Carter, Reagan, and Bush Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the policies and events during the presidencies of Carter, Reagan, and Bush.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

A missile and satellite system designed to defend against enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

AIDS crisis

A major health issue in the 1980s primarily affecting men in the gay community, characterized by high mortality rates and a lack of cures.

Heritage Foundation

A conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., which contributed to the election of Reagan.

Moral Majority

A political organization composed of evangelical conservative groups that supported conservative policies.

Marines in Lebanon

U.S. Marines were sent to Lebanon to rescue hostages; a suicide bomber killed 241 Marines at their barracks.

Peace Through Strength

Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy approach aimed at discouraging military engagement with the U.S. due to its military power.

Deregulation

The reduction of government control over industries.

Stagflation

A period characterized by high unemployment and high inflation.

Camp David Accords

Meetings hosted by President Carter that resulted in a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Iran Hostage Crisis

An incident where Iranians took U.S. hostages, demanding the return of the Shah; hostages were released after Reagan's inauguration.

Three Mile Island

The site of a nuclear power plant incident in Pennsylvania in 1979.

Community Reinvestment Act of 1977

Legislation that required banks to meet the credit needs of their local communities without discrimination.

Iran-Contra Affair

A political scandal involving the U.S. selling arms to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua without Congressional approval.

Reaganomics

Economic theory advocating tax cuts to boost investment and productivity.

Perestroika

The process of social and economic restructuring in the Soviet Union.

Glasnost

A policy promoting openness and democracy in the Soviet Union, allowing more freedom of expression.

Operation Desert Storm

The military operation launched by the U.S. to respond to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Legislation aimed at eliminating barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

Significance of the Berlin Wall’s Fall

Symbolized the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.