Section 1: A Conservative Surge

1. Chapter Summary Section 1: A Conservative Surge In the 1970s and 1980s, political and social conservatives wanted to reduce the size of government and focus the country on “traditional values.” The 1991 recession led voters to elect a Democrat to the White House. President Clinton oversaw an economic expansion during his two terms in office. The election of George W. Bush in 2000 returned conservatives to power.

2. Chapter Summary (continued) Section 2: End of the Cold War Opposition to communist rule and a weak Soviet economy brought about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. During this time, some Eastern Europe countries shook off communism and elected democratic governments. The end of communism brought further division to other nations.

3. Chapter Summary (continued) Section 3: A New Role in the World After the Cold War ended, the U.S. could play a different role in the world. America used its influence to promote democracy and peace in many nations. The U.S. negotiated arms control deals with former Soviet republics, but nuclear proliferation remained a threat.

4. Chapter Summary (continued) Section 4: Conflict in the Middle East The U.S. has had to balance conflicting interests in the Middle East. The U.S. has intervened in Arab-Israeli conflicts and other disputes in the region. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1991, the U.S. led a coalition of nations against Iraq during the Persian Gulf War.

5. Channel Awesome New Directions for a Nation: Music Video

6. Chapter Review QuickTake Test Know It, Show It Test