Unit 9: 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.

Key Concept 9.1: A newly ascendant conservative movement achieved several political and policy goals during the 1980s and continued to strongly influence public discourse in the following decades.

Key Concept 9.2: Moving into the 21st century, the nation experienced significant technological, economic, and demographic changes.

Key Concept 9.3: The end of the Cold War and new challenges to U.S. leadership forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and role in the world.


American Pageant Chapter Reviews:
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42


Unit 9 Videos:



Bruce Springsteen and the Promise of Rock 'n' Roll from The Gilder Lehrman Institute on Vimeo.