🇺🇸ap us history review
9.7 Causation in Period 9
Verified for the 2025 AP US History exam•Citation:MLA
These topics are explained in detail in earlier sections, so use this section as a reminder and review.
Political Polarization
The US became more politically polarized, especially after the 1990s. The Reagan Revolution moved much of the country to the conservative right, but many in the 21st century began to push back against conservatives and/or continued to fight for the liberal legacy of programs like the New Deal and Great Society.
Political polarization in the United States has been a significant trend in the 21st century, with many Americans feeling increasingly divided along political lines. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this polarization, including:
- The role of social media and the internet: The rise of social media and the internet has made it easier for people to access and share information, but it has also made it easier for people to encounter and engage with political content that confirms their preexisting beliefs. This can lead to a phenomenon known as "echo chambers," in which people are exposed to only one side of an issue, leading to increased polarization.
- The role of political parties: Political parties in the United States have become increasingly polarized in recent years, with the Democratic Party and the Republican Party taking more extreme positions on a range of issues. This has made it more difficult for politicians to work together and find common ground, leading to increased polarization.
- The role of media: The media landscape in the United States has become increasingly fractured, with people able to access news and information from a wide range of sources. This has made it easier for people to access information that confirms their preexisting beliefs, leading to increased polarization.
- The role of campaign finance: The role of money in American politics has long been a controversial issue, and many people believe that the influence of campaign finance has contributed to political polarization. The ability of wealthy individuals and special interest groups to fund political campaigns has led to a system in which politicians are more beholden to their donors than to the general public, leading to increased polarization.
- Demographic changes: The United States is undergoing significant demographic changes, with a more diverse and urban population. These changes have led to increased political polarization, as different groups have different political interests and priorities.
Overall, there are a number of factors that have contributed to the political polarization in the United States in the 21st century, including the role of social media, the role of political parties, the role of media, the role of campaign finance, and demographic changes.
Economic Changes
Globalization affected the United States greatly during this time period as the US economy moved to a post-industrial basis, focusing more on service-sector and high-tech jobs. This created problems for previous industrial centers (see the Rust Belt) and worsened the country’s economic inequality as the rich got richer and poor and middle class wages stagnated.
There have been a number of significant economic changes in the United States in the 21st century, and a number of different factors have contributed to these changes. Here are five causes of economic changes in the United States in the 21st century:
- The Great Recession: The Great Recession was a major economic downturn that lasted from 2007 to 2009, and it had a significant impact on the economy of the United States. The recession was caused by a number of factors, including the collapse of the housing market and the financial crisis. The recession led to high levels of unemployment and a slowdown in economic growth.
- The COVID-19 pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy of the United States, with many businesses shutting down and millions of Americans losing their jobs. The pandemic has led to a slowdown in economic growth and increased levels of unemployment.
- Changes in tax policy: The United States has undergone a number of changes in tax policy in the 21st century, including the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017. These changes have had a significant impact on the economy, with some people arguing that they have helped to stimulate economic growth, while others argue that they have led to increased income inequality.
- Changes in trade policy: The United States has undergone a number of changes in trade policy in the 21st century, including the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the renegotiation of trade agreements with countries like Mexico and Canada. These changes have had a significant impact on the economy, with some people arguing that they have helped to protect American jobs, while others argue that they have led to increased prices and reduced access to global markets.
- Changes in monetary policy: The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, has implemented a number of changes in monetary policy in the 21st century, including the implementation of low interest rates and the implementation of quantitative easing programs. These changes have had a significant impact on the economy, with some people arguing that they have helped to stimulate economic growth, while others argue that they have led to increased levels of inflation.
Overall, there are a number of factors that have contributed to the economic changes in the United States in the 21st century, including the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in tax policy, changes in trade policy, and changes in monetary policy.
Demographic Changes
The US in the 21st century was much more diverse than the US of 1950 or even of 1980. Continued immigration from Latin America and Asia created tension within the US as the US—again—wondered about how to assimilate immigrant groups and to maintain a US identity. Women were more involved in the workforce than ever before, movement to the Sunbelt continued as Midwestern states lost population relative to the rest of the country.
