Cold War and Modern America

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Cold War and Modern America as noted in the lecture.

Containment

The policy used by post WWII Presidents to prevent the spread of communism throughout Europe.

Iron Curtain

The imaginary line that divided Europe into east (communist) and west (democratic).

Arms Race

The post WWII competition between the US and the USSR to develop the most powerful military weapons.

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite produced by the Soviets, which could orbit Earth once every 90 seconds.

GI Bill

Provided college or vocational education and unemployment compensation for returning WWII veterans.

White Flight

The phenomenon of white people moving from urban areas with significant minority populations to suburban areas.

Brown vs Board of Education

Supreme Court case that determined the segregation of public schools was unconstitutional; overturned 'separate but equal.'

Great Society

Lyndon B. Johnson's political platform aimed at ending poverty and inequality while improving the environment.

Roe vs Wade

Supreme Court case that ruled the criminalization of terminating pregnancy through state laws unconstitutional.

Vietnamization

President Nixon's plan to decrease American troop presence in Vietnam.

War Powers Act

Federal law that checks the president's power to commit the United States to armed conflict without Congressional consent.

Reaganomics

President Reagan's economic plan, associated with tax reduction and free-market activity.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement that eliminated trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Globalization

The process by which businesses or organizations develop international influence or operate on a global scale.

Al Qaeda

A militant Sunni Islamist organization founded in 1988, known for extreme Islamic extremism and terrorism.

Watergate Scandal

The illegal break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices during Nixon's re-election campaign.

Conservatives

A group that holds traditional attitudes and values, especially in politics and religion.

Liberals

A political philosophy that embraces liberty, equality, and supports civil rights and free markets.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his assassination in 1968.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative to provide economic aid to Western Europe to help recover from WWII and combat communism.