APUSH PERIOD NINE

Laffer Curve

Economic theory that suggests lowering taxes can increase total tax revenue by boosting economic activity, central to supply-side economics

Reaganomics

Ronald Reagan’s economic policy emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending to stimulate growth.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, transportation, and public accommodations.

Black Lives Matter

Social movement founded in 2013 protesting systemic racism and violence against Black individuals, especially police brutality.

Iran-Contra Affair (1980s)

Political scandal in which U.S. officials secretly sold arms to Iran and used the profits to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, bypassing Congress.

Glasnost

Soviet policy under Mikhail Gorbachev meaning “openness,” promoting transparency and freedom of information.

Perestroika

Gorbachev’s policy of economic restructuring aimed at reforming the stagnant Soviet economy during the 1980s.

Berlin Wall (1961–1989)

Physical and ideological barrier dividing East and West Berlin; its fall in 1989 symbolized the end of the Cold War.

European Union (EU)

Political and economic union of European countries promoting integration, free trade, and shared policies.

NAFTA (1994)

North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, eliminating most tariffs and trade barriers.

Globalization

The growing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations, often driven by trade, technology, and migration.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Supreme Court case that ended the Florida recount, effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush

Al-Qaeda

Islamist terrorist organization responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks, founded by Osama bin Laden.

September 11, 2001

Coordinated terrorist attacks on the U.S. by Al-Qaeda, targeting the World Trade Center and Pentagon, leading to the War on Terror.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Law expanding government surveillance and investigative powers to combat terrorism following 9/11.

WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction)

Term used to justify the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, though such weapons were never found.

Affordable Care Act (2010)

Also known as “Obamacare,” it expanded healthcare coverage, prohibited denial based on preexisting conditions, and required most Americans to have insurance.

Tea Party

Conservative political movement that emerged in 2009 opposing big government, taxes, and the Affordable Care Act.

Arab Spring (2010–2012)

Series of pro-democracy uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa challenging authoritarian regimes.