Cold War Part 2 US History

Containment

U.S. policy to stop the spread of communism around the world.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Gave the president power to use military force in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.

Vietnamization

Nixon's plan to withdraw U.S. troops and have South Vietnam take over the fighting.

Tet Offensive

Major surprise attack by North Vietnam that shifted U.S. public opinion against the war.

My Lai Massacre

Killing of Vietnamese civilians by U.S. soldiers that shocked Americans and increased antiwar sentiment.

Pentagon Papers

Secret government documents leaked to the public showing the U.S. had misled Americans about the Vietnam War, increasing distrust in government.

War Powers Act

Law limiting the president's ability to send troops into combat without Congress's approval.

Paris Peace Accords

Agreement that ended direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Détente

Policy of easing tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union through diplomacy.

SALT or Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

Agreements between the U.S. and USSR to limit nuclear weapons.

Watergate Scandal

Political break-in and cover-up that led to Nixon's resignation and loss of public trust.

Silent Majority

Term used by Nixon to describe Americans who supported his policies and opposed protests.

New Federalism

Policy that shifted power and money from the federal government to the states.

Environmental Protection Agency

Government agency created to regulate pollution and protect the environment.

Great Society

Lyndon Johnson's programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare.

Medicare

Government healthcare program for elderly Americans.

Medicaid

Government healthcare program for low-income individuals and families.

Stagflation

Economic condition of high inflation and high unemployment at the same time.

OPEC Oil Embargo

When oil-producing countries stopped selling oil to the U.S., causing shortages and rising gas prices.

Reaganomics

Economic policy focused on tax cuts, reduced regulation, and decreased government spending.

Chicano Movement

Movement advocating for Mexican American rights in education, labor, and politics.

American Indian Movement

Organization fighting for Native American rights and self-determination.

Stonewall Riots

Protests against police actions that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Black Panthers

Group that promoted Black empowerment and fought against police brutality.

Students for a Democratic Society

Student activist group that protested the Vietnam War and pushed for social change.

Counterculture

Youth movement that rejected traditional values and opposed the Vietnam War.

Kent State Massacre

Event where National Guard troops killed student protesters, increasing opposition to the war.

Brinkmanship

Cold War strategy of pushing conflicts to the edge of war to force the other side to back down.

Woodstock

Music festival that symbolized the peak of counterculture and antiwar sentiment.

Iran Hostage Crisis

Event where Americans were held hostage in Iran, showing limits of U.S. power abroad.