UNIT 14: Modern America Essential Questions: 1. How has the nature of politics changed post-Cold War? 2. How do nations decide their role in a global society while meeting their domestic needs? Key Vocabulary Terms Contract with America National Rifle Association Persian Gulf War NAFTA Impeachment 9/11 War on Terror Patriot Act TARP Picture Ideas: Fall of Berlin Wall 9-11 Terrorism Immigration Healthcare Accusations Rust

Write the following titles on 2 separate pages in your notebooks, skip 1-2 lines between each of them: Top Defining Moments of the 1990s: Top Defining Moments of the 1990s: 10. OJ Simpson Trial 9. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell 8. Rodney King Riots 7. NAFTA 6. Oklahoma City Bombing 5. Balanced Budget 4. Monica Lewinsky Scandal 3. Columbine High School Massacre 2. Operation Desert Storm 1. Internet Top Defining Moments of the 2000s: Top Defining Moments of the 2000s: 10. Steroids in Sports 9. Corporate Scandals 8. Same Sex Marriage Legalized 7. USA Patriot Act 6. Social-Local-Mobile 5. Hurricane Katrina 4. Econopocalypse 3. Election of Barack Obama 2. Decade of War 1. September 11 Attacks

Modern America

The George H. W. Bush Presidency

Early Presidency: Bush wanted to continue Reagan’s policies, but with an emphasis on education, the homeless and fighting drug use.

Domestic Policy: Bush’s greatest domestic challenge was the growing budget deficit. He began to cut defense spending and increased taxes on the wealthy, but never made a significant reduction.

Domestic Policy Continued Bush made appointments to the Supreme Court, creating a conservative majority. His mismanaged budget plans led to a recession. And as the Sun Belt grew in population, areas of iron and coal production like the Rust Belt saw great losses in jobs to Mexico and overseas. David Souter Clarence Thomas

Civil Rights Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) – Prohibits discrimination – Requires access and accommodations The recession caused hardship – Rodney King was a young black man beaten by police, who were found not guilty – Led to race riots in LA

Foreign Policy in Panama & Somalia 1989—Bush wanted to restore democratic leadership in Panama. – We captured Manuel Noriega and convicted him on drug and racketeering charges. 1992—Bush sent humanitarian aid to Somalia – After it was stolen by bandits, troops were sent to protect the shipments.

The Gulf War, 1990 Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in order to control its oil. The UN ordered Hussein to withdraw. The US led a large-scale attack and in a matter of days Hussein withdrew and paid Kuwait for damages.

The End of the Cold War, Eastern Europe began a move toward democracy. 1989—The Berlin Wall fell and Germany was reunited (seen as the real end). 1991—The Soviet Union is dissolved and becomes Russia and several new republics.

The Clinton Presidency

Election of 1992 Clinton was the Democrat Party Candidate. For the first time, a third-party candidate named Ross Perot received 20% of the votes, keeping Bush from winning.

Domestic Policy Taxes: – Increased for wealthy – Decreased for low-income – Gasoline tax Contract with America – Proposed by Newt Gingrich to restore balance in gov’t “New Democrat” – Tough on crime/guns – Increased trade

Healthcare Reform Clinton proposed many reforms – Guaranteed health insurance – Appointed his wife Hillary to see it through Not passed by Congress – Feared it would create long lines and rationing of care

Impeachment Early in his second term, rumors spread of Clinton having an affair with an intern but he denied it. Clinton was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice. Congress could not get the vote to convict

Foreign Policy Yugoslavia, on the Balkan Peninsula, was being divided into separate states. Fighting erupted between Bosnian Muslims and Christian Serbs. Mass genocide began as an “ethnic cleansing” to eliminate Muslims. Clinton negotiated a peace.

Foreign Policy Successes Clinton stressed human rights around the world and made new trade deals with China. Clinton also provided monetary and military aid to Russia, Israel, Somalia, and Haiti. He pressured Iraq to give up WMDs.

International Organizations Clinton was able to negotiate with Congress to pass NAFTA. WTO was created to establish rules for global trade, accelerating globalization. Clinton also increased relations with the UN.

Cost and Risks Internat’l relations are expensive and involve the US in foreign affairs. However, these relations also help trade, spread American ideals, and build peaceful relationships.

American Entrepreneurs

Big Business Bill Gates—the co-founder of Microsoft and with IBM produced an operating system that is used in almost every personal computer in the world. Sam Walton—started a five- and-dime and his vision of great value at low prices eventually turned into Walmart and Sam’s Club, the largest retailer in the world.

Business Spreads Estee Lauder—female founder of a cosmetics company who revolutionized marketing of make-up. Robert Johnson—first black billionaire and founder of BET and owner of the Bobcats (NBA). Lionel Sosa—most successful Hispanic advertising mogul, “compete and win”.