Unit 1_ Rise of the Silent Majority Key Terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.

Barry Goldwater

Unsuccessful presidential candidate in 1964 who called for dismantling the New Deal and is seen as the grandfather of the conservative movement of the 1980s.

Bill Clinton

President of the United States from 1993-2001, known for centrist policies and major achievements like NAFTA and welfare reform.

Camp David Accords (1979)

Agreement between Israel and Egypt brokered by President Carter, leading to Israel surrendering land and Egypt recognizing Israel.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that desegregated public accommodations and broadened federal powers to protect individual rights.

Contract with America

Document drafted by Newt Gingrich promising ten items to be enacted if Republicans won control of Congress.

Crisis of Confidence (Malaise) Speech

Televised address by President Carter expressing concerns about the national spirit, leading to public disillusionment.

Deregulation

The process of reducing federal regulations on industries, notably during the Reagan administration.

Earl Warren

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1953–1969) known for significant rulings on civil rights and social issues.

George H.W

President from 1989-1993, known for his "no new taxes" promise and the Gulf War.

George McGovern

Unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate in 1972 who advocated for withdrawal from Vietnam.

George W

President from 2001-2009, known for "compassionate conservatism" and the War on Terror.

George Wallace

Alabama governor and segregationist candidate for president in 1968 and 1972.

Gerald Ford

President from 1974-1977, who assumed office after Nixon's resignation.

Geraldine Ferraro

First woman on a major political party’s presidential ticket as Mondale's running mate in 1984.

Great Society

Lyndon Johnson's program aimed at reducing poverty and racial injustice, including Medicare and the Voting Rights Act.

Henry Kissinger

Advisor to Nixon and Ford, known for his role in Vietnam settlement and U.S.-China relations.

Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965

Law that ended nationality-based quotas for immigration to the U.S.

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979–1981)

Event where Iranian radicals held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Iran–Contra Affair (1986–1987)

Scandal involving the Reagan administration's illegal arms sales to Iran to fund Nicaraguan Contras.

Jimmy Carter

President from 1977-1981, known for the Camp David Accords and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

Lyndon Johnson

President from 1963-1969, known for escalating the Vietnam War and the Great Society programs.

New Left

Political movement of the 1960s advocating for civil rights and opposing U.S. foreign policy.

No Child Left Behind

Education reform plan emphasizing accountability and testing in schools.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Law protecting Native American remains and cultural items.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico aimed at promoting trade.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Cartel of oil-exporting nations that influenced U.S. oil policy.

Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm)

Military campaign to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi control.

Richard Nixon

President from 1969-1974, known for his foreign policy achievements and the Watergate scandal.

Roe v

Landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting a woman's right to choose an abortion.

Ronald Reagan

President from 1981-1989, known for conservative policies and the end of the Cold War.

Sandra Day O’Connor

First woman appointed to the Supreme Court, serving from 1981.

September 11, 2001

Terrorist attacks by al Qaeda on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Silent Majority

Term used by Nixon to describe middle-class Americans who supported his policies.

Stagflation

Economic condition in the 1970s characterized by high inflation and stagnant economic growth.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Proposed missile defense system during the Reagan administration.

Sunbelt

Region in the South and Southwest known for its warm climate and population growth.

Supply-side economics (Reaganomics)

Economic policies focused on tax cuts and reducing government spending to stimulate growth.

Thurgood Marshall

First black justice on the Supreme Court and leading attorney in Brown v. Board of Education.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at eliminating barriers to voting for African Americans.

War on Terror

U.S. efforts to combat terrorism following the September 11 attacks.

Warren Burger

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1969–1986) known for significant rulings on civil rights.