Vietnamization
A policy introduced by President Nixon aimed at reducing American involvement in the Vietnam War by transferring the responsibility of war efforts to South Vietnamese forces.
Pentagon Papers
A classified Department of Defense study that revealed the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967; its release sparked a major controversy regarding government transparency.
War Powers Act
A federal law passed in 1973 intended to limit the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in hostilities without congressional approval, emphasizing the balance of power between Congress and the President.
Detente
A diplomatic strategy aimed at easing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, characterized by increased communication and negotiation.
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I)
An agreement between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in 1972 that aimed to limit the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers and reduce the arms race.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
An intergovernmental organization of oil-producing countries that coordinates oil production and pricing to ensure stable oil markets.
Affirmative Action
Policies designed to promote equal opportunity in education and employment for historically marginalized groups, often involving measures to increase diversity.
Watergate
A major political scandal in the 1970s involving a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration, leading to Nixon's resignation.
National Energy Act
A U.S. law passed in 1978 aimed at promoting energy conservation and reducing dependence on foreign oil through various incentives and regulations.
SALT II
A continuation of the arms limitation talks that began with SALT I, this treaty was signed in 1979 but was never ratified due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Mujahideen
A group of guerrilla fighters in Afghanistan who opposed the Soviet invasion during the 1980s, receiving support from the U.S. and other nations.
Camp David Accords
A series of agreements reached in 1978 between Egypt and Israel, brokered by President Carter, aimed at establishing peace in the Middle East.
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, although it was never ratified.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A U.S. federal agency established in 1970 responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
New Right
A political movement that emerged in the late 20th century advocating for conservative principles, including limited government, traditional family values, and free-market economics.
Neoconservatives
A political movement characterized by a focus on promoting democracy and American national interests abroad, often through military intervention, especially noted during the late 20th century.