Period 8 and 9

Cold War

Definition:A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Importance:Defined global politics for nearly half a century, influencing military strategies, international alliances, and domestic policies.

Iron Curtain

Definition:A term popularized by Winston Churchill to describe the division between communist Eastern Europe and capitalist Western Europe.

Importance:Symbolized the ideological and physical boundary separating the Soviet-controlled East from the Western democracies.

Containment Policy

Definition: U.S. foreign policy strategy during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to threatened nations.

Importance:Shaped U.S. actions globally for decades, leading to involvement in conflicts like Korea and Vietnam.

Truman Doctrine

Definition: Policy stating the U.S. would support nations resisting communism, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey.

Importance: Marked the start of the containment policy and active American involvement in global affairs.

Marshall Plan

Definition:U.S. program to aid Western Europe's economic recovery after WWII.

Importance:Helped prevent the spread of communism in Europe by stabilizing economies.

Berlin Airlift

Definition:Western Allies supplied West Berlin by air after the Soviet Union blockaded the city.

Importance:Demonstrated U.S. commitment to containing communism and marked a significant Cold War confrontation.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Definition:A military alliance formed in 1949 between the U.S., Canada, and Western European nations for collective defense against aggression.

Importance:Established a counterbalance to Soviet military power and remains a cornerstone of Western security.

38th Parallel (Korean War)

Definition:The latitude line dividing North and South Korea; the Korean War (1950–1953) was fought along this boundary.

Importance: The war ended in an armistice, solidifying the division of Korea and intensifying Cold War tensions.

Bay of Pigs

Definition:A failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba in 1961 aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro's communist government.

Importance:Embarrassed the U.S. and strengthened Castro's position, leading to closer ties with the Soviet Union.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Definition: standoff between the U.S. and USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba.

Importance:Brought the world to the brink of nuclear war

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

Definition: A congressional committee that investigated alleged communist activities in the U.S. during the early Cold War.

Importance:Contributed to the Red Scare and the rise of McCarthyism, leading to widespread fear and repression.

Joseph McCarthy/McCarthyism

Definition: led a campaign in the 1950s accusing individuals of communist without proper evidence.

Importance:Led to a period of intense anti-communist suspicion and the violation of civil liberties.

Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (GI Bill)

Definition: A 1944 law providing various benefits to World War II veterans, including education and housing assistance.

Importance:Facilitated the veterans back into society and spurred economic growth.

Baby Boom

Definition: A significant increase in birth rates from 1946 to 1964, leading to a large generation of Americans.

Importance:Had lasting effects on American society, economy, and culture.

Sun Belt

Definition: A region in the U.S. characterized by a hot climate, rapid population growth, and economic development, particularly in the South and West.

Importance:Shifted political and economic power within the U.S. and attracted industries and retirees.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Definition:34th President of the U.S.,former Supreme Commander of Allied Forces during World War II.

Importance:Promoted the policy of containment and oversaw significant infrastructure projects like the Interstate Highway System.

Harry Truman

Definition:33rd President of the U.S. , succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt during the final stages of World War II.

Importance:Made pivotal decisions such as the use of atomic bombs on Japan and the implementation of the Marshall Plan.

Highway Act

Definition:A law signed by President Eisenhower that funded the construction of the Interstate Highway System across the U.S.

Importance:It revolutionized American infrastructure, boosted the economy, enabled suburban expansion, and had strategic military value during the Cold War.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

Definition:Supreme Court decision declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Importance:Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; a key victory in the Civil Rights Movement.

Desegregation

Definition:The process of ending the separation of races, especially in schools and public institutions.

Importance:Central to the Civil Rights Movement; faced strong resistance, especially in the South.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Definition:A Baptist minister and civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent protest to end racial segregation and inequality.

Importance:Led major movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington; his leadership was crucial to the passage of civil rights legislation.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Definition:protest led by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, against segregated buses.

Importance:Sparked national attention; launched Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader.

John F. Kennedy

Definition:35th U.S. president known for the Cold War, civil rights advocacy, and the space race.

Importance:Inspired a generation; his assassination marked a turning point in U.S. politics.

Domino Theory

Definition:The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow like a row of dominoes.

Importance:Justified U.S. involvement in Vietnam and other regions to prevent the spread of communism.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Definition:congressional resolution giving LBJ authority to use military force in Vietnam.

Importance:Led to major U.S. escalation in the Vietnam War without an official war declaration.

Hawks vs. Doves (Vietnam War)

Definition:Terms used to describe the two sides of U.S. opinion during the Vietnam War—hawks supported the war, doves opposed it.

Importance:Reflected deep national division over military policy and helped fuel widespread protest and political debate.

Tet Offensive

Definition:A major coordinated attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on South Vietnamese cities during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet).

Importance:Shattered U.S. public confidence in the government’s portrayal of the war, despite being a military failure for North Vietnam.

Vietnamization

Definition:Nixon’s policy of gradually withdrawing U.S. troops and transferring war responsibilities to South Vietnam.

Importance:Intended to end U.S. involvement in Vietnam while avoiding defeat.

Kent State

Definition:An anti-war protest at Kent State University where National Guard troops shot and killed four students.

Importance:Intensified public opposition to the Vietnam War and symbolized the national unrest and generational conflict of the era.

War Powers Act (1973)

Definition:Law restricting the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces to combat without Congressional approval.

Importance:A response to Vietnam; aimed to reassert Congressional authority over war decisions.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Definition:36th President of the U.S. , succeeded JFK after his assassination.

Importance:Known for his “Great Society” reforms and escalation of the Vietnam War; passed landmark civil rights and social welfare legislation.

