APUSH 1968-today working set

What event symbolized the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989?

Answer: The fall of the Berlin Wall.

When did the Soviet Union officially dissolve, marking the end of the Cold War?

Answer: 1991.

What major event led to the U.S. emerging as the world's sole superpower in the early 1990s?

Answer: The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

What was the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), and who led the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait?

Answer: A conflict to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The U.S. led the coalition.

What was Operation Desert Storm, and what were its objectives?

Answer: The U.S.-led military operation to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces.

Who was Saddam Hussein, and why did Iraq invade Kuwait in 1990?

Answer: The leader of Iraq. Iraq invaded Kuwait to gain control of its oil reserves.

What were the main factors contributing to the economic expansion of the 1990s?

Answer: Technological advancements, globalization, and a balanced budget.

How did the rise of the Internet transform communication and business in the 1990s?

Answer: It increased access to information, facilitated global communication, and created new business models.

Who did Bill Clinton defeat in the 1992 presidential election, and what was a key focus of his campaign?

Answer: George H.W. Bush. His campaign focused on economic recovery ("It's the economy, stupid").

Who was Ross Perot and what was his role in the 1992 election?

Answer: An independent candidate who focused on the federal debt and drew votes away from both the Republican and Democratic candidates.

Who did Bill Clinton defeat in the 1996 presidential election, and what were the key issues?

Answer: Bob Dole. A strong economy, centrist policies, and the legacy of the Republican "Contract with America" were key issues.

What were the key provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and what were some of the criticisms against it?

Answer: Eliminated tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Criticisms included concerns about job losses and environmental issues.

What were the main goals of the Welfare Reform Act of 1996, and what changes did it implement?

Answer: To reduce dependency on welfare, limit federal assistance, and require work participation.

What was the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996, and what were its implications for same-sex couples?

Answer: Defined marriage as between a man and a woman and restricted federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Describe the Clinton Impeachment (1998-1999), and what were the charges against him?

Answer: Clinton was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

What major domestic terrorist attacks occurred in the 1990s, and what did they represent?

Answer: The Oklahoma City Bombing (1995) and the Columbine School Shooting (1999).

What were some of the key social and cultural shifts that occurred during the 1990s?

Answer: Rise of hip-hop and grunge music, the dot-com boom, and increased awareness of LGBTQ+ rights.

What was the impact of increased activism despite legal setbacks like DOMA?

Answer: Increased support in the LGBTQ+ community

What was the purpose of the U.S. and NATO intervention in Bosnia & Kosovo during the 1990s?

Answer: To stop ethnic cleansing and humanitarian crises.

How did the rise of globalization impact the U.S. economy and society in the 1990s?

Answer: Increased trade and economic growth, but also led to job losses and concerns about wage stagnation.

How did the rise of the Internet change business and relationships?

Answer: Business was able to be conducted at all times, and increased the ability to communicate over great distances.

What were the key events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and who was responsible?

Answer: Terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, was responsible.

What was the USA PATRIOT Act (2001), and what powers did it grant the government?

Answer: Expanded government surveillance powers in response to terrorism.

What were the main objectives of the War in Afghanistan (2001-Present)?

Answer: To eliminate Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

What were the reasons given for the War in Iraq (2003-2011), and what was the outcome?

Answer: Claims that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The war led to regime change but destabilized the region.

What was the "No Child Left Behind Act" (2002), and what changes did it implement in education?

Answer: Emphasized standardized testing and accountability for schools.

What was the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) (2008), and why was it implemented?

Answer: Provided bailouts to financial institutions during the Great Recession to prevent a collapse of the financial system.

What caused the Great Recession (2007-2009), and what were its main consequences?

Answer: The housing market crash and financial collapse. It led to mass job losses and government bailouts.

What was the government's response to the Great Recession, and what measures were taken?

Answer: Implemented TARP and other stimulus measures to stabilize the economy.

What were some of the major scandals and controversies that occurred during the Bush era?

Answer: The Abu Ghraib prison scandal, and the handling of Hurricane Katrina.

What was the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, and what did it reveal about the U.S. military?

Answer: U.S. military personnel abused prisoners in Iraq, sparking global outrage.

What factors contributed to the Wall Street Bailouts (2008), and what were the arguments for and against them?

Answer: The fear that major banks and companies could collapse.

What was notable about the 2000 presidential election, and how was it ultimately decided?

