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9.1 Context: Present Day America

5 min readdecember 23, 2022

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

K

Krish Gupta

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

K

Krish Gupta

Political Changes

If the mid-20th century was defined by the and its liberal legacy, the end of the 20th century was defined by the and its conservative legacy, especially after 1980.

The 21st century has been a time of significant change and upheaval in American politics. In the early years of the century, the United States was led by President George W. Bush, who was in office from 2001 to 2009. During his presidency, the United States was involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and there were a number of domestic policy controversies, including debates over healthcare and .

After President Obama took office in 2009, the United States experienced a number of significant political and social changes. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was passed in 2010 and expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. The Obama administration also implemented a number of other policy initiatives, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the implementation of the .

In 2016, President Donald Trump was elected to office, and his presidency was marked by a number of controversial policy decisions and political controversies. The Trump administration implemented a number of significant policy changes, including the repeal of Obamacare's individual mandate and the implementation of a number of trade and immigration policies that were opposed by many Americans. The Trump presidency was also marked by a number of ongoing investigations and legal controversies, including an impeachment trial in 2019.

In 2020, President Joe Biden was elected to office, and his presidency has been marked by a number of significant policy initiatives, including the implementation of the , a major stimulus package aimed at addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration has also focused on issues related to racial justice, immigration reform, and climate change.

Economy & Demography

The continued to be the world’s largest and advanced rapidly thanks to new technology, especially related to computing. This resulted in shifts within the . Demographically, the US continued to see shifts in immigration, with immigrants still coming from Latin America and Asia, particularly Mexico and China, but in increasing numbers.

The 21st century has been a time of significant change and transformation for the American economy. In the early years of the century, the United States experienced a period of strong economic growth, fueled in part by the expansion of the technology sector and the housing market. However, this period of growth was followed by a significant economic downturn, known as the , which began in 2007 and lasted until 2009.

After the recession, the American economy began to recover, but the recovery was uneven, with some sectors and regions experiencing stronger growth than others. In the late 2010s, the economy experienced a period of strong growth, fueled in part by rising stock prices and low unemployment rates.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the American economy, with many businesses shutting down and millions of Americans losing their jobs. The government implemented a number of policy initiatives to address the economic impact of the pandemic, including the implementation of the CARES Act, a major stimulus package aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

Overall, the 21st century has been a time of significant change and transformation for the American economy, with a number of significant economic events and policy initiatives shaping the direction of the country.

In the early 21st century, the United States experienced a significant increase in the number of immigrants from Latin America and Asia, leading to a more diverse population. The Hispanic population in the United States has grown significantly in recent years, and Hispanics are now the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country. The Asian American population has also grown significantly, and Asian Americans are now the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States.

In addition to changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, the 21st century has also seen significant changes in the age structure of the population. The , born between 1946 and 1964, is now entering retirement age, and the United States is experiencing a significant increase in the number of older adults. At the same time, the younger generation, known as , is growing in size and becoming an increasingly important part of the population.

Overall, the 21st century has been a time of significant demographic change in the United States, with a more diverse and aging population shaping the direction of the country.

Foreign Policy Changes

The Cold War ended during this time period (from 1989 with the to 1991 with the ). This was a huge deal since the Cold War and its threat of communism or nuclear war loomed over much of the 20th century—and all of Period 8! The US was thus left as the world’s only superpower. The celebration over “winning” the Cold War was short-lived: the US discovered many more problems overseas, starting with what intervention responsibilities it had as the world’s only superpower and then ramping up with the 9-11 terrorist attacks that started the that continues to this day.

Over the past 50 years, the United States has undergone significant changes in its foreign policy. In the early 1970s, the United States was heavily involved in the , which ended in 1975. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives, including the Camp David Accords, which helped to bring about a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives that focused on the promotion of democracy and the fight against communism. The Reagan administration also supported a number of military interventions around the world, including in Grenada, Panama, and Lebanon.

