U.S. History EOC (Semester 2)

OPEC

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; initiated an oil embargo in 1973

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Government agency that works to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Civil Rights Movement

A movement for racial equality in the U.S., notably supported by Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cold War

Period of political tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union after WWII.

McCarthyism

Fear-driven campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and society.

Space Race

Competition between the U.S. and Soviet Union to explore space.

Vietnam War

U.S. intervention aimed at preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Title IX

Law that prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded education programs.

Reaganomics

Economic policies of President Reagan focused on tax cuts and deregulations.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement promoting free trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

1973 Oil Crisis

Cause: OPEC’s oil embargo.

Effect: Gas shortages, inflation, and energy conservation measures.

Environmental Policies

The EPA helped reduce pollution and promoted clean air and water.

Civil Rights Movement

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat (1955) which sparked involvement of the NAACP.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public places.

Cold War Tensions

Sputnik Launch: Sparked the U.S. Space Race.

McCarthyism: Widespread fear of communism.

Arms Race: Massive build-up of nuclear weapons.

Vietnam War (1964-1973)

U.S. aimed to prevent the spread of communism. Tet Offensive and growing casualties increased public opposition.

Women’s Rights

Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique inspired second-wave feminism. Women demanded equal employment rights and maternity leave.

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, press, assembly.

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches.

6th Amendment

Rights of criminal defendants.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment.

14th Amendment

Equal protection under the law.

Iran Hostage Crisis

Resolved when Iran released hostages as Reagan took office in 1981.

Watergate Scandal

Nixon resigned after a cover-up of illegal activities; increased public cynicism toward government.

Reaganomics

Emphasized tax cuts and less government regulation to stimulate the economy.

War on Drugs

Began in the 1980s; increased prison sentences for drug offenses; criticized for racial disparities.

Post-9/11 Reforms

USA PATRIOT Act expanded government powers to combat terrorism. Department of Homeland Security created.

Tech Entrepreneurs

Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos revolutionized online shopping and digital tech.

Affordable Care Act

Passed in 2009 to expand access to health insurance.

Globalization

Example: Coca-Cola worldwide. Reflects cultural diffusion and U.S. global influence.