There have been a number of significant demographic changes in the United States in the 21st century, and a number of different factors have contributed to these changes. Here are five causes of demographic changes in the United States in the 21st century:
- Immigration: The United States has a long history of immigration, and the 21st century has seen a significant influx of immigrants from Latin America and Asia. This has led to a more diverse population and has contributed to the growth of the Hispanic and Asian American populations.
- Changes in birth rates: The 21st century has seen significant changes in birth rates in the United States, with the fertility rate falling to its lowest level in more than three decades. This has contributed to the aging of the population and has led to a shift in the age structure of the population.
- Changes in family structure: The 21st century has seen significant changes in family structure in the United States, with an increase in single-parent households and a decline in the number of married couples with children. This has contributed to changes in the demographics of the population.
- Changes in life expectancy: The 21st century has seen significant changes in life expectancy in the United States, with life expectancy increasing due to improvements in healthcare and technology. This has contributed to the aging of the population and has led to a shift in the age structure of the population.
- Changes in geographic mobility: The 21st century has seen significant changes in geographic mobility in the United States, with more people moving between states and regions. This has contributed to changes in the demographics of the population and has led to a more diverse and urbanized population.
Overall, there are a number of factors that have contributed to the demographic changes in the United States in the 21st century, including immigration, changes in birth rates, changes in family structure, changes in life expectancy, and changes in geographic mobility.
Key Terms to Review (26)
Asia Immigration: Asia Immigration refers to the movement of people from various Asian countries to the United States, particularly during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This trend is significant as it reflects broader changes in U.S. immigration policy, economic conditions, and global events that have shaped the demographic landscape of America.
Asian American Population Growth: Asian American Population Growth refers to the significant increase in the number of individuals identifying as Asian American in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward. This demographic shift has been influenced by various factors, including immigration patterns, changes in U.S. immigration laws, and socio-economic opportunities that have drawn people from diverse Asian backgrounds to settle in America.
Campaign Finance: Campaign finance refers to the funds raised and spent by candidates, political parties, and interest groups in order to influence elections and political outcomes. It plays a crucial role in the political process, as the ability to raise significant funds can greatly impact a candidate's visibility and competitiveness in elections, shaping public policy and governance.
COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 Pandemic refers to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019 and led to widespread illness and significant mortality across the world. This pandemic not only caused a public health crisis but also had profound social, economic, and political impacts, highlighting vulnerabilities in global systems and prompting a reevaluation of healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, founded in the early 19th century. It has evolved significantly over time, advocating for issues such as individual rights, social justice, and a more active role of government in the economy. The party's development has been influenced by key historical events and shifts in public sentiment, especially during periods of expanding democracy, cultural transformation, and major conflicts over civil rights and social issues.
Demographic Changes: Demographic changes refer to shifts in the population structure of a region over time, including factors such as age, race, ethnicity, migration patterns, and population growth or decline. These changes can significantly impact society, economy, and culture, reflecting broader trends in continuity and change as well as causal relationships in historical contexts.
Economic Changes: Economic changes refer to significant shifts in the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society, impacting overall economic structures and practices. These changes can result from various factors including technological advancements, policy shifts, and global trends. In the context of major historical events, economic changes can drive social transformations, influence political decisions, and alter international relations.
Economic Inequality: Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. This term highlights how wealth and resources are concentrated among a small percentage of the population while the majority experience limited access to financial stability and upward mobility. Economic inequality is often linked to issues such as labor conditions, civil rights, and social justice movements, making it a crucial aspect of understanding historical and contemporary societal dynamics.
Echo Chambers: Echo chambers are environments, often found in social media and online platforms, where individuals are exposed only to information and opinions that align with their existing beliefs. This phenomenon reinforces one's viewpoints while filtering out opposing perspectives, leading to a skewed understanding of issues and events. Echo chambers can contribute to polarization in society by creating divides based on differing beliefs and information sources.
Federal Reserve: The Federal Reserve, commonly known as the Fed, is the central banking system of the United States, established in 1913 to provide the country with a safer and more flexible monetary and financial system. It plays a crucial role in regulating the economy through monetary policy, controlling inflation, and managing interest rates, thus influencing economic stability during times of reform, economic turmoil, and crisis.
