APUSH: Unit 9 (1980–Present)

Ronald Reagan

Conservative president (1981–1989) who promoted tax cuts, deregulation, and military buildup.

Reaganomics

Economic policy focusing on supply-side theory: tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy to stimulate growth.

Moral Majority

Conservative Christian political group that supported traditional values and influenced Reagan’s election.

End of the Cold War

Marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) and dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991).

Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet leader whose reforms (glasnost and perestroika) helped end the Cold War.

Iran-Contra Affair

Scandal involving Reagan officials secretly selling arms to Iran and funding Nicaraguan Contras, violating U.S. law.

George H. W. Bush

President during the Gulf War who oversaw the fall of the Soviet Union and faced a mild recession.

Persian Gulf War (1991)

U.S.-led coalition drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait after Iraq’s invasion under Saddam Hussein.

Bill Clinton

Centrist Democrat who balanced the budget, passed welfare reform, and faced impeachment over the Lewinsky scandal.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Agreement between U.S., Mexico, and Canada to reduce trade barriers.

Impeachment of Bill Clinton

Resulted from perjury and obstruction of justice charges; he was acquitted by the Senate.

Election of 2000

Contested election between George W. Bush and Al Gore; decided by Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore.

George W. Bush

President during 9/11 who launched the War on Terror and led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

9/11 Attacks (2001)

Terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda on U.S. soil that led to significant changes in domestic and foreign policy.

War on Terror

U.S. military campaign against terrorism post-9/11, particularly in the Middle East.

Patriot Act (2001)

Law expanding government surveillance and security powers to combat terrorism.

Iraq War (2003–2011)

U.S.-led invasion to remove Saddam Hussein, justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction.

Barack Obama

First African American president, known for the Affordable Care Act, economic recovery measures, and progressive social policies.

Affordable Care Act (2010)

Health care reform that expanded insurance coverage and banned discrimination for preexisting conditions.

Great Recession (2007–2009)

Severe global economic downturn caused by the housing bubble burst and financial crisis.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

Tea Party Movement

Conservative political movement opposing high taxes and large government; emerged during Obama’s presidency.

Donald Trump

Republican president known for populist rhetoric, immigration restrictions, and "America First" policies.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Global health crisis beginning in 2020 that led to economic shutdowns, remote work, and vaccine development.

Black Lives Matter

Movement against police brutality and systemic racism that gained momentum after 2014 and again in 2020.

Capitol Riot (January 6, 2021)

Violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.

Joe Biden

Elected in 2020, focused on pandemic response, climate change, and restoring political norms.