In the early 21st century, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of significant foreign policy changes, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration also implemented a number of other foreign policy initiatives, including the expansion of free trade agreements and the promotion of democracy in the Middle East.

In 2009, President Barack Obama took office and implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives, including the , the normalization of relations with Cuba, and the implementation of the .

In 2017, was elected to office, and his presidency was marked by a number of significant foreign policy changes, including the withdrawal from the and the Paris Agreement, the renegotiation of trade agreements, and the implementation of a number of controversial immigration policies.

Key Terms to Review (38)

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

: The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare reform law enacted in 2010 under President Barack Obama. Its main goal was to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

Afghanistan War

: The Afghanistan War (2001-2021) was a conflict initiated by the United States and its allies in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The aim was to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.

American Rescue Plan

: The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021 to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asian American Population Growth in US

: The rise in the number of individuals who identify as Asian within the United States over a certain timeframe.

Baby Boomer Generation

: The Baby Boomer Generation refers to the people born during the post-World War II baby boom, approximately between 1946 and 1964.

Camp David Accords

: A peace treaty between Israel and Egypt signed in 1978 at Camp David. The agreement was brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

CARES Act

: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in response to the economic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Cold War End

: The end of the Cold War was marked by a period of reduced tension between Soviet Union (and its allies) and United States (and its allies). It officially ended in December of 1991 with dissolution of Soviet Union.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

: The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 symbolized the end to divisions between East and West Germany, leading to German reunification. It marked a significant point in the ending stages of Cold War.

Fall of the Soviet Union

: The fall of the Soviet Union refers to the dissolution of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991, which marked the end of the Cold War. This event led to a significant shift in global power dynamics.

Great Recession

: The Great Recession was a severe worldwide economic crisis that took place from 2007-2009. It was sparked by a downturn in housing markets, risky lending practices, and complex financial products tied to U.S mortgages.

Grenada Intervention

: The Grenada Intervention, also known as Operation Urgent Fury (1983), was a US-led invasion of the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, which had been taken over by a Marxist military council. This intervention aimed to restore democratic rule and protect American citizens living there.

Healthcare Policy

: Healthcare policy refers to the plans, decisions and actions undertaken to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society. It can involve anything from public health measures to insurance coverage regulations.

Hispanic Population Growth in US

: The increase in the number of individuals who identify as Hispanic or Latino within the United States over a specific period.

Immigration Reform Policies

: These are changes or attempts made by governments to change existing immigration policies, often with the aim of managing immigration flows and addressing issues related to illegal immigration.

Impeachment Trial 2019

: This refers to the trial held after President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Iran Nuclear Deal

: The Iran Nuclear Deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and six world powers (the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China). Under this deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program and allow international inspections in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Iraq War

: The Iraq War (2003-2011) was a protracted armed conflict that began with an invasion led by US forces aiming to topple Saddam Hussein's regime under accusations of possessing weapons of mass destruction which were never found.

Lebanon Intervention

: The Lebanon Intervention (1958) was a brief military operation by the United States in response to a request from Lebanese President Camille Chamoun for assistance against threats of a coup during a time of civil unrest.

Millennials and Gen Z

: Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996, while Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to those born from 1997 onward. These generations are characterized by their familiarity with technology, social media, and global awareness.

New Deal

: The New Deal was a series of programs and projects instituted during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that aimed to restore prosperity to Americans.

Normalization of Relations with Cuba

: This refers to the process initiated by President Obama in 2014 to restore diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after more than five decades of tension following Fidel Castro's rise to power.

Obamacare's Individual Mandate Repeal

: This refers to the removal of a provision in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that required all individuals to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The repeal took effect in 2019.

Panama Intervention

: The Panama Intervention or Operation Just Cause (1989-1990) was an American military action against the government of General Manuel Noriega in Panama. This intervention aimed to safeguard U.S lives, defend democracy in Panama, combat drug trafficking, and protect the integrity of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.

