Key Events and Policies in Recent U.S. History

War in Afghanistan

Started in 2001 after 9/11 to remove the Taliban from power and fight terrorism, especially targeting al-Qaeda.

Tax Cuts for the Wealthy (Republicans)

Republicans supported lowering taxes for high-income earners to boost investment and economic growth—controversial because critics said it mainly helped the rich.

Build-up of Nuclear Weapons as a Deterrent to Communism

During the Cold War, the U.S. built many nuclear weapons to scare the Soviet Union from spreading communism (known as "mutually assured destruction").

Decline in Manufacturing

Factories closed or moved overseas, leading to fewer U.S. jobs in manufacturing—especially from the 1970s onward.

America Becomes a Service Industry Society

More jobs shifted to services (like healthcare, tech, and finance) instead of making goods in factories.

Increased Immigration from Different Countries

New waves of immigrants came from Latin America, Asia, and Africa—changing U.S. culture and population.

Impact of Immigration on Internal Migration

As immigrants settled in certain regions, Americans moved or adjusted based on job opportunities, cultural shifts, or housing demand.

Moral Majority - Support?

A political group of conservative Christians in the 1980s who supported traditional values, Ronald Reagan, and were against abortion and gay rights.

Iran-Contra Affair - Selling of Weapons to Iran - Why?

U.S. secretly sold weapons to Iran (despite a ban) to help free American hostages and used the money to illegally fund rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua.

End of Communism - Increases America's Activity in International Affairs

After the Soviet Union fell (1991), the U.S. became the world's main superpower and got more involved in global issues.

Breakdown of Communist Control in Eastern Europe

In the late 1980s-early 1990s, countries like Poland and East Germany ended communist rule—part of the Cold War ending.

The Internet and Global Trade and Markets

The internet helped businesses connect worldwide, increasing global trade and faster communication in the economy.

Patriot Act

A law passed after 9/11 to give the government more power to spy and gather info to stop terrorism—criticized for hurting privacy.

War on Terror

U.S. effort after 9/11 to fight global terrorism, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Homeland Security

A new government department created after 9/11 to protect the U.S. from terrorist attacks and manage emergencies.

George Bush and Persian Gulf War

In 1991, President George H.W. Bush led the U.S. in a war to push Iraq out of Kuwait (Operation Desert Storm)—quick U.S. victory.