Module 11: The End of the Cold War

You just explored the increased economic and military pressure on the Soviet Union by the United States government under the leadership of President Reagan. This issue, coupled with the internal problems of the Soviet Union, led to the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union.

You witnessed the domestic policies of President Reagan and other conservative Republicans. The “Reagan Revolution” impacted the role of government, federalism, and the subsequent national and state elections. The president following Reagan was George H. W. Bush. Bush’s presidency dealt with the effects of the collapse of communism and the Persian Gulf War. He approved legislation to help Americans with disabilities, as well as to improve air quality. After Bush, President William "Bill" J. Clinton improved relations with countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Mexico, and Canada. Following Clinton was George H. W. Bush’s son, George W. Bush. During his presidency, the United States foreign policy changed in order to combat terrorism after the attacks on September 11, 2001. These attacks led to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. President Bush also passed legislation designed to improve public schooling. After the second Bush, President Barack Obama passed legislation to stimulate the economy and improve Americans' access to healthcare. He slowed the war on terror by ordering the killing of Osama Bin Laden and ending the war in Iraq. In 2017, President Donald J. Trump became the forty-fifth President of the United States.