Glossary
9-11 terrorist attacks
A series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on September 11, 2001.
Example:
The 9-11 terrorist attacks fundamentally reshaped U.S. foreign policy, leading to the War on Terror and increased domestic security measures.
Afghanistan (War in)
A prolonged military conflict initiated by the United States and its allies in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban regime.
Example:
The war in Afghanistan became the longest war in U.S. history, with American troops remaining in the country for two decades.
Asia (Immigration)
A significant region of origin for immigrants to the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly from countries like China and India.
Example:
The rapid growth of the Asian American population, fueled by immigration, has made it the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States.
Biden
The 46th and current President of the United States (2021-present), who focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and climate change.
Example:
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a massive economic stimulus package, shortly after taking office to combat the pandemic's impact.
Bush (George W.)
The 43rd President of the United States (2001-2009), whose presidency was largely defined by the September 11th terrorist attacks and the subsequent War on Terror.
Example:
President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act, a significant piece of education reform legislation, early in his first term.
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, a major stimulus package passed by the U.S. Congress in March 2020 to provide financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Example:
The CARES Act provided direct payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and offered loans to small businesses to mitigate the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Camp David Accords
A peace treaty signed in 1978 between Israel and Egypt, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, which led to Egypt recognizing Israel's right to exist.
Example:
The Camp David Accords were a landmark achievement in Middle East diplomacy, earning President Carter, Menachem Begin, and Anwar Sadat the Nobel Peace Prize.
Communism (Foreign Policy)
An ideology that advocates for a classless society with common ownership of the means of production, which the U.S. actively opposed during the Cold War.
Example:
During the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy was largely driven by the containment of communism, leading to interventions and alliances across the globe.
Cuba (Normalization of Relations)
The process of re-establishing diplomatic ties and easing economic restrictions between the United States and Cuba, initiated by the Obama administration in 2014.
Example:
The normalization of relations with Cuba allowed for increased travel and trade between the two countries after more than 50 years of estrangement.
Great Recession
A severe economic downturn in the United States that began in 2007 and lasted until 2009, triggered by a collapse in the housing market and subprime mortgage crisis.
Example:
During the Great Recession, millions of Americans lost their jobs and homes, leading to widespread economic hardship and government intervention.
Iran nuclear deal
A 2015 agreement between Iran and several world powers, including the U.S., aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Example:
The Iran nuclear deal was a significant foreign policy initiative of the Obama administration, though it was later withdrawn from by the Trump administration.
Latin America (Immigration)
A primary region of origin for immigrants to the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, significantly contributing to the nation's demographic diversity.
Example:
The increasing number of immigrants from Latin America has led to a significant growth in the Hispanic population, making it the largest minority group in the U.S.
Obama
The 44th President of the United States (2009-2017), known for passing the Affordable Care Act and overseeing the end of the Iraq War.
Example:
President Obama's administration normalized relations with Cuba after decades of diplomatic estrangement.
Reagan Revolution
A period of significant political and economic change in the United States during the 1980s, characterized by conservative policies aimed at reducing government spending, deregulation, and tax cuts.
Example:
The Reagan Revolution led to a shift in American political discourse, emphasizing individual liberty and free-market principles over the New Deal's liberal legacy.
Trump
The 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), whose presidency was marked by significant policy changes in trade, immigration, and deregulation.
Example:
President Trump appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, significantly altering the court's ideological balance.
War on Terror
A global military campaign launched by the United States and its allies after the September 11, 2001, attacks, primarily targeting al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.
Example:
The War on Terror led to U.S. military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, significantly impacting international relations and domestic civil liberties.