Period 9: Conservatism, Globalization, and the Modern Era (1980–Present)

New Right

A coalition of conservative groups that emerged in the late 1970s.

Moral Majority

Founded by Jerry Falwell, this group mobilized evangelical Christians to vote for candidates opposing abortion and feminism.

Fiscal Conservatives

Taxpayers concerned about government spending from New Deal/Great Society policies.

Ronald Reagan

The Republican candidate who campaigned as a Washington outsider in the 1980 election.

Reaganomics

An economic policy based on tax cuts to stimulate investment and economic growth.

Supply-Side Economics

Economic theory that favors tax cuts to boost economic growth.

Trickle-Down Economics

Economic policy suggesting that benefits for the wealthy will eventually benefit the poor.

Economic Recovery Tax Act (1981)

A 25% tax cut enacted over three years under Reagan.

Deregulation

The reduction of federal regulations to lower business costs.

Military Spending

Increased government expenditure on defense and military, leading to significant budget deficits under Reagan.

Peace Through Strength

Reagan's foreign policy strategy advocating for military dominance.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Proposed missile defense system intended to protect the U.S. from nuclear attack.

Iran-Contra Affair

Scandal involving Iran arms sales used to fund Contras in Nicaragua.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Reformist leader of the USSR who worked with Reagan on arms reduction treaties.

Berlin Wall

Structure that fell in 1989, symbolizing the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe.

START I & II

Treaties signed to reduce nuclear arsenals between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Operation Desert Storm

A military campaign that quickly liberated Kuwait from Iraqi control.

Bill Clinton

Democrat who won the 1992 election by moving the party to the center.

NAFTA

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

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An organization established to oversee international trade agreements.

Welfare Reform (1996)

Legislation requiring work for financial assistance under Clinton’s administration.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999)

Deregulated the banking industry, allowing banks to act as investment banks.

Monica Lewinsky Scandal

A scandal that led to Clinton's impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Supreme Court case that decided the 2000 presidential election by stopping the Florida recount.

September 11, 2001

Date when Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

The Bush Doctrine

Shifted U.S. foreign policy to preemptive strikes against terrorists.

War in Afghanistan (2001)

U.S. invasion to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban.

War in Iraq (2003)

U.S. invasion based on claims of WMDs and links to terrorism.

The Patriot Act (2001)

Legislation expanding government surveillance powers post-9/11.

Great Recession (2008)

Worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, caused by subprime mortgage failures.

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Major healthcare reform aiming to reduce uninsured Americans.

Stimulus Package

Government spending to address economic collapse and bail out industries.

Tea Party

Conservative populist movement emerging in 2010, affecting political dynamics.

The Digital Revolution

The shift of the Internet from military to public use, impacting business and communication.

Immigration Act of 1965

Legislation that significantly changed immigration patterns in the U.S.

Sun Belt Migration

Population shift from Northeast/Midwest to South/West due to job opportunities.

Do Not Ask, Do Not Tell (1994)

Policy allowing gays to serve in the military if they remained closeted.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Glass-Steagall Act

Depression-era act repealed by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, allowing risky banking practices.

Cold War

The geopolitical tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that lasted for decades.

Civil Liberties vs. National Security

Ongoing debate regarding the balance between individual freedoms and public safety.

Saddam Hussein

Iraqi dictator whose invasion of Kuwait led to U.S. military intervention.

Al-Qaeda

Terrorist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

Fiscal Policy

Government policies focused on taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Labor Rights

Legal rights and economic protections for workers.

Demographic Changes

Shifts in population characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and immigration trends.