Recent American History - Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama Flashcards
What is meant by “Reaganomics”
Reganomics refers to the economic policy of Reagan in which he cut income taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses in an effort to stimulate (create) economic growth. This was used in the 1980s and contributed to an increase in the national debt.
What are two other names (phrases) for Reaganomics?
“Trickle Down Economics” or “Supply Side Economics.”
In the 1980s, the U.S. was importing (buying) from other countries more than it was exporting (selling) to other countries. This created a _______ ________.
Trade imbalance or trade gap.
This was a major scandal during the Reagan Administration. Essentially, it involved trading arms for hostages and money with Iran…and using the money to fund anti-communist forces in Nicaragua.
The Iran-Contra Affair (Scandal)
Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq, sent his forces into this tiny country in the Middle East. This brought the U.S. and a United Nations Coalition into conflict with Hussein’s forces.
Kuwait…the tiny nation was invaded by Iraq as Saddam Hussein tried to take control of Kuwait’s oil industry.
The name given for the war in which the U.S. and a coalition of U.N. forces liberated Kuwait from the invasion force of Iraq under Saddam Hussein.
The Persian Gulf War (1990-1991)…also called Operation Desert Storm.
Although President George H.W. Bush handled the Persian Gulf War very well, his Presidency became unpopular with the American people. Why?
The economy took a turn for the worse under George H.W. Bush, experiencing a recession in 1991-1992. Bill Clinton, running against Bush in 1992, made the election all about the economy, with the internal campaign slogan “It’s the economy, stupid.”
President Bill Clinton tried, UNSUCCESSFULLY, to reform this aspect of American society. Obama later implemented major reforms to this aspect of American society with an unpopular law nicknamed “Obamacare.”
Health Care. Bill Clinton tried to implement Health Care Reform, but his efforts failed.
This treaty or agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico was designed to increase trade and economic links between the three nations.
NAFTA = North American Free Trade Agreement
President Bill Clinton used American troops to intervene in crises in Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Why?
In all three cases, human rights was the central concern. The governments and/or factions within these three hot spots were committing atrocities against people living there. The U.S. participated in military interventions to stop the killings.
Bill Clinton shares a sad distinction with President Andrew Johnson. What is that distinction?
They are the only two Presidents in U.S. history to be impeached (accused of crimes). Both were put on trial by the U.S. Senate. Both were found NOT GUILTY by the Senate and remained in office until their terms expired.
What crimes was Bill Clinton accused of committing in his impeachment?
Perjury (Lying Under Oath) and Obstruction of Justice.
Why was Bill Clinton popular during his 1990s Presidency, despite all of the questions and accusations about his character flaws?
The economy of the 1990s was excellent. Bill Clinton remained popular in the eyes of the American people because most people had jobs and saw their economic situations remain strong. As long as that was the case, they did not seem to care about his character flaws.
What current issue facing the United States in the world did Bill Clinton also have to deal with during his Presidency in the 1990s?
Terrorism. During the Clinton Presidency, the World Trade Center in NYC was car bombed. Two American embassies were bombed in Africa. The USS Cole (A Navy Ship) was attacked off the coast of Yemen. A domestic terrorist named Timothy McVeigh bombed a Federal Government building in Oklahoma City, OK. The age of terror came to America in the 1990s.
What did NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) accomplish?
NAFTA reduced/eliminated barriers to trade, including tariffs, between the three countries of North America - The U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It allowed any of those countries to sell the goods it produced in the other two countries, WITHOUT any tariff (tax on imports). The goal of NAFTA was to INCREASE TRADE/COMMERCE between the nations.
