unit #17 - Modern Era Flashcards

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Watergate Scandal

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A break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices in the Watergate complex in Washington was carried out under the direction of White House employees. Disclosure of the White House involvement in the break-in and subsequent cover-up forced President Nixon to resign in 1974 to avoid impeachment.

Front

"smoking gun" tape (1972)

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Recording made in the Oval Office that proved conclusively that Nixon knew about the Watergate break-in and endeavored to cover it up. When the tape's existence became public knowledge, Nixon's Congressional support evaporated and the Supreme Court ordered he hand the tape to investigators.

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Camp David Accords

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A peace treaty between Israel and Egypt where Egypt agreed to recognize the nation state of Israel. Led in US by President Jimmy Carter.

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Iran Hostage Crisis (1979)

Back

A 1978 revolution in Iran forced the Shah to flee. The U.S. had supported the Shah with arms and money. The revolutionaries invaded the American embassy in Iran, threatening to kill the hostages if the Shah was not returned to Iran to face trial for his actions. Carter rejected the demand, froze all Iranian assets in the United States, and issued an embargo on trade. All hostages were released in 1980, once the Shah had died and Reagan had been sworn in as President.

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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979)

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After the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, President Carter placed an embargo on wheat shipments to Russia, increased spending on defense in support of Afghans, proxy war. Sold weapons and supported the Taliban. US also boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.

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Reagonomics (trickle-down economics)

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Rests on the assumption that if taxes are reduced, the wealthy would invest more into businesses and provide more jobs for the people.

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Persian Gulf War (1991)

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Saddam Hussein's, leader of Iraq invaded Kuwait over oil dispute. Went against US wishes (Saddam had formerly been US ally). US and its allies invaded Iraq to liberate Kuwait; US had a quick victory. Also known as Operation Desert Storm.

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Invasion of Afghanistan 2001

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October 2001, the United States began bombing Taliban centers in Afghanistan in response to the attack on September 11, 2001 of the World Trade Center in New York.

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Invasion of Iraq 2003

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US invaded and deposed Saddam Hussein based on (false) intelligence that he possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

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September 11, 2001 attacks

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Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City destroyed by two hijacked airplanes; Two other planes crashed into the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania; Al-Qaeda network responsible.