Unit 9 Terms List

Moral Majority

aimed to mobilize conservative Christian voters in the United States, focusing on promoting traditional values in politics, particularly opposing abortion and advocating for family values. Played a significant role in the rise of the Religious Right in American politics during the 1980s.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Enacted in 1990, this landmark civil rights law in the United States prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public facilities.

USA PATRIOT Act

Passed in October 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks. This expanded the authority of U.S. government agencies for the purposes of preventing terrorism. This law enhanced surveillance capabilities, like the ability to monitor communications and obtain personal data without a warrant.

Christian Coalition

Founded in 1989, this is a political organization that seeks to influence public policy in accordance with Christian values. It aims to mobilize voters around issues such as family values, religious freedom, and limited government. Played a Key role in the Republican Party.

Persian Gulf War

Occurred from 1990 to 1991 when a coalition led by the United States intervened to eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait after Iraq's invasion. The war was characterized by a swift military campaign and significant use of aerial bombardment, ultimately leading to the liberation of Kuwait.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Initiated in March 2003, this was a military campaign led by the United States that aimed to depose the regime of Iraqi - Saddam Hussein. The operation was justified on the grounds of eliminating potential weapons of mass destruction and combating terrorism, but it sparked widespread debate regarding its legitimacy and the ensuing long-term impact on Iraq.

Reaganomics

this refers to the economic policies implemented by President Reagan during his presidency in the 1980s. These policies emphasized supply-side economics, characterized by tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending. This attempted to stimulate economic growth.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Implemented in January 1994, this is a trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico designed to eliminate trade barriers and encourage free trade among the three nations.

Tea Party

This is a conservative political movement that emerged in the United States in the late 2000s, primarily as a movement of advocates for reduced government spending, lower taxes, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, gaining significant influence within the Republican Party.

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)

This was proposed by President Reagan in the 1980s. It sought to develop a missile defense system capable of intercepting and destroying incoming nuclear missiles.

Contract with America

In 1994, this was introduced by congressional Republicans as a campaign platform that outlined ten legislative proposals to be enacted if they gained control of Congress. This included measures addressing tax cuts, welfare reform, and government accountability, significantly influencing the political landscape during the 1990s.

Great Recession

This was a severe global economic downturn that began in late 2007 and lasted until mid-2009, marking the most significant worldwide economic crisis since the Great Depression. Characterized by high unemployment, plummeting home prices, and widespread bank failures, it resulted in large-scale government intervention and reforms in financial systems.

Reagan Doctrine

This was a key element of U.S. foreign policy during the Reagan administration that advocated for supporting anti-communist insurgents and governments worldwide, particularly in Latin America and Afghanistan.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

This landmark Supreme Court case resolved the contentious dispute over the Florida vote recount in the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The Court's decision effectively awarded Florida's electoral votes to Bush, leading to his presidency, and underscored significant issues regarding voting regulations and procedures in the U.S.

American Recovery and Investment Act

Enacted in February 2009 in response to the Great Recession, this act was designed to stimulate the economy through government spending on infrastructure, education, health, and energy initiatives. It included tax cuts, unemployment benefits, and fiscal relief for state and local governments.

Perestroika

This sought to reform the Soviet economy by introducing elements of market economics, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Glasnost

This was a political reform introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s. It aimed to increase transparency within the government and society, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

9/11 Attacks

This was a series of coordinated terrorist attacks conducted by the Islamist extremist group Al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001. The attacks involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes, leading to the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City and significant damage to the Pentagon, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Commonly referred to as Obamacare, this act was enacted in 2010 to increase access to healthcare and reduce costs. It includes provisions for expanding Medicaid, setting up health insurance exchanges, and mandates for individuals to obtain insurance, significantly reshaping the U.S. healthcare system.

Iran-Contra Affair

This affair was a political scandal during the Reagan administration in the 1980s involving the secret sale of arms to Iran, which was under an arms embargo. The proceeds were used to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, circumventing Congressional prohibition.

Al Qaeda

This is a militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s. It became globally notorious for orchestrating terrorist attacks, including the September 11 attacks in 2001. It promotes a radical interpretation of Islam and has been responsible for numerous attacks aimed at U.S. interests and its allies around the world.