Paris Agreement on Climate Change

: An international treaty negotiated by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) members with an aim to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

President Donald Trump

: The 45th president of the United States, serving from January 2017 to January 2021. He is a businessman and television personality known for his controversial policies and statements.

President George W. Bush

: George W. Bush was the 43rd president of the United States from 2001-2009, known for his response to the September 11 attacks, initiating wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, tax cuts, and education reform (No Child Left Behind Act).

President Jimmy Carter

: The 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He is known for his emphasis on human rights in foreign policy and his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords.

President Joe Biden

: Joe Biden is currently serving as the 46th president of United States since January 20, 2021. He was previously vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.

President Obama

: Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009-2017. He was the first African American president and implemented significant policies including healthcare reform known as Obamacare.

President Ronald Reagan

: The 40th president of the United States (1981-1989), known for his conservative economic policies, referred to as 'Reaganomics,' which aimed at stimulating the American economy through tax cuts, reduced social spending, increased military spending, and deregulation.

Racial Justice Policies

: These are policies aimed at eliminating racial disparities, promoting equal opportunities regardless of race, and ensuring fair treatment for all races within society.

Reagan Revolution

: The Reagan Revolution refers to the conservative shift in American politics during Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989). His administration emphasized lower taxes, decreased government regulation, increased military spending, and free-market capitalism.

Same-sex Marriage Legalization

: This refers to the legal recognition of marriage between two people of the same sex, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

Tax Policy

: A tax policy refers to the government's approach to taxation, both from the practical and normative side of tax law. It includes how taxes are collected, what they're used for, and who pays them.

US Economy

: The US economy refers to the economic system of the United States, which is a mixed economy and is characterized by private ownership, free markets, and limited government intervention. It's one of the largest and most influential economies in the world.

Vietnam War

: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.

War on Terror

: The War on Terror is an international military campaign launched by U.S. government after September 11 attacks in 2001. Its main goal is to eliminate al-Qaeda and other militant organizations.

9.1 Context: Present Day America

5 min readdecember 23, 2022

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

K

Krish Gupta

Caleb Lagerwey

Caleb Lagerwey

K

Krish Gupta

Political Changes

If the mid-20th century was defined by the and its liberal legacy, the end of the 20th century was defined by the and its conservative legacy, especially after 1980.

The 21st century has been a time of significant change and upheaval in American politics. In the early years of the century, the United States was led by President George W. Bush, who was in office from 2001 to 2009. During his presidency, the United States was involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and there were a number of domestic policy controversies, including debates over healthcare and .

After President Obama took office in 2009, the United States experienced a number of significant political and social changes. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was passed in 2010 and expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. The Obama administration also implemented a number of other policy initiatives, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the implementation of the .

In 2016, President Donald Trump was elected to office, and his presidency was marked by a number of controversial policy decisions and political controversies. The Trump administration implemented a number of significant policy changes, including the repeal of Obamacare's individual mandate and the implementation of a number of trade and immigration policies that were opposed by many Americans. The Trump presidency was also marked by a number of ongoing investigations and legal controversies, including an impeachment trial in 2019.

In 2020, President Joe Biden was elected to office, and his presidency has been marked by a number of significant policy initiatives, including the implementation of the , a major stimulus package aimed at addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration has also focused on issues related to racial justice, immigration reform, and climate change.

Economy & Demography

The continued to be the world’s largest and advanced rapidly thanks to new technology, especially related to computing. This resulted in shifts within the . Demographically, the US continued to see shifts in immigration, with immigrants still coming from Latin America and Asia, particularly Mexico and China, but in increasing numbers.

The 21st century has been a time of significant change and transformation for the American economy. In the early years of the century, the United States experienced a period of strong economic growth, fueled in part by the expansion of the technology sector and the housing market. However, this period of growth was followed by a significant economic downturn, known as the , which began in 2007 and lasted until 2009.

