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Questions and Answers
What was the main reason President Bush did not pursue the Gulf War into Baghdad?
What was the main reason President Bush did not pursue the Gulf War into Baghdad?
- To prevent a coalition from forming against the U.S.
- To maintain a favorable image in the media.
- To avoid the risks of occupation and insurgency. (correct)
- To limit American casualties.
What significant technology was highlighted during the Gulf War that impressed American viewers?
What significant technology was highlighted during the Gulf War that impressed American viewers?
- Remote-controlled tanks.
- Laser-guided precision bombing. (correct)
- Drone surveillance capabilities.
- Satellite communication systems.
What act significantly expanded the surveillance powers of U.S. law enforcement after the 9/11 attacks?
What act significantly expanded the surveillance powers of U.S. law enforcement after the 9/11 attacks?
- The Defense of Marriage Act.
- The National Security Agency Act.
- The Freedom of Information Act.
- The USA PATRIOT Act. (correct)
Which two political figures won the 1992 election and were part of the New Democrats?
Which two political figures won the 1992 election and were part of the New Democrats?
What was a controversial provision included in the USA PATRIOT Act?
What was a controversial provision included in the USA PATRIOT Act?
How many planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001, by al-Qaeda terrorists?
How many planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001, by al-Qaeda terrorists?
What time did American Airlines Flight 11 crash into the North Tower of the World Trade Center?
What time did American Airlines Flight 11 crash into the North Tower of the World Trade Center?
What event caused the U.S. to initiate Operation Desert Shield?
What event caused the U.S. to initiate Operation Desert Shield?
Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the Gulf War for the U.S.?
Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the Gulf War for the U.S.?
What was a significant impact of the Gulf War on U.S. media coverage?
What was a significant impact of the Gulf War on U.S. media coverage?
What incident triggered the emergency actions by the federal government?
What incident triggered the emergency actions by the federal government?
What was a significant outcome of the government's financial actions post-crisis?
What was a significant outcome of the government's financial actions post-crisis?
Which movement was influenced by the economic inequalities highlighted during the recession?
Which movement was influenced by the economic inequalities highlighted during the recession?
What percentage growth did the after-tax benefits of the wealthiest 1% experience since the late 1970s?
What percentage growth did the after-tax benefits of the wealthiest 1% experience since the late 1970s?
How did the profit margins of major banks, like JPMorgan Chase, change according to their chief investment officer?
How did the profit margins of major banks, like JPMorgan Chase, change according to their chief investment officer?
What specific criticism did conservative members of the Tea Party express?
What specific criticism did conservative members of the Tea Party express?
Which demographic primarily protested during the Occupy Wall Street movement?
Which demographic primarily protested during the Occupy Wall Street movement?
What was the average growth in after-tax benefits for the average American since the late 1970s?
What was the average growth in after-tax benefits for the average American since the late 1970s?
What major event occurred at 10:28 during the incidents described?
What major event occurred at 10:28 during the incidents described?
What was one of the main criticisms surrounding the financial aid to banks after the crisis?
What was one of the main criticisms surrounding the financial aid to banks after the crisis?
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Study Notes
The Gulf War
- In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait.
- The U.S. intervened in August 1990 (Operation Desert Shield) and engaged in combat operations in January 1991 (Operation Desert Storm).
- The U.S. won the Gulf War swiftly.
- New technologies, like laser-guided precision bombing, were utilized.
- The Iraqi army collapsed after 100 hours of ground combat.
- President Bush decided against pursuing the war into Baghdad to avoid an occupation and potential insurgency.
The Clinton Presidency (1992 – 2000)
- Bill Clinton and Al Gore won the 1992 presidential election as part of the “New Democrats” faction.
- NAFTA was signed by Clinton, opening American borders to goods and services, but it did not significantly impact illegal immigration.
The Patriot Act (2001)
- The Patriot Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- The law broadened the surveillance capabilities of American law enforcement agencies.
- Key provisions include roving wiretaps, the surveillance of lone suspects, greater access to business records, and delayed notification of suspects.
- Controversial sections generated concerns about threats to civil liberties.
The 9/11 Attacks
- On September 11, 2001, nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans.
- The attacks targeted the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
- A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania due to the intervention of passengers who received news of the earlier hijackings.
The Great Recession (2008-2009)
- The U.S. government intervened in the financial industry by injecting billions of dollars.
- Large sums given to banks sparked resentment, contributing to Barack Obama’s 2008 election.
- The Tea Party movement emerged in opposition to the Obama administration’s perceived “cronyism” and government intervention.
- The Occupy Wall Street movement protested economic inequality and perceived favoritism towards the wealthiest Americans (“the one percent”).
Economic Inequality
- The Great Recession exacerbated economic inequalities, with the wealthiest Americans benefiting the most.
- JPMorgan Chase, a major U.S. bank, reported record profits and significant reductions in wages and benefits, explaining the majority of net improvement.
- Since the late 1970s, the after-tax benefits of the wealthiest 1% increased by over 300%, while the average American’s after-tax benefits grew by only 35%.
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