Key Terms and Events from Nixon to Obama

These flashcards cover significant terms, events, and concepts from the Nixon presidency through the Obama presidency for review in preparation for the upcoming exam.

Nixon Presidency

The period of Richard Nixon's presidency from 1969 to 1974, marked by notable successes and the Watergate Scandal.

Watergate Scandal

A major political scandal involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by President Nixon.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal agency established in 1970 to address pollution and protect the environment.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Legislation aimed at protecting and recovering threatened species and their habitats.

Detente

The diplomatic policy aimed at easing tensions between the USSR and the United States during Nixon's presidency.

SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks)

Negotiations between the U.S. and the USSR to limit the number of nuclear weapons.

Camp David Accords

A peace agreement brokered by President Carter between Egypt and Israel in 1978.

Iranian Hostage Crisis

A diplomatic crisis where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days by Iranian militants.

Reaganomics

Economic policies promoted by President Ronald Reagan, emphasizing tax cuts and reduced government spending to stimulate growth.

Iran-Contra Affair

A political scandal during the Reagan administration involving the secret sale of arms to Iran and funding for Nicaraguan rebels.

War on Drugs

A campaign launched by Nixon and expanded under Reagan to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

USA PATRIOT Act

Legislation enacted after the September 11 attacks to enhance domestic security and surveillance.

Operation Enduring Freedom

The U.S.-led military operation in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks to dismantle terror networks.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Healthcare reform law enacted during President Obama’s administration aimed at expanding healthcare coverage.

9/11 Terror Attacks

Coordinated terrorist attacks in 2001 that targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Katrina

A devastating hurricane in 2005 that significantly impacted New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

Community Reinvestment Act

Legislation aimed at encouraging banks to meet the credit needs of low-income neighborhoods.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement, designed to eliminate trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the United States president; the candidate with the majority of electoral votes wins.

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)

Federal law that allows employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.

AIDS Epidemic

A health crisis that began in the early 1980s, particularly affecting the gay community and leading to widespread panic.

Strategic Defense Initiative

Proposed missile defense system intended to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks, initiated during Reagan's presidency.

Berlin Wall

Barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War division between East and West.

New Right

A political movement characterized by conservative ideologies in the U.S., focused on family values and economic conservatism.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Confrontation in 1962 between the U.S. and USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba, which brought them to the brink of nuclear war.

Chinese Trip (Nixon's Trip to China)

Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972 that opened diplomatic relations and increased trade.

Economic Recovery Act

Legislation aimed at stimulating the economy, particularly after the 2008 recession.

Moral Majority

A political group led by evangelical Christians advocating for conservative values.

Obamacare

Common name for the Affordable Care Act, which aimed to reduce healthcare costs and expand coverage.

Patriot Act Effects

Expanded surveillance and law enforcement authority to prevent terrorism.

Hurricane Katrina Consequences

Severe impacts on New Orleans, including loss of life, infrastructure damage, and economic loss.

USDA (US Department of Agriculture)

Government agency responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, agriculture, and food.

George W. Bush Presidency

The period of George W. Bush's presidency from 2001 to 2009, marked by significant events like 9/11 and the Iraq War.

Desert Storm

Military operation to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi invasion in 1991.

Election of 2000

Controversial presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore that was decided by a narrow margin in Florida.

Community Reinvestment Act Purpose

To ensure that financial institutions serve the needs of all communities, particularly low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

Joe Biden's Presidency

Current presidency since 2021 focusing on COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure investment, and climate change.

ISIS Rise

The emergence of the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, partly attributed to the instability following the Iraq War.

Kelo v. New London

Supreme Court case establishing the government's power to seize land for economic development.

Patriot Act Controversies

Debates over privacy rights versus security measures in the wake of terrorism threats.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

1964 confrontation that led to increased U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.

Balkanization

The fragmentation of a region or state into smaller, often hostile units.

Second Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West during the mid-20th century.

Technological Advances in the 1950s

Advancements that facilitated the migration and development in southern states, particularly Florida.

Osama bin Laden

Founder of al-Qaeda, orchestrated the September 11 attacks on the United States.

First Black President

Refers to Barack Obama, who served as the 44th president of the U.S. from 2009 to 2017.