The 1990s: Political Rivalry, Technological Revolution, and Globalization

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers major legislation, technological milestones, foreign policy events, and political scandals of the 1990s in the United States.

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993)

A law, also known as the Brady Bill, that established mandatory background checks and waiting periods for handgun purchases.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell (1993)

A compromise policy regarding LGBTQ service members in the United States military.

Family and Medical Leave Act (1993)

Legislation that guaranteed unpaid leave for employees for family or medical needs.

AmeriCorps (1993)

A national service program designed to promote civic engagement.

Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (1994)

Commonly known as the Clinton or Biden Crime Bill, it expanded policing, prisons, and federal crime definitions.

Waco Siege (1993)

An armed standoff in Texas between federal agents and the Branch Davidians that ended in a deadly fire and fueled anti-government sentiment.

Contract with America (1994)

Newt Gingrich's policy blueprint for the GOP emphasizing tax cuts, welfare reform, and deregulation.

Republican Revolution (1994)

The event where the GOP gained control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in 40 years.

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (1996)

A welfare reform law that created "workfare" and tightened eligibility requirements.

Telecommunications Act (1996)

Legislation that deregulated communications industries, accelerating growth in cable, internet, and mobile networks.

World Wide Web (1993)

A system created by Tim Berners-Lee that enabled global information sharing via the internet.

The Gulf War (1990-91)

A conflict initiated after Iraq invaded Kuwait, resulting in a U.S.-led multinational coalition expelling Iraqi forces.

Battle of Mogadishu

A violent conflict during the 1992-93 humanitarian mission in Somalia.

World Trade Center Bombing (1993)

An act of anti-American extremism carried out by Ramzi Yousef.

Oklahoma City Bombing (1995)

The deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history, perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh.

Ideological Violence Figures

A category of attackers including Ted Kaczynski (Unabomber) and Eric Rudolph (Centennial Olympic Park Bombing).

NAFTA (1993)

The North American Free Trade Agreement which integrated North American markets and accelerated offshoring.

WTO (1995)

The World Trade Organization, which expanded global trade rules and dispute mechanisms.

U.S.-China Relations Act (2000)

A law that normalized trade relations with China, boosting imports and shifting manufacturing overseas.

Whitewater Investigation

A scandal involving a failed Arkansas real estate venture with figures like Jim and Susan McDougal and Madison Guaranty.

Starr Report

A document issued by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr alleging Clinton committed obstruction of justice and perjury.