Unit 11 US History

Conservative Movement

People advocating for smaller government, less regulations, and disliking large government programs/spending.

Supply-Side Economics (Reaganomics)

Reagan's theory of tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate the economy, favored by conservatives, and led to increased national debt.

Moral Majority

Conservative Christian group founded by Jerry Falwell with the goal of politically engaging Christians.

Roe v. Wade

Supreme Court case that controversially legalized abortion.

A Nation at Risk

1980s report highlighting American students falling behind in standardized test scores compared to other countries.

Crack

Inexpensive form of cocaine that caused an epidemic, particularly affecting inner-city neighborhoods.

AIDS

Critical health issue in the 1980s, leading to mass protests from the gay community due to lack of understanding and medical attention.

Brady Bill

Gun control law that prohibited criminals from purchasing firearms.

Oklahoma City Bombing

Act of domestic terrorism by Timothy McVeigh, bombing the Alfred P. Murrah federal building.

Columbine Shooting

Major mass school shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.

Challenger Explosion

Tragic event where the space shuttle Challenger exploded after takeoff, resulting in the death of all 7 astronauts.

Contract for America

Conservative goals outlined in a plan by Republican Newt Gingrich as a response to Clinton's policies.

Internet

Global computer network revolutionizing information access, with concerns about privacy.

Sandra Day O'Connor

First woman appointed to the Supreme Court, appointed by Reagan.

Marines in Lebanon

Reagan sent Marines to Lebanon where a massive attack with a car bomb killed over 200 people, leading to US withdrawal.

Iran-Contra Affair

Reagan's government scandal involving secret weapon sales to Iran to fund Contras in Nicaragua.

Bosnia

Civil war in Yugoslavia resulting in the creation of 5 new countries, with US and UN intervention to restore peace.

Somalia

Civil war leading to a massive famine, with US and UN efforts to provide relief.

Apartheid

Segregation system in South Africa, ended with US sanctions.

Nelson Mandela

First elected black president of South Africa, instrumental in ending Apartheid.

Al Qaeda

Islamic terrorist group responsible for numerous attacks, led by Osama Bin Laden.

Bill Clinton

Moderate Democrat President of the United States.

Family Medical Leave Act

Legislation guaranteeing 12 weeks of leave for emergencies or family reasons.

Impeachment

Clinton was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice but not removed from office.

Biotechnology

Technology utilizing living organisms or biological systems.

George H.W. Bush

Republican President after Clinton, involved in the Persian Gulf War and criticized for raising taxes.

Persian Gulf War

Conflict where Bush sent troops to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi invasion led by Saddam Hussein.

Clinton's Foreign Policy

Collaboration with the UN for humanitarian efforts in war-torn countries.

Reagan's Economic Policy

Reaganomics involved tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate the economy, criticized for widening income gaps.

End of the Cold War/ Collapse of the Soviet Union

Soviet collapse due to economic issues, Gorbachev's reforms, and eventual independence of satellite nations.