Modern America Review

  1. What was the focus of Nixon's foreign policy during his era?

    • Engagement with China and attempting to ease tensions with the USSR.

  2. What was the purpose of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT)?

    • To limit the nuclear arms race between the US and USSR.

  3. What key domestic environmental policies were implemented during Nixon's tenure?

    • Formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the introduction of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

  4. What scandal led to Nixon's resignation?

    • The Watergate scandal, involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up.

  5. Why did Gerald Ford pardon Richard Nixon?

    • To prevent further national degradation due to Nixon's actions, claiming he had sufficiently paid for his presidency loss.

  6. What were the Camp David Accords?

    • A peace treaty between Israel and Egypt that showcased diplomatic success during Carter's administration.

  7. Describe the Iran Hostage Crisis during Carter's presidency.

    • The US gave asylum to the deposed Shah of Iran, leading to a siege at the US Embassy with hostages held for 444 days.

  8. Who was Ronald Reagan and what was his background before the presidency?

    • A former Hollywood actor and California governor who won the presidency in 1980, with George H.W. Bush as his running mate.

  9. What were the reasons for the conservative resurgence in the 1980s?

    • Public dissatisfaction with previous presidencies and economic issues such as inflation that increased support for conservative policies.

  10. What is Reaganomics and its main approach?

    • A domestic policy emphasizing supply-side economics (trickle-down) with tax cuts for the wealthy, believing benefits would trickle down to all.

  11. What were some outcomes of the War on Drugs initiated by Reagan?

    • Expansion of Nixon's initiatives with campaigns like 'Just Say No' and policies that led to mass incarceration.

  12. What significant event marked Sandra Day O'Connor’s nomination by Reagan?

    • She was nominated in 1981 as the first female Supreme Court Justice.

  13. What was the focus of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) initiated during the Space Race?

    • Aimed at missile defense, while raising safety concerns following the 1986 Challenger disaster.

  14. What was the Iran-Contra Affair?

    • A 1986 scandal involving secret US arms sales to Iran that funded Nicaraguan Contra rebels, with Reagan denying knowledge.

  15. What was significant about Reagan's meetings with Gorbachev?

    • They aimed to dismantle nuclear arms and reduce global tensions, contributing to democratic changes in Eastern Europe.

  16. What were George H.W. Bush's major policies during his presidency?

    • Continuation of conservatism and a focus on education and drug-fighting efforts.

  17. What major event occurred during Bush's presidency in 1989?

    • The fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the end of the Cold War.

  18. What led to the Persian Gulf War in 1990?

    • Iraq's invasion of Kuwait by President Saddam Hussein prompted an international military response (Operation Desert Storm).