The End of the Cold War & the Contemporary World - Week 13

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terms related to the end of the Cold War and its impact on the contemporary world.

What event is referred to as the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, and when did it occur?

passed by Congress in August 1964, authorizing the President to repel any further Communist attack by the North Vietnamese.

What was the significance of the My Lai Massacre, and when did it happen?

took place in March 1968, when American troops slaughtered at least 350 South Vietnamese civilians.

What does Détente refer to in the context of the Cold War?

the period of decreased hostility between the USA and USSR introduced by President Nixon and Brezhnev.

What were the Helsinki Accords?

a 1975 agreement recognizing the permanence of post World War II boundaries in Europe and respecting basic freedoms of citizens.

Who was Mikhail Gorbachev, and what role did he play in the end of the Cold War?

a leader who sought economic and political reforms, leading to the collapse of the Soviet system and ending the Cold War.

What were Perestroika and Glasnost?

Perestroika referred to 'restructuring' of the Soviet economy, while Glasnost referred to the opening of Soviet society to public criticism.

What were the Camp David Accords?

a 1979 peace agreement brokered by President Carter between Egypt and Israel.

What was the Iran-Contra Affair?

a scandal involving the Reagan administration where arms were sold to Iran to fund Contras in Nicaragua.

What was the Bush Doctrine?

a foreign policy strategy announced by President Bush II, focusing on launching a war on terrorism.

What led to the War in Afghanistan in 2001?

after the Taliban refused to hand over Osama Bin Laden following the September 11 attacks.

What was the significance of the Doha Agreement?

it led to the beginning of the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan, completing with the final withdrawal on August 30, 2021.

What does the term 'War on Terror' refer to?

the military campaign against terrorists following the 9/11 attacks.

What is the Axis of Evil as declared by President Bush II?

refers to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea, which President Bush II labeled as countries supporting terrorism and pursuing WMDs.

What was the outcome of the Iraq War initiated in March 2003?

resulted in the deposition of Sadam Hussein, who was captured in December 2003, and occupied Iraq until December 2011.

What powers did the Patriot Act grant law enforcement?

expanded powers to combat domestic terrorism, including wiretapping and surveillance.

What is the role of the Guantanamo Detention Camp?

set up for individuals captured in Afghanistan accused of terrorism after the 9/11 attacks.

What is globalization?

the breaking down of traditional boundaries in response to global financial and cultural trends.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

a 1997 agreement signed by many countries aiming to combat global warming.

What is the European Union?

a supranational organization established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 for greater economic and political integration in Europe.