Modern American - Final Exam Terms

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for mutual defense among its member countries in North America and Europe.

Korean Conflict

A war between North and South Korea from 1950 to 1953, which involved several countries including the United Nations forces led by the US, and resulted in a stalemate.

Domino Theory

The idea that a political event in one country could trigger similar events in neighboring countries, particularly during the Cold War, suggesting that the spread of communism in one nation could lead to its spread in others.

Mutually Assured Destruction

A military strategy during the Cold War where both superpowers, the US and the USSR, would retaliate with overwhelming force against a nuclear attack, ensuring total destruction for both sides.

Red Scare

A period of intense fear of communism in the United States, particularly during the late 1940s and 1950s, where government actions included investigations, blacklistings, and heightened tensions.

Black Power

A political and social movement among African Americans during the 1960s advocating for racial dignity, economic and political self-sufficiency, and a rejection of assimilation into white society.

Black Panther Party

A revolutionary organization founded in 1966 to combat racial oppression and promote civil rights, focusing on community programs and self-defense.

Freedom Rides

A series of bus trips taken by civil rights activists in 1961 to challenge segregation in interstate bus terminals across the southern United States.

Kent State University

A site of a tragic student protest in 1970, where the National Guard shot and killed four students during an anti-Vietnam War demonstration.

Stonewall Uprising

A pivotal event in 1969 in New York City where patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against a police raid, marking the start of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Equal Rights Amendment

A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, but failed to achieve the required ratification by the states.

Reagonomics

The economic policy promoted by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, focusing on tax cuts, deregulation, and reducing government spending to stimulate growth.

Conservative vs. Liberal (Approach to government)

The two primary political ideologies in the United States, where conservatives generally advocate for limited government intervention and traditional values, while liberals support greater government involvement in social and economic issues to promote equality and social welfare.

War on Drugs

A national campaign launched in the 1980s aimed at reducing illegal drug use, trafficking, and related crime through strict law enforcement, prevention programs, and treatment initiatives.

Jerry Falwell - Evangelicals

A prominent American pastor and political commentator, Jerry Falwell was a key figure in the rise of the Evangelical movement and the Moral Majority in the late 20th century, advocating for conservative Christian values in politics.

NAFTA

A trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States established in 1994 to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate economic cooperation.

USA PATRIOT Act

Legislation passed in 2001 aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing law enforcement's ability to combat terrorism following the September 11 attacks. It expanded powers for surveillance and information gathering.

The Great Recession

A severe global economic downturn that began in 2007, characterized by significant declines in consumer wealth, widespread unemployment, and major financial failures, particularly in the mortgage and banking sectors.

Hurricane Katrina

A powerful and devastating hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005, causing catastrophic flooding and significant loss of life, particularly in New Orleans.

Social Media Echo Chambers

Online environments where individuals are exposed primarily to information that reinforces their existing beliefs, limiting diverse perspectives.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. foreign policy strategy established in 1947, aimed at containing the spread of communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries threatened by Soviet influence.

Truman’s Memoir

A personal account written by President Harry S. Truman reflecting on his experiences and decisions during his presidency, particularly concerning foreign policy and the Cold War.

Pendergrass Letter

A correspondence written by Harry S. Truman, expressing his views on civil rights and his commitment to ending racial discrimination in the United States.

McCarthy Communism

A period of intense anti-communist suspicion in the United States during the early Cold War, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. This era was characterized by aggressive investigations and accusations against perceived communists in government and society.

Brown vs. Board of Education

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, effectively ending racial segregation in education.

Letter From Birmingham Jail

A letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 while incarcerated, addressing the issues of racial injustice and advocating for nonviolent resistance.

Ballot or Bullet

A speech by Malcolm X delivered in 1964 that urged African Americans to take control of their rights through voting or, if necessary, self-defense. It emphasized the importance of political engagement and self-determination in the civil rights struggle.

Steinem on Equal Rights

A statement by Gloria Steinem advocating for gender equality, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and rights for women in all spheres of life.

Teddi Holt on Feminism

A discussion by Teddi Holt focusing on the inclusivity of feminism, highlighting the challenges women face and the intersectionality needed for true equality.

Russo Why We Fight

An article by Russo that examines the motivations behind American involvement in conflicts, critiquing the various justifications used and advocating for a philosophy of peace and diplomacy.

Reagan’s Farewell Address

A speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan in 1990, reflecting on his presidency, promoting patriotism, and addressing the importance of freedom and responsibility in America.

Income Inequality

The unequal distribution of income within a population, often leading to disparities in wealth and opportunities among different socioeconomic groups.

Bush’s Axis of Evil

A term used by President George W. Bush in his 2002 State of the Union address to describe governments that he accused of supporting terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction, specifically Iran, Iraq, and North Korea.