United States of America Today
                                Chapter 30 ~ 31
During the 1970's Americans struggled with a sluggish economy and an energy crisis. President Nixon was confronted with the Watergate scandal and was forced to resign from office. Presidents Ford and Carter faced continuing inflation and unemployment. President Carter faced continuing inflation and unemployment. President Carter redirected the emphasis of U.S. foreign policy on realpolitik to a focus on human rights. Many people regard the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt as his greatest achievement. American society continued to struggle with civil rights issues, equal rights for women, and environmental protection.
President Reagan believed the way to improve the U.S. economy was by using supply-side economics. He promoted a decrease in social programs, cut taxes, reduced government regulation of business, and greatly increased deficit spending. He also focused U.S. foreign policy in Latin America on fighting any spread of communism. During George Bush's presidency, the Cold War came to an end and the United States led the UN victory in the Persian Gulf War. Unemployment was still a problem, however, and the federal deficit continued to grow. In 1992 the nation chose Democrat Bill Clinton as president. American society continued to change as immigration from Asia and Latin America increased and science and technology continued to progress.

By the end of this period of exploration in history, you will be able to do the following:
- Explain realpolitik's effects on U.S. foreign relations.
- Analyze the effects of the Watergate scandal on Americans.
- Explain the ways environmental issues affected the country.
- Identify the means by which Reagan attempted to fight Communists in the Caribbean and Central America.
- Identify events that led to the final breakup of the Soviet Union.
Identify important developments that marked scientific research and technology.
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Last update: August 15, 2000
Pages created March 2000