APUSH Period 9 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering the political, economic, and social developments of AP United States History Period 9 ($$1980-Present$$).

Period 9 ($1980-Present$)

A period characterized by a wave of conservatism in federal policies and the official end of the Cold War, alongside continued foreign policy issues in the Middle East.

Supply-Side Economics

Reagan's policy proposing that reducing taxes on big businesses and decreasing government regulation would lead to greater profits, more hiring, and higher salaries.

New Federalism

Ronald Reagan's failed attempt to shift power from the federal government to state governments by giving states responsibility for social welfare programs.

Federal Budget Deficit

An economic condition that rose during Reagan's presidency because the government spent more money on the military while revenue decreased due to tax cuts.

Iran-Contra Affair

A foreign policy scandal where Reagan sold guns to Iran and used the profit to fund the Nationalist, violent Contras in Nicaragua.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The Soviet leader who permitted more free-market commerce and personal liberties, allowing Reagan to negotiate a nuclear-warhead withdrawal from Europe.

Operation Desert Storm

A military operation under George H.W. Bush that used air strikes to regain control of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein and inspect for weapons of mass destruction.

Immigration Act of $1965$

Legislation that relaxed immigration laws, resulting in significantly high rates of immigration and increased cultural diversity by the end of the $20^{th}$ Century.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

A trade agreement between America, Mexico, and Canada that removed trade barriers, supported by corporations but opposed by unions worried about labor costs.

$1994$ Congressional Election

An election resulting in a Republican-controlled Congress that drafted reforms to decrease taxes and consolidate federal programs, though limited by the Democratic executive branch.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell”

The policy implemented for homosexual individuals serving in the American military.

Neoconservatism

A movement under George W. Bush that advocated for spreading democracy worldwide and promoting American business through abroad military action.

Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice

Secretaries of state under George W. Bush who held the highest political office of any African American in the history of the US at the time.

White Flight (Urban and Racial Problems)

The movement of middle-class white Americans, industry, and funds to the suburbs, leaving urban areas with decreased funding and predominantly black and immigrant populations.

New Right movement

A movement where Evangelical Christians support the Republican party, contributing to the prominence of conservatism throughout Period 9.

Barack Obama

The Democratic president elected in $2008$ whose victory signaled a loss of prominence for the long-standing conservative movement.