Globalizing America: 1992-2008

free trade zone

An area where goods can be stored, manufactured, and handled without the intervention of customs authorities.

Christian Coalition

A political coalition associated with the Christian right wing of the Republican Party.

supply-side economics

An economic theory stating that tax cuts will stimulate the economy by increasing investment; associated with Reaganomics.

election of 1980

The presidential election in which Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter.

deregulation

The removal of regulations or restrictions, especially in a particular industry.

make America great again

A slogan used by Ronald Reagan and later Donald Trump, aiming to restore the United States to its former prominence.

Reaganomics

The economic policies promoted by President Ronald Reagan, which included supply-side economics and deregulation.

savings and loan associations

Financial institutions that experienced a crisis in the 1980s due to risky investments.

temps

Workers hired for a short period of time, often through an agency.

evil empire

A term used by Ronald Reagan to describe the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Reagan Doctrine

The foreign policy of President Ronald Reagan, which aimed to combat communism by supporting anti-communist movements around the world.

Beirut barracks bombing

A suicide bombing attack in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983, which killed many U.S. Marines.

war on drugs

A campaign, led by the U.S. federal government, intended to reduce the illegal drug trade.

New Federalism

A political philosophy of devolution, or the transfer of certain powers from the United States federal government back to the states.

Iran-Contra scandal

A political scandal in the United States that came to light in 1985. Senior administration officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, which was the subject of an arms embargo.

automation

The use of machines to do tasks formerly done by humans.

personal computer

A computer designed for use by one person at a time.

Vietnam syndrome

Reluctance to engage in international interventions or wars, especially after the Vietnam War.

affluence gap

The gap between the rich and poor.

homeless Americans

People who do not have a permanent home and often live on the streets.

Generation X

The demographic cohort following the baby boomers.

sanctuary movement

A movement that offered shelter and support to Central American refugees in the United States.

Comprehensive Anti-apartheid Act

A US federal law enacted in 1986 that imposed sanctions against South Africa for its apartheid policies.

Rainbow Coalition

A political movement assembled by Jesse Jackson in the 1980s, advocating for social and economic justice.

Reagan Democrats

Traditionally Democratic voters, primarily White working-class voters, who defected to Ronald Reagan and the Republican Party in the 1980s.

AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power

An advocacy group formed to raise awareness and fight for the rights of people with AIDS.

culture wars

Conflicts over social and moral issues, such as abortion, religion in schools, and LGBTQ+ rights, that have divided American society.

attack ads

Political advertisements focused on attacking an opponent's character or record.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

third wave feminism

A continuation of feminism that emerged in the 1990s, emphasizing diversity and intersectionality.

Operation Desert Storm

A U.S.-led military operation to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

free trade zone

Areas where tariffs and other trade barriers between countries are reduced or eliminated.

Christian Coalition

A politically conservative religious group associated with the Republican Party.

supply-side economics

Economic policy that advocates cutting taxes to stimulate investment and production.

election of 1980

Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, marking a shift towards conservative politics.

deregulation

The reduction or elimination of government regulations in various industries.

make America great again

A slogan used by Donald Trump, echoing Reagan's promise to restore American greatness.

Reaganomics

Economic policies associated with Ronald Reagan, including tax cuts and deregulation.

savings and loan associations

Financial institutions that experienced deregulation and contributed to the financial crisis of the 1980s.

temps

Workers hired on a temporary basis, often without benefits or job security.

evil empire

Referring to the Soviet Union by Ronald Reagan.

Reagan Doctrine

Foreign policy strategy under Reagan to combat Soviet influence in the Third World.

Beirut barracks bombing

Suicide bombing that killed 241 U.S. marines in Lebanon in 1983.

war on drugs

Effort to reduce illegal drug use and trafficking in the United States.

New Federalism

Transfer of power and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

Iran-Contra scandal

Political scandal in which the U.S. government sold arms to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages.

automation

The use of machines to automate tasks previously done by human labor.

personal computer

A compact computer designed for individual use.

