Apush science technology, economy, immigration & war on terror

Science and Technology

Rapid advances in computers, medicine, and communication that transformed American life and the economy.

Digital Communication

The use of computers and the internet to instantly share information worldwide.

Personal Computer (PC)

A computer for individual use that changed work, education, and communication.

Microsoft

Technology company that helped popularize personal computers through software like Windows.

Apple

Technology company that revolutionized personal computing and later smartphones.

Digital Revolution

The shift from traditional technology to computers, smartphones, and the internet.

Internet

A worldwide network connecting people and information.

Smartphone

A mobile device that combines communication, internet access, and apps.

Social Media

Online platforms that allow people to communicate and share content.

Facebook

social media platform launched in 2004 that changed communication.

Online Education

Learning through the internet instead of only in classrooms.

Remote Work

Working from home or another location using technology.

Service-Based Economy

An economy where most jobs are in services rather than manufacturing.

Automation

Machines replacing human labor.

Globalization

The increasing connection of economies around the world.

Manufacturing Decline

The decrease of factory jobs in the United States.

Service Industry

Jobs in healthcare, education, finance, technology, and retail.

Union Membership Decline

Fewer workers belonging to labor unions, reducing worker bargaining power.

Detroit Auto Industry

Example of manufacturing decline due to globalization and automation.

Economic Inequality

The growing gap between the rich and everyone else.

Real Wages

Income adjusted for inflation.

Stagnant Wages

Workers’ pay stayed mostly the same even as costs increased.

Gig Economy

Temporary or freelance jobs instead of permanent employment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Computer systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence.

Innovation

Creating new technologies or ideas.

Economic Divide

Differences in wealth and opportunity among people.

Sun Belt

Southern and Western states that experienced rapid population growth after 1980.

Migration

Movement of people within a country.

Demographic Change

Changes in a population’s size or makeup.

Electoral Trends

Changes in voting patterns over time.

Urbanization

Growth of cities as people move into urban areas.

Infrastructure

Roads, bridges, utilities, and transportation systems.

Congressional Representation

The number of representatives a state has based on population.

International Migration

Movement of people from one country to another.

Immigration

Moving permanently into another country.

Labor Force

People who are employed or looking for work.

Integration

Becoming part of a new society while adapting to its culture.

Undocumented Immigrants

People living in a country without legal immigration status.

Multicultural Society

A society made up of many different cultures.

Electoral Battleground

A state where either political party has a good chance of winning.

Immigration Reform

Changes to immigration laws and policies.

Demographic Shift

Long-term changes in the population

2020 Census

Census showing minorities make up a larger share of the U.S. population than ever before.

September 11, 2001 (9/11)

Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

War on Terror

U.S. campaign against terrorist organizations after 9/11.

al-Qaeda

Terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

Taliban

Afghan group that sheltered al-Qaeda before the U.S. invasion.

Counterterrorism

Actions taken to prevent terrorism.

U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan

Began in 2001 to remove the Taliban and target al-Qaeda.

Iraq War (2003)

U.S. invasion based on claims Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)

Nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons; none were found in Iraq

Nation-Building

Helping rebuild a country’s government after conflict.

U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Ended in 2021 after America’s longest war.

USA PATRIOT Act

Expanded government surveillance powers after 9/11.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected from government interference.

Guantanamo Bay

U.S. detention center for terrorism suspects.

Enhanced Interrogation Techniques

Harsh questioning methods criticized as torture.

Edward Snowden

Former NSA contractor who revealed secret government surveillance programs in 2013.

Mass Surveillance

Government monitoring of communications and personal data.

Fossil Fuels

Coal, oil, and natural gas used for energy.

Climate Change

Long-term warming caused largely by greenhouse gases.

Environmental Sustainability

Using resources responsibly to protect future generations.

Paris Climate Accord

International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Global Leadership

The United States’ role as a leading world power.

2008 Global Financial Crisis

Worldwide economic collapse caused by the housing and banking crisis.

G20

Group of major economies working together on global economic issues.

Foreign Policy

A country’s approach to dealing with other nations.

International Alliances

Agreements between countries to cooperate.

Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS

International partnership formed in 2014 to combat ISIS.

Productivity

The efficiency of producing goods and services; increased because of new technology.

International Markets

Markets where businesses buy and sell goods and services around the world.

Service Sector

The part of the economy that provides services instead of manufactured goods.

Collective Bargaining

Negotiations between workers (usually through unions) and employers over wages and working conditions.

Economic Disparity

Unequal distribution of wealth and income.

Flexible Employment

Jobs with nontraditional hours or freelance work, common in the gig economy.

Economic Equity

The idea that everyone should have fair economic opportunities.

Domestic Migration

Movement of people from one part of the United States to another.

Latin American Immigration

Increased immigration from countries like Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala beginning in the late 20th century.

Asian Immigration

Increased immigration from countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines after immigration laws changed in 1965.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing of traditions, languages, foods, and customs among different cultures.

Population Distribution

How people are spread across different parts of the country.

Electoral College Shift

Population growth in Sun Belt states increased their electoral votes and political influence.

Infrastructure Development

Construction of highways, airports, housing, utilities, and public transportation to support growing populations.

World Trade Center

Twin Towers in New York City destroyed during the September 11 attacks.

Pentagon

Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense; attacked on September 11, 2001.

Intelligence Gathering

Collecting information to prevent terrorist attacks.

Military Intervention

The use of armed forces in another country.

Constitutional Rights

Rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including freedom and due process.

Human Rights

Basic rights and freedoms that belong to all people.

Whistleblower

Someone who reveals secret information believed to expose wrongdoing.

Energy Dependence

Relying heavily on one source of energy, especially imported oil.

Renewable Resources

Natural energy sources that can be replaced, such as wind and solar.

Environmental Policy

Government actions to protect natural resources and reduce pollution.

Sustainability

Meeting today’s needs without harming future generations.

Automation

Machines replacing human workers, especially in factories

Technological Innovation

The creation of new technology that changes the economy or society.

Economic Opportunity

The chance to improve one’s financial situation through work or education.

Counterterrorism

Government actions to stop terrorist attacks.

Surveillance Programs

Government systems that monitor communications to detect threats.

Technology effects

Higher productivity → Economic growth → More service jobs.