DC U.S. History Spring Final Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the post-WWII era through the early $$21^{st}$$ century in U.S. History.

Containment

The United States’ policy after World War II with the goal of stopping the spread of communism and limiting Soviet influence around the world.

NATO

A military alliance created to protect Western Europe from Soviet aggression.

Warsaw Pact

A military alliance that united communist countries in Eastern Europe under Soviet control as a response to NATO.

Iron Curtain

A term describing the political and ideological division between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western Europe.

Cold War Competition

A period of rivalry fought through proxy wars, arms races, space competition, espionage, and economic conflict rather than direct military fighting between the U.S. and USSR.

Bomb Shelters

Structures built by families to protect against nuclear fallout, reflecting the widespread fear of nuclear war during the Cold War.

Oil Crisis of the $1970s$

An economic crisis caused by OPEC oil embargoes and reduced production during Middle Eastern conflicts, leading to inflation and gas shortages.

Suburban Expansion

The rapid growth of communities outside of cities after World War II, made possible by the GI Bill, highway construction, and low-cost housing.

Sun Belt Migration

The movement of people from the Rust Belt to the Southern and Western U.S. for warmer climates, lower taxes, and job opportunities in growing industries.

Supply-side Economics (Reaganomics)

An economic theory focused on lowering taxes and regulations to encourage business investment and growth.

Reagan Doctrine

A foreign policy that provided aid to anti-communist groups fighting against Soviet-backed governments.

Proxy Conflicts

Indirect wars, such as those in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, where the U.S. and Soviet Union supported opposing sides without fighting each other directly.

Glasnost

A reform introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev meaning "openness."

Perestroika

A reform introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev meaning "economic restructuring."

Fall of the Berlin Wall

A significant historical event symbolizing the collapse of communist control in Eastern Europe and the approaching end of the Cold War.

Third World

A Cold War term referring to developing nations that were not aligned with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union.

New World Order

A post–Cold War concept of a world with greater international cooperation led largely by the United States.

Operation Desert Storm

The $1991$ military campaign led by a U.S.-led coalition to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

United Nations

An international organization that promotes cooperation, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.

Patriot Act

A law passed after $9/11$ that increased government surveillance powers, sparking debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Executive Orders

Actions taken by presidents to implement policy without Congress, which have increased in use due to political gridlock.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A civil rights law that expanded protections by banning discrimination against people with disabilities.

Sonia Sotomayor

The first Hispanic justice appointed to the Supreme Court.

Barack Obama

The first African American president of the United States.

Globalization

The process of increasing worldwide economic connections and the movement of production overseas.

Outsourcing

The practice of moving production or services to other countries, contributing to the decline of U.S. manufacturing jobs between $1970$ and $2000$.

NAFTA

A trade agreement intended to reduce barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Service and Knowledge-based Economy

An economic shift where jobs focus on technology, healthcare, and finance rather than traditional manufacturing.

The Internet

A technological development that allowed for instant communication and global access to information.

War on Terror

The U.S. foreign policy shift following the September $11$ attacks, leading to the invasion of Afghanistan to remove the Taliban and destroy al-Qaeda.

Great Recession

A major economic downturn caused by risky lending, housing speculation, and financial system failures.

Clinton’s "Middle Path"

A political approach that combined liberal goals with conservative ideas like balanced budgets and welfare reform.

Renewable Energy Policy

Government investment in cleaner energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign oil and address climate change concerns.