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Election of 1980
This election against the democratic candidate, Jimmy Carter, and the republican candidate, Ronald Reagan, discussed issues such as economic recession and racial equality. Eventually, Reagan won the race with 51% of the popular vote. -
Economic Recession
This "Reagan Recession" was characterized by high unemployment rates, defunding of food stamps, cuts in the Social Security program, and more. This recession caused American citizens to be angry with the Reagan administration. -
Operation Urgent Fury
This invasion successfully overthrew the Grenada government and gave American citizens a small sense of victory. -
Iran-Contra Affair
Congress overwhelming agreed to pass the Boland Amendment which forbade America from funding contras. However, Reagan defied this amendment, sold missiles to Iran, provided funds for Nicaragua, and embarrassed his administration. -
Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty
This treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union effectively de-escalated nuclear scares by forcing both countries to reduce their nuclear arsenals. -
Gulf War
Iraq invaded Kuwait. Although Americans were scared for more military involvement after the Vietnam war, the US attacked. The Gulf War was a fast victory; the US defeated Iraq's forces in less than 4 days. -
End of the Cold War
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cold War finally came to an end. -
9/11
This Islamic terrorist attack against the US involved 4 hijacked planes (2 flew into the twin towers, 1 hit the pentagon, and the other landed in a barren field). This event led Congress to pass the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq resolution which resulted in the bombing of Baghdad.