Vietnam syndrome

Reluctance to intervene in foreign conflicts after the Vietnam War.

affluence gap

The difference in wealth and income between the rich and the poor.

homeless Americans

People without a permanent home.

Generation X

The generation born after the baby boomers.

sanctuary movement

A movement to provide refuge for Central American refugees in the United States.

Comprehensive Anti-apartheid Act

Imposed sanctions against South Africa for its apartheid policies.

Rainbow Coalition

A political coalition that promoted social and economic justice and multi culturalism.

Reagan Democrats

Blue-collar workers who traditionally voted Democratic but supported Reagan.

AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power

Advocacy group that fought for AIDS research, treatment, and awareness.

culture wars

Conflicts over values and beliefs in American society.

attack ads

Political advertisements that attack an opponent's character or record.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

third wave feminism

A continuation of feminism that embraced diversity and challenged traditional gender roles.

Operation Desert Storm

U.S.-led military operation to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

NAFTA

Agreements between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that created a free trade zone.

Mosaic web browser popularizes the World Wide Web

An American computer scientist, considered the creator of the world wide web.

Al-Qaeda

An Islamic terrorist organization.

Oklahoma City bombing

Domestic terrorism act.

World Trade Organization

An international organization that promotes trade and economic development.

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act

U.S. legislation that reformed the welfare system.

Globalization

Series of economic trends and technological advancements that greatly changed the economic and social system.

Joint U.S.-NATO force strikes Serbian military

An armed conflict in the Balkans.

Dot-com crash

A stock market bubble driven by investments in Internet-based companies.

Islamist radicals bomb USS Cole off Yemen coast

This was a terrorist attack against the U.S. Navy warship.

Al-Qaeda attacks World Trade Center and Pentagon

Series of terrorist attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda.

UN forces bomb al-Qaeda stronghold in Afghanistan

Military operations launched in response to the 9/11 attacks.

U.S. and allies invade Iraq and topple Saddam Hussein

A military campaign launched by the United States and its allies to remove Saddam Hussein from power.

Photographs of torture at Abu Ghraib go viral

Photographs of prisoner abuse taken at Abu Ghraib prison.

Facebook goes online

Social networking site.

Gay couple legally weds in Massachusetts

First state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage.

Hurricane Katrina ravages Gulf Coast

A catastrophic natural disaster that devastated the Gulf Coast region.

Great Recession begins as housing and stock markets crash

Severe economic downturn characterized by widespread financial instability and job losses.

President Bush secures 700-billion-dollar federal bailout

An emergency measure enacted by the U.S. government to stabilize the financial system.

1992

Bill Clinton is elected president.

1993

Mosaic web browser popularizes the World Wide Web. U.S., Canada, and Mexico sign NAFTA. Waco standoff ends. Al-Qaeda bomb under World Trade Center.

1994

Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act bans assault weapons.

1995

Anti-government militia bomb federal building in Oklahoma City. World Trade Organization founded.

1996

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act cuts welfare benefits.

1998

Federal budget runs surplus for the first time since 1970.

1999

Police clash with anti-globalization protesters in Seattle. Joint U.S.-NATO force strikes Serbian military.

2000

Dot-com crash. Islamist radicals bomb USS Cole off Yemen coast. George W. Bush is elected president.

2001

Federal budget re-enters deficit. Al-Qaeda attacks World Trade Center and Pentagon. UN forces bomb al-Qaeda stronghold in Afghanistan.

2003

U.S. and allies invade Iraq and topple Saddam Hussein.

2004

Photographs of torture at Abu Ghraib go viral. Facebook goes online.

2005

Gay couple legally weds in Massachusetts. Hurricane Katrina ravages Gulf Coast.

2007

Great Recession begins as housing and stock markets crash.

2008

President Bush secures 700-billion-dollar federal bailout. Barack Obama is elected president.