After the recession, the American economy began to recover, but the recovery was uneven, with some sectors and regions experiencing stronger growth than others. In the late 2010s, the economy experienced a period of strong growth, fueled in part by rising stock prices and low unemployment rates.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the American economy, with many businesses shutting down and millions of Americans losing their jobs. The government implemented a number of policy initiatives to address the economic impact of the pandemic, including the implementation of the CARES Act, a major stimulus package aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

Overall, the 21st century has been a time of significant change and transformation for the American economy, with a number of significant economic events and policy initiatives shaping the direction of the country.

In the early 21st century, the United States experienced a significant increase in the number of immigrants from Latin America and Asia, leading to a more diverse population. The Hispanic population in the United States has grown significantly in recent years, and Hispanics are now the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country. The Asian American population has also grown significantly, and Asian Americans are now the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States.

In addition to changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, the 21st century has also seen significant changes in the age structure of the population. The , born between 1946 and 1964, is now entering retirement age, and the United States is experiencing a significant increase in the number of older adults. At the same time, the younger generation, known as , is growing in size and becoming an increasingly important part of the population.

Overall, the 21st century has been a time of significant demographic change in the United States, with a more diverse and aging population shaping the direction of the country.

Foreign Policy Changes

The Cold War ended during this time period (from 1989 with the to 1991 with the ). This was a huge deal since the Cold War and its threat of communism or nuclear war loomed over much of the 20th century—and all of Period 8! The US was thus left as the world’s only superpower. The celebration over “winning” the Cold War was short-lived: the US discovered many more problems overseas, starting with what intervention responsibilities it had as the world’s only superpower and then ramping up with the 9-11 terrorist attacks that started the that continues to this day.

Over the past 50 years, the United States has undergone significant changes in its foreign policy. In the early 1970s, the United States was heavily involved in the , which ended in 1975. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives, including the Camp David Accords, which helped to bring about a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives that focused on the promotion of democracy and the fight against communism. The Reagan administration also supported a number of military interventions around the world, including in Grenada, Panama, and Lebanon.

In the early 21st century, the United States was led by , who implemented a number of significant foreign policy changes, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bush administration also implemented a number of other foreign policy initiatives, including the expansion of free trade agreements and the promotion of democracy in the Middle East.

In 2009, President Barack Obama took office and implemented a number of foreign policy initiatives, including the , the normalization of relations with Cuba, and the implementation of the .

In 2017, was elected to office, and his presidency was marked by a number of significant foreign policy changes, including the withdrawal from the and the Paris Agreement, the renegotiation of trade agreements, and the implementation of a number of controversial immigration policies.

Key Terms to Review (38)

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

: The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare reform law enacted in 2010 under President Barack Obama. Its main goal was to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

Afghanistan War

: The Afghanistan War (2001-2021) was a conflict initiated by the United States and its allies in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The aim was to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.

American Rescue Plan

: The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021 to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asian American Population Growth in US

: The rise in the number of individuals who identify as Asian within the United States over a certain timeframe.

Baby Boomer Generation

: The Baby Boomer Generation refers to the people born during the post-World War II baby boom, approximately between 1946 and 1964.

Camp David Accords

: A peace treaty between Israel and Egypt signed in 1978 at Camp David. The agreement was brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

CARES Act

: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in response to the economic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Cold War End

: The end of the Cold War was marked by a period of reduced tension between Soviet Union (and its allies) and United States (and its allies). It officially ended in December of 1991 with dissolution of Soviet Union.

Fall of the Berlin Wall

: The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 symbolized the end to divisions between East and West Germany, leading to German reunification. It marked a significant point in the ending stages of Cold War.

Fall of the Soviet Union

: The fall of the Soviet Union refers to the dissolution of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991, which marked the end of the Cold War. This event led to a significant shift in global power dynamics.

Great Recession

: The Great Recession was a severe worldwide economic crisis that took place from 2007-2009. It was sparked by a downturn in housing markets, risky lending practices, and complex financial products tied to U.S mortgages.

