background checks and waiting periods for firearm purchases.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell (1993)

A compromise policy that allowed LGBTQ individuals to serve in the military but prohibited the open expression of sexual orientation.

The Domino Theory

The geopolitical theory positing that the fall of one Southeast Asian nation to communism would lead to the fall of its neighbors.

Tet Offensive (1968)

A major turning point in the Vietnam War that showcased the Viet Cong's capability to launch coordinated attacks across South Vietnam.

Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954)

A significant defeat for French colonial forces that led to their withdrawal from Vietnam.