Answer: It was a highly contested election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, ultimately decided by the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore.

What was the significance of the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore (2000)?

Answer: It ended the Florida recount, securing Bush's victory.

Who did George W. Bush defeat in the 2004 presidential election, and what were the key issues?

Answer: John Kerry. National security and the War on Terror were key issues.

What was the historical significance of Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election?

Answer: Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States.

What was the theme of Obama's campaign for presidency?

Answer: A campaign of hope, change, and economic recovery.

What was the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Obamacare), and what were its main provisions?

Answer: Expanded healthcare coverage and focused on healthcare changes.

What was the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (2012) program, and what protection did it offer?

Answer: Provided temporary protection for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

What was the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC (2010), and what impact did it have on campaign finance?

Answer: Allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections.

What was the significance of the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)?

Answer: Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

What did the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement signify, and what events sparked its formation?

Answer: A need for the need of equality for African Americans sparked by the Trayvon Martin.

What were some of the key concerns addressed by the Black Lives Matter movement?

Answer: police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic racism.

What was the #MeToo movement, and what issue did it address?

Answer: A movement where women expressed the sexual harassment or abuse they have faced.

What was the Tea Party movement (2010), and what were its key principles?

Answer: A conservative movement emphasizing limited government, lower taxes, and a balanced budget.

How did populism and political polarization increase during the 2010s?

Answer: Increasing division in U.S. politics, fueled by social media and economic inequality.

What role did social media play in political activism and communication during the 2010s?

Answer: Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok transformed communication, activism, and misinformation.

What was surprising about the results of the 2016 election?

Answer: Donald Trump's win with having no previous government experience.

What were the key promises and policies enacted by Donald Trump during his first two years as president (2017-2018)?

Answer: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

What happened during Trump's impeachment?

Answer: Trump was impeached for Abuse of power, however he was acquitted by the senate.

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive in 1968 regarding public opinion about the Vietnam War?

Answer: It shocked the American public by demonstrating the strength and resilience of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, leading to a decline in support for the war.

What was Nixon's policy of "Vietnamization," and what were its intended goals?

Answer: It was a strategy to gradually withdraw U.S. troops and transfer the responsibility of fighting the war to South Vietnamese forces, reducing American casualties.

What event at Kent State University in 1970 sparked nationwide protests?

Answer: The Kent State Massacre, where National Guard troops killed four student protesters.

What did the Pentagon Papers reveal, and how did they affect public trust in the government?

Answer: They exposed government deception regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, further eroding public trust.

What were the key terms of the Paris Peace Accords, and when were they signed?

Answer: The U.S. would withdraw troops, prisoners of war would be exchanged, and a ceasefire would be implemented. Signed in 1973.

What was Richard Nixon's "Southern Strategy," and what groups did it target?

Answer: A political strategy to appeal to white voters in the South by emphasizing law and order and downplaying civil rights.

In the 1972 election, who did Richard Nixon win against in a landslide?

Answer: George McGovern.

What were the key issues and outcome of the Roe V. Wade case of 1973?

Answer: It legalized abortion nationwide based on a woman's right to privacy, generating significant controversy and ongoing debate.

What did Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 address, and what was its impact?

Answer: Prohibited gender discrimination in federally funded education programs, leading to increased opportunities for women in sports and academics.

What were the specific allegations against President Nixon in the Watergate scandal?

Answer: Obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and involvement in the cover-up of a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

Which two journalists were responsible for the Watergate's exposal?

Answer: Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

How did Gerald Ford become president, and what was the effect of his pardon of Nixon?

Answer: He became president after Nixon's resignation. His pardon of Nixon was highly controversial and damaged his popularity.

What were the main themes of Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign?

Answer: Honesty, integrity, and restoring trust in government after Watergate.

What was the significance of the War Powers Act (1973)?

Answer: It limited the president's power to deploy troops without congressional approval.

What were the main goals of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

Answer: To protect human health and the environment by enforcing environmental regulations.

What was the significance of the Stonewall Riots in 1969?

Answer: They marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

What was the ERA Amendment and why did it fail to be ratified?

Answer: The Equal Rights Amendment, designed to guarantee equal rights for women. It failed to be ratified due to conservative opposition and concerns about its potential impact on traditional gender roles.

What were some of the goals of the second-wave feminist movement?

Answer: Achieving equal rights in employment, education, and reproductive rights.

What were some of the key arguments in Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique?"