Grenada Intervention

: The Grenada Intervention, also known as Operation Urgent Fury (1983), was a US-led invasion of the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, which had been taken over by a Marxist military council. This intervention aimed to restore democratic rule and protect American citizens living there.

Healthcare Policy

: Healthcare policy refers to the plans, decisions and actions undertaken to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society. It can involve anything from public health measures to insurance coverage regulations.

Hispanic Population Growth in US

: The increase in the number of individuals who identify as Hispanic or Latino within the United States over a specific period.

Immigration Reform Policies

: These are changes or attempts made by governments to change existing immigration policies, often with the aim of managing immigration flows and addressing issues related to illegal immigration.

Impeachment Trial 2019

: This refers to the trial held after President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Iran Nuclear Deal

: The Iran Nuclear Deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and six world powers (the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China). Under this deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program and allow international inspections in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Iraq War

: The Iraq War (2003-2011) was a protracted armed conflict that began with an invasion led by US forces aiming to topple Saddam Hussein's regime under accusations of possessing weapons of mass destruction which were never found.

Lebanon Intervention

: The Lebanon Intervention (1958) was a brief military operation by the United States in response to a request from Lebanese President Camille Chamoun for assistance against threats of a coup during a time of civil unrest.

Millennials and Gen Z

: Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996, while Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to those born from 1997 onward. These generations are characterized by their familiarity with technology, social media, and global awareness.

New Deal

: The New Deal was a series of programs and projects instituted during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that aimed to restore prosperity to Americans.

Normalization of Relations with Cuba

: This refers to the process initiated by President Obama in 2014 to restore diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after more than five decades of tension following Fidel Castro's rise to power.

Obamacare's Individual Mandate Repeal

: This refers to the removal of a provision in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that required all individuals to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The repeal took effect in 2019.

Panama Intervention

: The Panama Intervention or Operation Just Cause (1989-1990) was an American military action against the government of General Manuel Noriega in Panama. This intervention aimed to safeguard U.S lives, defend democracy in Panama, combat drug trafficking, and protect the integrity of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.

Paris Agreement on Climate Change

: An international treaty negotiated by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) members with an aim to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

President Donald Trump

: The 45th president of the United States, serving from January 2017 to January 2021. He is a businessman and television personality known for his controversial policies and statements.

President George W. Bush

: George W. Bush was the 43rd president of the United States from 2001-2009, known for his response to the September 11 attacks, initiating wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, tax cuts, and education reform (No Child Left Behind Act).

President Jimmy Carter

: The 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He is known for his emphasis on human rights in foreign policy and his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords.

President Joe Biden

: Joe Biden is currently serving as the 46th president of United States since January 20, 2021. He was previously vice president under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.

President Obama

: Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009-2017. He was the first African American president and implemented significant policies including healthcare reform known as Obamacare.

President Ronald Reagan

: The 40th president of the United States (1981-1989), known for his conservative economic policies, referred to as 'Reaganomics,' which aimed at stimulating the American economy through tax cuts, reduced social spending, increased military spending, and deregulation.

Racial Justice Policies

: These are policies aimed at eliminating racial disparities, promoting equal opportunities regardless of race, and ensuring fair treatment for all races within society.

Reagan Revolution

: The Reagan Revolution refers to the conservative shift in American politics during Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989). His administration emphasized lower taxes, decreased government regulation, increased military spending, and free-market capitalism.

Same-sex Marriage Legalization

: This refers to the legal recognition of marriage between two people of the same sex, granting them the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

Tax Policy

: A tax policy refers to the government's approach to taxation, both from the practical and normative side of tax law. It includes how taxes are collected, what they're used for, and who pays them.

US Economy

: The US economy refers to the economic system of the United States, which is a mixed economy and is characterized by private ownership, free markets, and limited government intervention. It's one of the largest and most influential economies in the world.

Vietnam War

: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.

War on Terror

: The War on Terror is an international military campaign launched by U.S. government after September 11 attacks in 2001. Its main goal is to eliminate al-Qaeda and other militant organizations.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.