APUSH Chapter 31

AIDS Epidemic

AIDS Epidemic

Disease first identified in 1981, initially associated with gay men, leading to delayed research and funding but also spurring gay rights activism.

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

Collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe, initiated by events in Poland, leading to the opening of the Berlin Wall and symbolizing the end of the Cold War.

Modern Conservative Movement (1980)

Reagan's election marked the rise of conservative values like lower taxes, traditional moral values, strong military support, and opposition to government social programs.

Reaganomics

Ronald Reagan's economic program based on supply-side economics, advocating tax cuts to stimulate the economy and reduce government regulation to enhance business efficiency.

Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PACTO) decertification (1981)

Trade union decertified after air-traffic controllers' strike for better working conditions, leading to their dismissal and ban from FAA employment.

The Heritage Foundation

Conservative public policy research organization promoting free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional values, and a strong national defense.

A Nation at Risk Report (1983)

Report highlighting the poor quality of American schools as a factor in the country's economic lag, proposing reforms like longer school days and tougher standards.

Christian Conservatives

Increasingly politically active group supporting conservative candidates and causes, including organizations like the Moral Majority and Focus on the Family.

Televangelism

Rise of TV preachers like Billy Graham and Pat Robertson, influencing Christian Conservatives and the New Right movement.

The War on Drugs

Policies initiated under Nixon and continued by Reagan, leading to the crack epidemic, tough crime laws, and racial disparities in incarceration.

Vietnam Syndrome

Hesitancy to use military force overseas, influenced by past conflicts like Vietnam and strategies like the Strategic Defense Initiative.

US Invasion of Grenada (1983)

US intervention in Grenada to oust leftist government and install a pro-US regime.

The Reagan Doctrine

Reagan's policy opposing détente with the Soviet Union, supporting anti-communist groups like the mujahedeen and contras.

Iran-Contra (1986)

Scandal involving US arms sales to Iran to fund Nicaraguan contras, revealing covert operations and leading to political fallout.

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)

Reagan's proposal for a space-based missile defense system, increasing pressure on the Soviets.

Glasnost & Perestroika

Gorbachev's reforms in the Soviet Union, promoting openness and restructuring to revitalize the economy and end the Cold War.

INF Treaty (1987)

US-USSR treaty banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles from Europe, a significant arms control agreement.

“Read my lips, NO NEW TAXES.”

Bush's campaign promise broken due to budget constraints, leading to compromises with Congress on taxes and spending.

Savings & Loan Bailout (1989)

Government intervention to rescue failing savings and loans institutions due to risky real estate loans, costing nearly $500 billion.

Exxon Valdez (1989)

Environmental disaster caused by the Exxon Valdez oil spill, damaging Alaska's coastal ecosystem and fishing industry.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

The collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe, starting with Poland, led to the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I)

Signed by George H.W. Bush and ratified by Bill Clinton, this aimed to reduce 80% of strategic nuclear weapons between the US and USSR.

US Invasion of Panama

President Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989 to capture dictator Manuel Noriega, who allowed drug trafficking through the country.

Gulf War I

Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm were led by the US to push Iraq out of Kuwait in 1991, restoring American confidence in military capabilities.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Enacted in 1990, the ADA provided civil rights protections and equal opportunities in public spaces for individuals with disabilities.

Election of 1992

Bill Clinton won the 1992 election against Bush, with Ross Perot as an Independent candidate and a record number of women elected to Congress.

Balancing the Budget

Clinton's administration focused on education, low interest rates, and tax reforms, leading to a budget surplus by 1998.

Repeal of Glass-Steagall

In 1999, Congress repealed the Glass-Steagall Act, allowing commercial banks to engage in investment activities, contributing to the 2008 financial crisis.

Oslo Accords

Agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, mediated by Clinton, allowing limited self-rule to Palestinians in Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Clinton’s Impeachment

Bill Clinton faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice following accusations of sexual harassment by Paula Jones and a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

Bush v Gore

Supreme Court decision in 2000 that halted a recount in Florida, leading to George W. Bush winning the presidency over Al Gore in a disputed election.