Unit 8 Vocab (Page 3)

Chicago Convention

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago became known for violent clashes between protesters and police.

White Backlash

White backlash was resistance by many white voters to civil rights reforms and social change.

Vietnamization

Vietnamization was Nixon's policy of turning combat responsibility over to South Vietnamese forces.

Nixon Doctrine

The Nixon Doctrine stated that allies should handle their own defense with U.S. support.

Kent State

National Guard troops killed four student protesters at Kent State University in 1970.

My Lai

My Lai was a massacre of Vietnamese civilians by American soldiers.

Pentagon Papers

The Pentagon Papers revealed government deception about the Vietnam War.

Paris Accords of 1973

These agreements ended direct U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.

Détente

a period of reduced tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.

China visit

Nixon's 1972 visit opened diplomatic relations with communist China.

Antiballistic missiles

These were defense systems designed to stop incoming nuclear missiles.

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

SALT agreements limited certain nuclear weapons between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

Middle East war

The 1973 Arab-Israeli War increased global tensions and energy problems.

OPEC

OPEC is an organization of oil-producing nations that controls oil production.

Oil embargo

Arab oil producers stopped exports to pressure Western nations in 1973.

New Federalism

New Federalism shifted some federal responsibilities back to state governments.

Stagflation

combined inflation with slow economic growth and unemployment.

Southern Strategy

Nixon appealed to white Southern voters through conservative positions.

Wage and price controls

Nixon temporarily froze wages and prices to fight inflation.

Off the gold standard

Nixon ended direct dollar conversion into gold.

Cost of living indexed

Benefits and wages were adjusted automatically for inflation.

Title IX

Title IX banned sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.

Burger Court

The Burger Court continued many civil rights rulings while becoming more conservative.

Roe v. Wade

This Supreme Court case protected abortion rights under privacy rights.

Election of 1972

Nixon won reelection by a landslide against George McGovern.

Watergate cover-up

Nixon's administration tried to hide involvement in the Watergate break-in.

Plumbers

The Plumbers were a secret group created to stop information leaks.

Enemies list

Nixon kept a list of political opponents targeted by the administration.

United States v. Nixon

The Supreme Court ordered Nixon to release White House tapes.

War Powers Act

This law limited presidential power to send troops without Congress.

Impeachment and resignation

Nixon resigned in 1974 before likely impeachment.

Imperial presidency

This term describes excessive presidential power beyond constitutional limits.

Pardon of Nixon

President Ford pardoned Nixon for any crimes he may have committed.

Reform of CIA

Congress increased oversight of intelligence agencies after abuse revelations.

Fall of Saigon

Saigon fell to communist forces in 1975, ending the Vietnam War.

Cambodia genocide

The Khmer Rouge killed millions in Cambodia after taking power.

Battle over inflation

Presidents struggled to control rising prices in the 1970s.

Bicentennial

The United States celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1976.

Election of 1976

Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford after promising honesty.

Human rights

Carter made human rights a major goal of foreign policy.

Panama Canal Treaty

The U.S. agreed to transfer canal control to Panama.

Camp David Accords

Egypt and Israel signed peace agreements through U.S. mediation.

Iranian hostage crisis

Iranian militants held American hostages for over a year.

Recognition of China / Soviet invasion

Carter recognized China diplomatically while condemning the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

High interest rates

The Federal Reserve raised rates sharply to fight inflation.

Malaise speech

Carter warned Americans about national frustration and loss of confidence.

Cultural pluralism

Cultural pluralism encouraged preserving ethnic identities within society.

Impact of 1965 Immigration Law

Immigration increased from Asia and Latin America after quotas ended.

Immigration Reform and Control Act

This law legalized many undocumented immigrants and punished employers hiring illegally.

Hispanic Americans

Hispanic Americans became a rapidly growing political and cultural force.

American Indian Movement

AIM fought for Native American rights and sovereignty.

Indian Self-Determination Act

This law gave tribes more control over federal programs.

Gaming casinos

Many tribes opened casinos to strengthen tribal economies.

Asian Americans

Asian American populations grew rapidly after immigration reform.

Gay liberation movement

This movement demanded equal rights and social acceptance for LGBTQ people.

Earth Day

Earth Day began in 1970 to promote environmental awareness.

Exxon Valdez accident

A major oil spill in Alaska caused severe environmental damage.

Three Mile Island

A nuclear power plant accident raised fears about nuclear safety.

Chernobyl meltdown

A Soviet nuclear disaster spread radioactive contamination.

Clean Air Act

This law set national air pollution standards.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA enforces federal environmental laws.

Clean Water Act

This law regulated pollution in rivers and lakes.

Environmental Superfund

This program funds cleanup of toxic waste sites.

Endangered Species Act

This law protects threatened plants and animals.