Great Society

Definition:LBJ’s set of domestic programs to eliminate poverty and racial injustice.

Importance:Expanded government’s role in education, health care, and civil rights.

Civil Rights Act

Definition:Landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Importance:Ended segregation in public places and employment; a major victory of the civil rights movement.

Malcolm X

Definition:A Black nationalist and civil rights activist who advocated for Black empowerment and self-defense, often associated with the Nation of Islam.

Importance:Provided a more militant alternative to the nonviolent approach of Martin Luther King Jr., and influenced the Black Power movement.

Counterculture

Definition:A social movement in the 1960s and 70s characterized by rejection of mainstream values, war, materialism, and conformity.

Importance:Challenged traditional norms, promoted civil rights, gender equality, environmentalism, and helped shape modern liberal culture.

Richard Nixon

Definition:37th President of the U.S. known for ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam and opening relations with China.

Importance:Resigned due to the Watergate scandal, which led to widespread distrust of government.

Watergate

Definition:Political scandal involving a break-in at DNC headquarters and Nixon’s cover-up.

Importance:Led to Nixon’s resignation; increased public distrust in government.

Gerald Ford

Definition:38th U.S. president, who succeeded Nixon and pardoned him.

Importance:His presidency focused on restoring trust after Watergate but was unpopular for the pardon.

Jimmy Carter

Definition:39th President of the U.S. , a Democrat known for emphasizing human rights in foreign policy.

Importance:Faced challenges like the Iran Hostage Crisis and energy shortages; later became noted for global humanitarian work post-presidency.

Ronald Reagan

Definition:40th U.S. president known for conservative policies and ending the Cold War rhetoric.

Importance:Revitalized Republican politics; key figure in ending the Cold War.

Reaganomics

Definition:Reagan’s economic policy involving tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending.

Importance:Stimulated growth but also increased income inequality and national debt.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Definition:A proposed missile defense system announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks using ground- and space-based systems.

Importance:"Star Wars," it escalated the arms race and pressured the Soviet Union economically during the final phase of the Cold War.

Iran-Contra Affair

Definition:Scandal in which the Reagan administration secretly sold arms to Iran and funded Nicaraguan Contras.

Importance:Showed executive overreach and illegal covert operations.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Definition:Last leader of the Soviet Union; introduced reforms like glasnost and perestroika.

Importance:His policies contributed to the end of the Cold War and collapse of the USSR.

Glasnost and Perestroika

Definition:Gorbachev’s policies of openness and economic restructuring in the USSR.

Importance:Weakened Soviet control and led to the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

George H.W. Bush

Definition:41st President of the U.S. , formerly Vice President under Reagan.

Importance:Oversaw the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), and managed U.S. foreign policy during a period of major global change.

Saddam Hussein

Definition:President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003, known for authoritarian rule and aggression against neighboring countries.

Importance:His invasion of Kuwait in 1990 led to the Gulf War

Operation Desert Storm

Definition:A U.S.-led military campaign to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait following Iraq’s invasion.

Importance:Demonstrated U.S. military dominance and was seen as a swift, successful intervention under George H.W. Bush.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Definition:Landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public accommodations, and more.

Importance:Marked a major step toward equality and accessibility for people with disabilities in the U.S.

Bill Clinton

Definition:42nd President of the U.S., a Democrat known for economic prosperity and centrist policies.

Importance:Impeached by the House over the Monica Lewinsky scandal but acquitted by the Senate; presided over a strong economy and welfare reform.

Columbine Shooting

Definition:A school shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado where two students killed 13 people and themselves.

Importance:Shocked the nation, intensified debates over gun control, school safety, and media influence.

Brady Bill

Definition:1993 law requiring background checks for handgun purchases.

Importance:Major step in U.S. gun control efforts following the attempted assassination of Reagan.

Anti-Crime Bill

Definition:Also known as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, it increased funding for police, expanded the death penalty, and created tougher sentencing laws.

Importance:Criticized later for contributing to mass incarceration, especially in communities of color.

George W. Bush

Definition:43rd U.S. led the country during 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Importance:His presidency redefined U.S. foreign policy around terrorism.

Election of 2000

Definition:A controversial presidential election decided by a Supreme Court ruling stopping a Florida recount, resulting in George W. Bush winning

Importance:Raised concerns about election fairness, the Electoral College, and voting systems.

September 11, 2001

Definition:Terrorist attacks on the U.S. by al-Qaeda, targeting the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Importance:Led to global War on Terror and major changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

Patriot Act (2001)

Definition:Law expanding surveillance and law enforcement powers to combat terrorism. response to 9/11

Importance:Sparked debate over civil liberties and national security.

Hurricane Katrina

Definition:A devastating Category 5 hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast, especially New Orleans.

Importance:Highlighted issues of government response, poverty, and racial inequality during natural disasters.

The Great Recession

Definition:Severe global economic downturn from 2007 to 2009 triggered by the housing market crash.

Importance:Led to massive job losses, bank bailouts, and financial reforms.

Barack Obama

Definition:44th U.S. president first African American president.(#best president)

Importance:Enacted the Affordable Care Act, navigated economic recovery, and symbolized progress in civil rights.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009)

Definition:An economic stimulus package enacted under President Obama to address the effects of the Great Recession.

Importance:Provided tax cuts, support for education and healthcare, helping stabilize the economy.

Affordable Care Act (2010)

Definition:Also known as “Obamacare,” this law aimed to expand health insurance coverage and reduce healthcare costs.

Importance:Brought major changes to the U.S. healthcare system, including Medicaid expansion and protections for pre-existing conditions.