The Conservative Surge – Ford to Reagan - Ch. 37 7-11 to Ch. 38 1-14

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. It posed a significant challenge for policymakers in the 1970s."

War Powers Act (1973)

A U.S. law that aimed to limit the president's ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces and limits military engagement to 60 days without further authorization."

Middle East War (1973)

Also known as the Yom Kippur War, it was a conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. The war had significant geopolitical implications and led to an oil embargo by OPEC."

OPEC

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of oil-producing nations. It aims to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to stabilize oil markets."

Oil Embargo

A 1973 action by OPEC to cut oil exports to the United States and other countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War. It led to an energy crisis and significantly higher oil prices."

Gerald Ford

The 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. He assumed the presidency following Nixon's resignation and is known for pardoning Nixon."

Bicentennial

The 200th anniversary of the United States, celebrated in 1976. It marked a time of national reflection and patriotism."

James Earl (Jimmy) Carter

The 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. He is known for his focus on human rights, the Camp David Accords, and the Iran hostage crisis."

Human Rights

A central focus of President Carter's foreign policy, emphasizing the promotion and protection of individual freedoms and rights worldwide. It influenced U.S. relations with other nations."

Panama Canal Treaty (1978)

A treaty signed between the U.S. and Panama that transferred control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by the year 2000. It aimed to improve relations between the two countries."

Camp David Accords (1978)

A peace agreement brokered by President Carter between Egypt and Israel. The accords led to a historic peace treaty between the two nations."

Anwar Sadat; Menachem Begin

The leaders of Egypt and Israel, respectively, who signed the Camp David Accords. Their efforts led to the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab country."

Iran; Hostage Crisis

A 444-day standoff where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian militants. The crisis began in 1979 and significantly impacted U.S.-Iran relations."

Afghanistan Invasion

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan aimed at supporting the communist government. It led to a prolonged conflict and U.S. support for Afghan resistance fighters."

Cultural Pluralism

A concept that promotes the coexistence of diverse cultures in a society, with each maintaining its unique cultural identity. It encourages mutual respect and appreciation among different cultural groups."

Immigration Act (1965)

A U.S. law that abolished the national origins quota system, leading to increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aimed to eliminate discriminatory immigration policies."

Simpson-Mazzoli Bill (Immigration 1984)

Also known as the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, it aimed to address illegal immigration. It included provisions for the legalization of undocumented immigrants and increased border security."

Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986)

A U.S. law that aimed to control and deter illegal immigration. It included provisions for the legalization of undocumented immigrants and increased border security."

Nuclear Accidents; Three Mile Island; Chernobyl

Three Mile Island: A partial nuclear meltdown in Pennsylvania in 1979, the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history. Chernobyl: A catastrophic nuclear disaster in Ukraine in 1986, resulting in widespread radioactive contamination."

Environmental Superfund

A U.S. federal program established to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances. It is funded by taxes on chemical and petroleum industries."

Alaskan Pipeline

An 800-mile-long pipeline system built to transport oil from Alaska's North Slope to the southern coast. It was completed in 1977 and has played a significant role in U.S. oil production."

WIN – Whip Inflation Now

A campaign initiated by President Gerald Ford in 1974 to combat inflation. It encouraged voluntary measures by businesses and consumers to reduce inflation but was largely ineffective."

Paul Volcker

The Chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1979 to 1987. He is credited with controlling inflation through high interest rates and tight monetary policy."

Silicon Chip

A small piece of silicon that contains integrated circuits used in electronic devices. It revolutionized the technology industry by enabling the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices."

Rachel Carson – Silent Spring

A book published in 1962 by Rachel Carson that raised awareness about the environmental impact of pesticides. It is credited with launching the modern environmental movement."

Phyllis Schlafly

A conservative activist known for her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. She argued that the ERA would undermine traditional family values and harm women."

Bakke Case

A landmark 1978 Supreme Court case that addressed affirmative action in college admissions. The Court ruled that racial quotas were unconstitutional but allowed race to be considered as one factor among others."

