1980-Present
As the United States transitioned to a new century filled with challenges and possibilities, it experienced renewed ideological and cultural debates, sought to redefine its foreign policy, and adapted to economic globalization and revolutionary changes in science and technology.
Causation: What is the relative significance of the effects of change in the period after 1980 on national identity
5 Things to Know about Period 9
President Reagan’s victory in 1980 was a defining moment for the new conservative movement that had gained strength in the 1970s. Led by Reagan, conservatives pro-moted tax cuts and the deregulation of many private industries.
Through an increased military buildup and a more assertive foreign policy, the Reagan administration sought to end the Cold War. Ultimately, this stronger interventionist U.S. policy, coupled with economic trouble and political changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, brought the Cold War to an end.
Advances in science and technology soared to new heights, especially in the 1990s. Developments in digital technology and the birth of the Internet revolutionized the economy and transformed the world, leading to a new era of globalization.
The United States continued to see large shifts in demographics and populations. Intense debates continued over social issues such as immigration, race, gender, family structures, and diversity.
Conflict in the Middle East increased. After the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States engaged in military action against Afghanistan and Iraq. The War on Terrorism presented new challenges for U.S. leadership and led to changes in both domestic and foreign policy. Efforts to improve security led to new debates in America over the issue of civil liberties and human rights.