1. 1980s and 1990s Election of 1980: Carter vs. Reagan Reaganomics: Recovery of economy but also huge deficit; recovery of self- confidence but also heightened Cold War tension Emergence of new technologies: computer, internet, biotechnology

2. End of Cold War Two main theories: conservative view-- American defense policy, especially Star Wars, raced Soviet Union to bankruptcy; Liberal view—Problems within Soviet system and the reform policy of Gorbachev led to end of Cold War 1989: Tiananmen incident in China; German unification; fall of the Berlin Wall; Soviet coup and dissolution in 1990- 1991

3. Bush and Clinton Years Gulf War of 1991 Recession of 1991-93 LA Riot of 1992 Election of 1992: “It’s the economy, stupid.” New Democrat Global warming Genetic engineering New economy: Its making and crash