Affirmative Action

Policies and practices aimed at promoting equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups. It includes measures to increase representation in education, employment, and other areas."

Indo-Chinese Act of 1977

A U.S. law that provided for the admission of refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It aimed to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Vietnam War."

Conservatism

A political ideology that emphasizes tradition, limited government, free-market capitalism, and individual responsibility. It gained prominence in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century."

Religious Fundamentalism

A movement advocating for a return to fundamental principles of faith, often with a literal interpretation of religious texts. It has influenced political and social issues, particularly in the United States."

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that collect and distribute campaign funds to candidates for political office. They aim to influence elections and policy decisions."

Abortion Rights (ie: Roe)

The legal rights related to a woman's ability to terminate a pregnancy. The landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade (1973) established the constitutional right to abortion."

Reverse Discrimination

The concept that affirmative action policies can result in discrimination against majority groups. It is often cited in legal and political debates about equality and fairness."

Regents of University of California v. Bakke

A 1978 Supreme Court case that addressed affirmative action in college admissions. The Court ruled that racial quotas were unconstitutional but allowed race to be considered as one factor among others."

Ronald Reagan

The 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. He is known for his conservative policies, economic reforms, and role in ending the Cold War."

Reaganomics

The economic policies promoted by President Ronald Reagan, focusing on tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending. It aimed to stimulate economic growth through supply-side economics."

Supply-Side Economics

An economic theory that argues economic growth can be most effectively fostered by lowering taxes and decreasing regulation. It emphasizes the importance of supply factors in driving economic growth."

Sandra Day O’Connor; William Rehnquist

Sandra Day O'Connor: The first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, serving from 1981 to 2006. William Rehnquist: The 16th Chief Justice of the United States, serving from 1986 to 2005."

Budget and Trade Deficits

Budget Deficit: The shortfall when government expenditures exceed revenues. Trade Deficit: The shortfall when a country's imports exceed its exports."

“Evil Empire”

A term used by President Ronald Reagan to describe the Soviet Union. It reflected his strong anti-communist stance and belief in the moral superiority of the United States."

Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)

A proposed missile defense system announced by President Reagan in 1983. It aimed to protect the United States from nuclear attacks using ground-based and space-based systems."

Nicaragua; Sandinistas; Iran-Contra Affair

Nicaragua: A Central American country where the Sandinistas, a socialist group, came to power in 1979. Iran-Contra Affair: A political scandal in the 1980s involving the secret sale of arms to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua."

Middle East; Palestine Liberation Organization

Middle East: A region of geopolitical significance, often associated with conflicts and political tensions. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): An organization founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood."

Mikhail Gorbachev; Glasnost, Perestroika

Mikhail Gorbachev: The last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his reform policies. Glasnost: A policy of openness and transparency. Perestroika: A policy of economic and political restructuring."

Mayaguez Affair

A 1975 incident where the U.S. military rescued the crew of the SS Mayaguez, a merchant ship seized by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. It was the last official battle of the Vietnam War."

Ford’s Presidential Pardon and Clemency

President Gerald Ford's decision to pardon former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed during the Watergate scandal. It aimed to heal the nation but was highly controversial."

Prime Interest Rate

The interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers. It serves as a benchmark for other interest rates in the economy."

Carter Doctrine

A policy declared by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, stating that the U.S. would use military force to defend its interests in the Persian Gulf. It was a response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan."

SALT II

The second Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, negotiated between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the late 1970s. It aimed to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons but was never ratified by the U.S. Senate."

Revolution in Iran

The 1979 overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the establishment of an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini. It significantly altered the political landscape of the Middle East."

Elections of 1976, 1980, 1984

1976: Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford. 1980: Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter. 1984: Ronald Reagan won re-election against Walter Mondale."

Grenada

A small Caribbean island nation invaded by the United States in 1983. The invasion aimed to overthrow a Marxist government and restore order."

New Right

A conservative political movement that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. It emphasized traditional values, free-market economics, and a strong national defense."

Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act

A 1985 U.S. law aimed at reducing the federal budget deficit. It established automatic spending cuts if deficit reduction targets were not met."