APush Unit 8/9

William F. Buckley

Intellectual who founded the National Review and unified modern American conservatism.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Reagan’s proposed "Star Wars" space-based shield to intercept nuclear missiles.

Watergate Scandal

Nixon-era political break-in and cover-up that led to the only U.S. presidential resignation.

Busing Policies

Court-ordered transportation of students to schools outside their neighborhoods to achieve racial integration.

“Southern Strategy”

Nixon’s plan to win white Southern voters by appealing to racial tensions and states' rights.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to increase opportunities for marginalized groups in education and employment.

Gulf War (1991)

A U.S.-led coalition conflict that successfully liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

Iraq War (2003)

U.S. invasion to topple Saddam Hussein based on (unproven) claims of weapons of mass destruction.

Culture Wars

Social conflicts between progressives and traditionalists over issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

Milton Friedman

Nobel-winning economist who championed free-market capitalism and minimal government interference.

Patriot Act

2001 law expanding government surveillance powers to combat terrorism after 9/11.

“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

1990s policy allowing gay people to serve in the military only if they remained closeted.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Bush v. Gore

Supreme Court case that halted the Florida recount, effectively deciding the 2000 election.

NAFTA

1994 trade agreement eliminating tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Malaise Speech

Jimmy Carter’s 1979 address blaming a "crisis of confidence" for America’s energy and economic woes.

Iran Hostage Crisis

444-day standoff (1979–81) where 52 Americans were held by Iranian revolutionaries.

Iran-Contra Affair

Reagan-era scandal involving secret arms sales to Iran to illegally fund Nicaraguan rebels.

Bush Doctrine

Post-9/11 foreign policy shift toward preemptive military strikes against potential threats.