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Questions and Answers
Who was Edward Kennedy?
Who was Edward Kennedy?
Who was the president from 1981 to 1989?
Who was the president from 1981 to 1989?
Ronald Reagan
Who was the Secretary of the Interior under Reagan?
Who was the Secretary of the Interior under Reagan?
James Watt
What did Anwar Sadat accomplish?
What did Anwar Sadat accomplish?
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Who was the first woman nominated for vice president by a major party?
Who was the first woman nominated for vice president by a major party?
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What did 'supply-side' economics advocate?
What did 'supply-side' economics advocate?
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The Moral Majority was a political force consisting of 'Born-Again' Christians.
The Moral Majority was a political force consisting of 'Born-Again' Christians.
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What does 'Reaganomics' refer to?
What does 'Reaganomics' refer to?
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What was the 'evil empire' referring to?
What was the 'evil empire' referring to?
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What was the Strategic Defense Initiative also known as?
What was the Strategic Defense Initiative also known as?
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The Iran-Contra scandal involved illegal support for Nicaraguan contras.
The Iran-Contra scandal involved illegal support for Nicaraguan contras.
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Who was the first African American Supreme Court justice?
Who was the first African American Supreme Court justice?
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What was the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
What was the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
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What was the largest percentage drop in stock market history known as?
What was the largest percentage drop in stock market history known as?
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Who was Manuel Noriega?
Who was Manuel Noriega?
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Study Notes
Political Figures and Events
- Edward Kennedy, JFK's younger brother, lost to Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primary.
- Ronald Reagan served as President from 1981 to 1989, opposing détente with the Soviet Union and advocating for reduced federal government size.
- John Anderson ran as an independent in 1980, receiving 7% of popular votes but no electoral votes.
- Walter Mondale, Carter's vice president, lost to Reagan and was the first to nominate a woman, Geraldine Ferraro, as VP candidate.
- Gary Hart was the frontrunner for the 1988 Democratic nomination but withdrew due to sexual misconduct charges.
Middle Eastern Relations
- Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt, was the first Arab leader to recognize Israel, assassinated in 1981 for his peace efforts.
- The Iran-Contra scandal involved illegal support for Nicaraguan contras by selling arms to Iran, with profits redirected to rebels.
Economic Policies and Terms
- "Supply-side" economics advocated for tax cuts to spur work and investment, aiming for a more productive economy.
- Reaganomics, combining supply-side tax cuts, aimed to reduce federal government size and stimulate economic growth.
- "Tight money" policies led to higher interest rates and restricted credit availability.
- The "Reagan recession" lasted ten months, with differing opinions on its causes, attributing it to shifts toward a free market versus Reaganomics.
Social Movements and Changes
- Moral Majority mobilized "Born-Again" Christians into a political force based on perceived American morality.
- "Reverse discrimination" terminology emerged around cases allowing preference based on race or gender in admissions.
- "Identity politics" focused on the political interests of ethnic or social groups over universal goals.
Judicial Milestones
- Roe v. Wade legalized abortion based on the right to privacy.
- Milliken v. Bradley limited desegregation plans across school district lines.
- Bakke v. Board of Regents barred admission solely based on race but allowed it as part of a holistic approach.
International Relations and Agreements
- Mikhail Gorbachev, leading the Soviet Union (1985-1991), initiated glasnost and perestroika for increased openness and economic restructuring.
- The INF agreement eliminated intermediate-range nuclear missiles, allowing mutual inspections.
- START II, signed by President Bush and Boris Yeltsin, aimed for a two-thirds reduction in long-range nuclear arsenals.
Key Events and Concepts
- "Evil Empire" referred to Reagan's characterization of the Soviet Union's human rights violations.
- "Black Monday" marked the largest percentage drop in the stock market in October 1987.
- The Grenada invasion demonstrated U.S. military assertiveness in the Caribbean.
- El Salvador saw renewed U.S. aid under Reagan following the murder of three nuns in 1980.
Notable Personalities
- Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice.
- Clarence Thomas was the second African American Supreme Court Justice, surrounded by controversy after Anita Hill accused him of sexual harassment.
- Jerry Falwell led the Religious Right, advocating for traditional family values in politics.
Social and Cultural Elements
- "Yuppies," or young urban professionals, exemplified consumer culture in the 1980s.
- The "Rainbow Coalition," led by Jesse Jackson, aimed to unite minority groups for political strength.
- Jesse Jackson also ran for the Democratic nomination in 1988, emphasizing minority rights.
Historical Context
- Chappaquiddick incident in 1969 tarnished Ted Kennedy's reputation following a fatal car accident.
- Solidarity was pivotal in Poland, symbolizing the opposition to communist rule that contributed to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989.
Legislation and Social Equities
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aimed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
- "Welfare state" describes government responsibility for citizen welfare through health, housing, and pensions.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 40 of AP U.S. History. Learn about influential figures and events from the late 20th century, including Edward Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Perfect for studying and revision!