Sanctuary Movement
A social and political campaign in the 1980s that aimed to provide refuge to Central American refugees fleeing civil wars, often opposing U.S. immigration policies.
Reaganomics
An economic policy introduced by President Ronald Reagan, characterized by tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government spending to stimulate economic growth.
Economic Recovery Tax Act
A 1981 U.S. law that implemented significant tax cuts aimed at stimulating the economy by increasing consumer spending and investment.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system and compromises the body's ability to fight infections.
Immigration Reform Control Act
A 1986 U.S. legislation aimed at reforming immigration laws by providing amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants and increasing penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers.
Boland Amendment
A series of U.S. legislative amendments during the 1980s that restricted the funding of the Contras in Nicaragua, reflecting concerns over U.S. intervention in Central America.
Iran-Contra Affair
A political scandal during the Reagan administration involving the secret sale of arms to Iran and using the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, bypassing Congress.
Nuclear Freeze Movement
A grassroots advocacy effort in the 1980s that called for a halt to the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons, emphasizing disarmament for global security.
Glasnost
A policy introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s promoting transparency, openness, and freedom of expression in government and society.
Perestroika
A political and economic restructuring policy initiated by Gorbachev in the Soviet Union aimed at reforming the economy and decentralizing control.
Solidarity
A national labor movement in Poland in the 1980s, led by Lech Wałęsa, that played a crucial role in opposing communist rule and advocating for workers' rights and political reform.
Globalization
The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, characterized by the exchange of goods, services, information, and cultural practices.
Operation Desert Storm
The combat phase of the Gulf War in 1991, where a coalition of nations led by the United States launched military action to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Deregulation
The reduction or elimination of government rules controlling how businesses can operate, often aimed at promoting competition and economic efficiency.
Amnesty
A governmental pardon for individuals who have committed a particular act, often used in the context of immigration to allow undocumented immigrants to regularize their status.