1970s-80s Key Terms and Concepts

Normalization

• To resume relationships between countries that have previously been isolated from one another.

• To establish trade agreements between nations.

• To create a unified currency for all countries.

• To promote cultural exchange programs among nations.

Conservatism

• A philosophical perspective advocating for tradition and limited change.

• A belief system that promotes radical social reforms.

• An ideology that supports complete governmental control over the economy.

• A movement that encourages the abandonment of historical values.

What is the Rust Belt?

• Northeastern and Midwestern states that were once the center of U.S. industrial capacity and large urban populations, which began to decline in the 80s as people moved south for warmer climate and new economic opportunities.

• A region in the southern U.S. known for its agricultural production and warm climate.

• A term used to describe the technology sector in Silicon Valley.

• An area in the western U.S. famous for its national parks and outdoor recreation.

Liberalism

• A philosophical perspective advocating for changes to the status quo to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all.

• A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of tradition and social stability.

• A theory that promotes the idea of a strong central government to maintain order.

• An economic system that prioritizes state control over individual enterprise.

Impeachment

• A process by which the President can be removed from office by a simple majority vote in the House of Representatives.

• A constitutional provision allowing the House of Representatives to bring charges of misconduct against a public official; if a majority in the House votes to impeach, the Senate conducts a trial; if 2/3 of the Senate votes for conviction, the official is removed from office.

• A method for the Senate to override a presidential veto with a 3/4 majority vote.

• A legal procedure for citizens to recall elected officials from office.

AIDS—Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

• A serious health epidemic beginning in 1981 that has resulted in the deaths of over 700,000 and over 1.1 million Americans living with HIV.

• A viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system and is transmitted through airborne particles.

• A genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce insulin, leading to diabetes.

• A neurological condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and is often hereditary.

Deregulation

• Removal of government regulations and restrictions to improve free enterprise.

• Implementation of new government regulations to control the economy.

• Increase in taxes to fund government programs.

• Establishment of monopolies to stabilize the market.

Department of Energy (Energy Crisis)

• A Cabinet Department created in 1977 to manage the country's energy resources.

• A government agency responsible for regulating oil prices.

• A department established to oversee the production of renewable energy sources.

• A Cabinet Department created in 1980 to address environmental concerns.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)

• A coalition of oil-producing nations that aims to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries.

• An organization that regulates the price of natural gas in Europe.

• A group focused on renewable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel dependency.

• An international body that oversees the production of coal and nuclear energy.

Détente

• A period of increased hostility between nations.

• Negotiating between hostile countries to reduce tensions.

• A military strategy to conquer enemy territories.

• An economic alliance between friendly countries.