history

GLASNOST

Soviet policy of political openness and free speech.

PERESTROIKA

Soviet policy of economic restructuring (adding minor free markets).

REALPOLITIK

Foreign policy based on practical reality instead of moral ideals.

SALT

Cold War treaties that froze nuclear missile numbers.

MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION (M.A.D.)

The idea that a nuclear war would destroy both sides completely.

FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

1989 event symbolizing the collapse of Communism in Europe.

DÉTENTE AND THE COLD WAR

A period of relaxed tensions between the U.S. and the USSR in the 1970s.

STAGFLATION

High inflation (rising prices) + stagnant economy (job loss).

STAGNATION

A period of slow or zero economic growth

INFLATION

A general increase in prices over time.

SUPPLY SHOCK

A sudden, unexpected drop in the supply of a product.

AGGREGATE SUPPLY

The total amount of goods produced in an economy.

OPEC

A group of oil nations that controls oil supply and prices.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The balance between how much is made vs. how much people want.

SUPPLY-SIDE ECONOMICS

Tax cuts and deregulation to boost business production (Reagonomics).

KEYNESIAN ECONOMICS

The idea that government spending can fix a bad economy.

ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS

Government aid guaranteed to anyone who qualifies (like Social Security).

DEREGULATION

Cutting government rules on businesses to help them compete.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

Federal agency created to fight pollution and protect nature.

ROE V. WADE

Roe made abortion legal nationwide

DOBBS VS. JACKSON

Dobbs overturned roe v wade

TITLE IX

Law banning sex discrimination to give girls equal opportunities in sports/school.

NEW RIGHT

1980s movement focusing on conservative social and economic goals.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for minorities and women.

REVERSE DISCRIMINATION

The claim that affirmative action causes unfair treatment of the majority

CONSERVATIVE COALITION

An alliance of conservative groups that gained power in the 1980s.

MORAL MAJORITY

Evangelical Christian political group that fought for traditional religious values

RONALD REAGAN

40th President; led the 1980s conservative shift via tax cuts and strong anti-communism.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH

41st President; led the U.S. through the end of the Cold War