Space Race Competition between the US and USSR for supremacy in space. Led to an increase of technology.

GI Bill Provided educational grants and low-interest housing loans for members of the military since World War II

McCarthyism Senator Joseph McCarthy led a crusade to uncover Communists in the United States During the 1940s and 1950s, many important people were accused of being communists, some were blacklisted (not allowed to work) Americans in labor unions and other activities that criticized the government were investigated

Sputnik I In 1957, the Soviet Union beat the United States in launching the first artificial satellite Americans feared that this would show that the Soviets were more advanced in science and technology, so the U.S. resolved to work harder

Baby Boom Period marked by a greatly increased birthrate. Occurred after World War II, from the 1940’s-60’s

Vaccinations Creation of polio and other vaccines, improving the health and life expectancy of people

Brown v. Board of Education Racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional

Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader “I have a Dream” Non-violent protests- used first by Ghandi in India

Wallace, Faubus, and Maddox George Wallace, Orval Faubus, and Lester Maddox Leaders in Southern states that opposed integration and the Civil Rights movement.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 It became illegal for companies and schools to deny employment and education or admission into businesses based on color

24th Amendment No Poll Taxes (money paid to allow a person to vote)

Great Society President Johnson’s domestic policy to reduce poverty, help the elderly, and help with other social issues.

Affirmative Action Initiative that calls for companies and schools to actively recruit minorities.

Title IX Ensured that girls’ programs including athletic programs are equally funded and prohibited discrimination.

Richard Nixon 37th President Ended war in Vietnam. Only President to resign due to the Watergate Scandal.

Detente A relaxation of tensions between the US, USSR, and China

Watergate Scandal involving the cover-up of a break in into the Democratic National Committee Headquarters

Camp David Accords A historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel which was set up by President Carter.

Iran Hostage Crisis 52 American hostages that were held for 444 days following an attack on the US Embassy in Iran.

National Park System An collection of parks and monuments that are managed by the National Park Service set up to protect the areas and maintain them for the future.

Environmental Protection Agency Agency that sets up and enforces pollution standards and other agencies impact on the environment.