APUSH Period 9

Flashcards covering significant political and economic events in U.S. history from the 1970s to the 2010s.

Stagflation

Combination of high inflation, stagnant economic growth, and high unemployment in the 1970s.

OPEC Oil Embargo

1973 oil crisis caused by Arab members of OPEC cutting exports to the U.S. for supporting Israel.

Election of 1980

Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter, marking a conservative shift in U.S. politics.

Iranian Hostage Crisis

52 Americans held hostage in Iran from 1979 to 1981 in response to U.S. support of the deposed Shah.

Ronald Reagan

40th U.S. president (1981-1989) who advocated for conservative policies and deregulation.

Moral Majority

Political organization founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979 that mobilized evangelical Christians.

Focus on the Family

Founded by James Dobson in 1977, promoting conservative Christian family values.

‘Star Wars’ (SDI)

Strategic Defense Initiative proposed missile defense system against the USSR.

Grenada

U.S. invasion in 1983 to prevent a communist government, first major military action since Vietnam.

Iran-Contra Deal

Secret U.S. arms sales to Iran that funded Contra rebels in Nicaragua, leading to a political scandal.

Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986

Amnesty granted to undocumented immigrants before 1982, penalizing employers hiring undocumented workers.

Berlin Wall Removed

Symbolized the end of Cold War tensions, leading to German reunification.

Breakup of USSR

Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, marked the end of the Cold War.

‘New Right’

Conservative movement of the 1980s advocating for lower taxes, deregulation, and traditional values.

Televangelism

Use of television by religious leaders to spread Christianity and mobilize voters.

Jerry Falwell

Founder of the Moral Majority who advocated for conservative values in politics.

Reaganomics/Supply Side Economics

Economic policy emphasizing tax cuts and deregulation with a belief in 'trickle-down' benefits.

Sandra Day O’Connor

First woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by Reagan, often served as a swing vote.

AIDS

Epidemic in the 1980s that disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ communities and criticized slow government response.

George H.W. Bush

41st U.S. president (1989-1993) who oversaw the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.

Operation Desert Storm

1991 U.S.-led military operation against Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait.

Affirmative Action

Policies promoting equal opportunities for marginalized groups; controversial for claims of reverse discrimination.

Election of 1992

Bill Clinton defeated George H.W. Bush, focusing on the economy and influenced by Ross Perot.

Contract with America

1994 Republican agenda led by Newt Gingrich promoting tax cuts and welfare reform.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

1992 Supreme Court case upholding Roe v. Wade but allowing state restrictions on abortion.

Bill Clinton

42nd U.S. president (1993-2001) who focused on economic growth and welfare reform.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Debate

1994 policy allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military if they hid their identity.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

1994 agreement reducing trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

George W. Bush

43rd U.S. president (2001-2009) who led the War on Terror and passed tax and education reforms.

Axis of Evil

Term used by Bush in 2002 to describe Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, justifying military interventions.

Compassionate Conservatism

Bush’s philosophy of addressing social issues with conservative policies.

9/11

Terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, leading to significant changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Barack Obama

44th U.S. president (2009-2017), first African American president who passed the Affordable Care Act.

Stimulus Act (2008)

Economic bailout addressing the Great Recession, aimed at stabilizing banks and industries.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

2010 healthcare law expanding insurance coverage, known as 'Obamacare'.