W. Decades

The Decades

(1945 – Present)

Summary: Post World War II, the US experiences years of steady economic growth. Although not everyone benefited, the boom meant most Americans enjoyed more prosperity than earlier generations. The 1960s brought Presidents that intended to end poverty and racism in the US. The war on poverty and the Great Society programs marked the greatest increase in the federal government’s role in society. The 1970s began with a return to federalism, but the Watergate scandal and an economic downturn to the end of the decade led Americans to distrust the government. As the 1980s began, conservatism made a comeback. Reagan’s commitment to less government regulation brought economic resurgence. The 1990s, developments in technology changed our way of life. The economy soared, but a major political scandal and globalization causes the US stock market to crash as the Dot Com bubble burst. The US entered the new century fighting terrorism. The new security policies led to great controversy in politics that continues today.

Key Terms: people, places, events, and ideas to know: Quizlet

Slide Presentation: Decades

Notes: Decades Notes

Writing Assignment:

1. Life in the 1950s and 60s

2. Politics and Economics of the 1970s

3. Reagan, Bush , and Clinton

4. America in the New Century

Decades Quiz

1. Vocabulary Quiz

2. Old Regents Quiz

3. New Regents Quiz