Answer: Challenged the idea that women should be confined to the home and argued for women to have opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.

What were some of the main changes brought about by the affirmative action and civil rights policies?

Answer: Focused on promoting racial equality in education and employment, although they faced legal challenges.

How did the rise of punk rock and disco reflect cultural shifts during this era?

* Answer: Punk reflected rebellion and disillusionment, while disco represented a shift towards escapism and dance culture.

What factors contributed to the rise of disco music?

Answer: Social and cultural changes, economic factors, and its accessibility among diverse communities.

What is "stagflation," and why was it a significant economic problem in the 1970s?

Answer: A combination of high inflation and high unemployment, challenging traditional economic policies.

What caused the energy crisis of 1973 and 1979?

Answer: The 1973 crisis was caused by an oil embargo by OPEC, and the 1979 crisis was triggered by the Iranian Revolution.

What was OPEC, and how did its actions affect the U.S. economy?

Answer: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Its oil embargoes led to fuel shortages, price increases, and economic instability.

How did the economic struggles contribute to a conservative backlash?

Answer: They led to dissatisfaction with liberal policies and a desire for a return to traditional values.

What was "détente," and how did it influence U.S. relations with the Soviet Union and China?

Answer: A policy of easing tensions with the Soviet Union and China through diplomatic and economic engagement.

What were some of the key foreign policy challenges faced by President Jimmy Carter?

Answer: The Iranian Revolution, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

What was the impact of the Iranian Revolution on the U.S.?

Answer: It led to the Iranian hostage crisis and increased tensions in the Middle East.

Who were the "Silent Majority," and what did they represent?

Answer: A term popularized by Nixon, representing Americans disillusioned with liberal social changes and desiring a return to traditional values.

What were some of the key issues that fueled the rise of the New Right/Religious Right in the late 1970s?

Answer: Opposition to abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, and perceived moral decline.

What were the key elements of Ronald Reagan's economic policy (Reaganomics)?

Answer: Tax cuts, deregulation, reduced government spending, and tight monetary policy.

What were the key events for the Iran hostage crisis, and what were the consequences?

Answer: Iranian revolutionaries seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran. Severely damaged Jimmy Carter's reputation.

What was supply-side economics, and what were its intended effects?

Answer: The theory that tax cuts would stimulate economic growth by increasing investment and production.

What was the impact of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981?

Answer: It significantly cut income tax rates.

Did Reaganomics lead to increased income inequality? Explain why.

Answer: Yes, critics argue that the tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy while reducing social programs.

What were the factors that led to the Savings and Loan crisis?

Answer: Deregulation and risky investments.

When did the first cases of HIV/AIDS emerge and what were their impact?

Answer: The early 1980s. They disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community.

How did the Reagan administration initially respond to the AIDS epidemic?

Answer: Was slow to respond.

Who was Jerry Falwell, and what role did the Moral Majority play in the 1980s?

Answer: A prominent televangelist and leader of the Moral Majority, a conservative political organization that played a significant role in the Republican Party.

What was the "War on Drugs," and what policies were implemented during this period?

Answer: A campaign to combat drug use and trafficking. Policies included increased law enforcement, mandatory minimum sentencing, and the "Just Say No" campaign.

What was the "Just Say No" campaign?

Answer: Nancy Reagan headed the "Just Say No" campaign which pushed abstinence and an anti-drug public image.

What were some of the effects of deindustrialization on American cities?

Answer: Job losses, economic decline, and social problems.

How did U.S.-Soviet relations evolve during the Reagan years?

Answer: They initially deteriorated but later improved due to arms reduction treaties and Gorbachev's reforms.

What were the key events that led to the end of the Cold War?

Answer: Gorbachev's reforms, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Who was Mikhail Gorbachev, and what policies did he implement in the Soviet Union?

Answer: The Soviet leader who introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring).

What was the INF Treaty (1987)?

Answer: A treaty between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that eliminated intermediate-range nuclear weapons.

What was the Iran-Contra affair, and what was its impact on the Reagan administration?

Answer: The Reagan administration secretly sold arms to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua. It damaged Reagan's credibility.

What were the key events in Nicaragua, and what role did the U.S. play?

Answer: The U.S. supported the Contra rebels who were fighting against the Sandinista government.

Who did Ronald Reagan win against in 1980 and 1984?

Answer: Jimmy Carter in 1980 and Walter Mondale in 1984.