AP US History Period 9 Study Guide
Introduction to Period 9 (1980-Present)
Period 9 of AP US History encompasses the time from 1980 to the present. It captures the essential transformations in American society, politics, and culture in the wake of the Cold War, shaping contemporary America. It also emphasizes significant events, movements, and political changes that have impacted the modern United States.
Key Themes
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Political Polarization and Change
- Rise of conservatism in the 1980s.
- The election of Ronald Reagan and his policies.
- The impact of liberal movements in response to conservatism.
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Economic Shifts
- The transition from an industrial-based economy to a service-oriented economy.
- Globalization and economic changes.
- The role of technology and the internet in commerce.
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Social Movements and Cultural Changes
- The civil rights movement of the 1980s and beyond.
- The influence of feminism, LGBTQ rights, and immigration.
- Changes in American family structures and the role of women in society.
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Foreign Policy Developments
- The end of the Cold War and its aftermath.
- U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan).
- The rise of terrorism post-9/11 and the War on Terror.
Major Events and Developments
1. The Reagan Era (1981-1989)
- Reagan’s Policies: Focused on reducing the size of government, introducing tax cuts, and deregulating industries.
- The "Reagan Doctrine": Support for anti-communist movements globally, particularly in Central America.
- Economic Impact: The recession of the early 1980s followed by significant growth, characterized by the prosperity of the late 1980s.
2. The End of the Cold War
- Collapse of the Soviet Union (1991): Marked the decline of communism in Eastern Europe, leading to the reunification of Germany.
- Gulf War (1990-1991): U.S. intervention to push Iraq out of Kuwait, showcasing military prowess.
3. The 1990s: The Social and Economic Turn
- Clinton Presidency (1993-2001): Policies focused on welfare reform, NAFTA implementation, and the tech boom.
- Economic Boom: A strong economy, characterized by low unemployment, the expansion of the tech sector, and the internet revolution.
4. The War on Terror
- September 11 Attacks (2001): Triggered a major shift in U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
- Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: Focus on combating terrorism, leading to prolonged military engagements with significant ramifications.
5. The 2008 Financial Crisis
- Causes and Consequences: Housing market collapse, bank failures, and subsequent recession.
- Government Response: TARP and stimulus packages aimed at economic recovery.
Significant Trends and Issues
Economic Inequality
- Increasing wealth gap and middle-class struggles.
- Discussion around universal healthcare, tuition-free college, and wealth tax proposals.
Social Justice Movements
- Black Lives Matter: Resurgence of civil rights issues focusing on police violence and systemic racism.
- Climate Movement: Growing concern regarding climate change and environmental justice, emphasizing youth activism.
Important Terms and Concepts
- Neoliberalism: Economic policy emphasizing free-market capitalism.
- Globalization: Increased interaction and integration of economies, cultures, and populations.
- Terrorism: Shift in national security focus post-9/11.
- Détente: Easing of strained relations, particularly with the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 80s.
- Affordable Care Act (2010): Major health care legislation aimed at expanding access to health insurance.
Study Tips and Preparation Strategies
- Review Key Themes and Events: Use timelines and flashcards to memorize significant events and their impacts.
- Engage with Primary Sources: Analyze speeches, documents, and legislation to enhance contextual understanding.
- Practice Writing Essays: Develop argumentative and comparative historical essays to strengthen writing skills.
- Participate in Study Groups: Discuss themes and events with others to reinforce learning.
- Utilize Past AP Exam Questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
Conclusion
Period 9 of AP US History presents a complex yet fascinating portrait of contemporary America shaped by significant political, social, and economic changes. Understanding these developments is crucial not only for the AP exam but also for comprehending the ongoing dynamics in American society.