The Seventies and Eighties Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and events related to U.S. history in the 1970s and 1980s, including foreign policy, economic changes, and social movements.

What was détente and how did it change U.S.-USSR relations during the Cold War?

Détente was a policy aimed at easing tensions between the US and USSR, focusing on diplomacy and arms control.

Why did President Nixon normalize relations with China and how did it affect Cold War tensions?

Nixon normalized relations with China to exploit the Sino-Soviet split, which reduced Cold War tensions by shifting alliances.

How did Nixon's foreign policy differ from Eisenhower and Johnson during the Vietnam War?

Nixon's realpolitik emphasized pragmatic diplomacy while Johnson's policy was characterized by escalation and retaliation.

What was the policy of Vietnamization and what was its goal?

Vietnamization aimed to gradually withdraw U.S. troops from Vietnam and transfer combat responsibilities to the South Vietnamese.

What role did Henry Kissinger play in U.S. foreign policy?

Henry Kissinger was Nixon's advisor, known for his realpolitik approach, and played a key role in shaping diplomatic strategies.

Describe Reaganomics and its main outcomes.

Reaganomics, or supply-side economics, focused on reduced taxes and deregulation, leading to economic growth.

What were the outcomes of the Camp David Accords and who was involved?

The Camp David Accords were historic peace agreements mediated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, involving Israel and Egypt.

What was the Iran Contra Affair?

The Iran Contra Affair was a scandal involving the secret sale of arms by the Reagan administration to Iran, with profits funding Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

How were Presidents Carter and Reagan connected through foreign policy issues?

Both Presidents were involved in mediating the Iranian hostage crisis, although they had different approaches to foreign policy.

What characterized the conservative resurgence of the 1980s?

The conservative resurgence was influenced by economic discontent in the 1970s and emphasized U.S. foreign policy and social issues.

What were the goals of the Moral Majority during the 1980s?

The Moral Majority aimed to promote conservative Christian values and support policies such as anti-abortion laws.

What was the purpose of organizations like the Heritage Foundation?

Organizations like the Heritage Foundation aimed to promote conservative ideas and policies during the resurgence.

How did the War on Drugs change the United States?

The War on Drugs aimed to stop drug trafficking, leading to increased incarceration rates and societal harm.

What was the purpose of the America Responds to AIDS campaign?

The America Responds to AIDS campaign aimed to increase awareness and prevention efforts regarding AIDS.

What were the causes and effects of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo?

The 1973 OPEC oil embargo was caused by political tensions and resulted in economic recession and energy crises in the U.S.