Globalization: Globalization is the process by which businesses, cultures, and economies around the world become interconnected and interdependent through trade, technology, and communication. This phenomenon has been accelerated by advancements in transportation and information technology, leading to increased interaction among nations and the spread of ideas, goods, and services across borders.
Great Society: The Great Society was a set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice while promoting economic opportunity and education. It represented a significant expansion of the federal government's role in social welfare and civil rights, reflecting a transformative period in American history that sought to address systemic inequalities and improve living standards for all citizens.
Hispanic Population Growth: Hispanic Population Growth refers to the significant increase in the number of individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent in the United States, particularly noted from the late 20th century into the 21st century. This demographic change has influenced cultural, social, and economic dynamics across the country, reflecting broader patterns of immigration and birth rates within Hispanic communities.
Latin America Immigration: Latin America Immigration refers to the movement of people from Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Central America, and South America, to other regions, particularly the United States, driven by various social, economic, and political factors. This migration has significant impacts on demographics, culture, and economies of both the sending and receiving countries, especially in the context of globalization and changing immigration policies during this period.
Life Expectancy Increase: Life expectancy increase refers to the rise in the average number of years that individuals are expected to live, a trend significantly observed in the 20th and 21st centuries. This phenomenon is often linked to advancements in healthcare, improved living conditions, better nutrition, and overall social progress, reflecting broader societal changes that impact population health and demographics.
New Deal: The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions, fundamentally reshaping the role of government in American society.
Political Polarization: Political polarization refers to the growing ideological gap and increasing hostility between political parties and their supporters. It leads to a fragmented political landscape where individuals align strongly with their party, often at the expense of compromise and bipartisan cooperation, influencing various aspects of governance and public discourse.
Reagan Revolution: The Reagan Revolution refers to the political and social movement in the United States during the 1980s, characterized by a shift towards conservative policies and a focus on limited government, free-market economics, and traditional social values. This movement was not only about Ronald Reagan's presidency but also represented a broader cultural change that reshaped American politics and society.
Republican Party: The Republican Party is a political party in the United States founded in the 1850s, primarily to oppose the expansion of slavery into the territories. The party emerged as a response to the failures of existing political compromises and grew in prominence during significant events such as the election of 1860, which ultimately led to the secession of several Southern states. Over time, it has evolved to address various social, economic, and political issues throughout American history.
Rust Belt: The Rust Belt refers to a region in the northeastern and midwestern United States that experienced significant economic decline due to the deindustrialization and the loss of manufacturing jobs from the late 20th century onward. This area, once thriving with steel mills and factories, became synonymous with urban decay, population loss, and economic hardship, reflecting broader shifts in the American economy and labor market.
Single-Parent Households: Single-parent households are family units where one parent is responsible for raising one or more children without the presence of a partner. This structure has become increasingly common and reflects broader societal changes, such as shifts in family dynamics, economic factors, and changing social norms regarding marriage and child-rearing.
Social Media: Social media refers to digital platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and exchange content, fostering virtual communities and networks. It has transformed how people communicate, interact, and engage with information, shaping public opinion and influencing various aspects of society, including politics and culture.
Sunbelt Migration: Sunbelt Migration refers to the demographic trend of people moving from the northern states of the U.S. to the southern and southwestern states, known as the Sunbelt, particularly during the late 20th century. This migration was influenced by various factors including climate, economic opportunities, and lifestyle preferences, leading to significant population growth in states like California, Florida, and Texas.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is a significant piece of tax reform legislation enacted in December 2017, aimed at lowering tax rates for individuals and businesses. It represents a shift in fiscal policy during a time of economic recovery, with the goal of stimulating economic growth, increasing wages, and creating jobs. The TCJA included changes such as reduced corporate tax rates, increased standard deductions, and modifications to various tax credits and deductions.
The Great Recession: The Great Recession refers to the severe global economic downturn that lasted from late 2007 through mid-2009, characterized by significant declines in consumer wealth, massive job losses, and widespread financial instability. This economic crisis was largely triggered by the collapse of the housing bubble in the United States, leading to failures in major financial institutions and a credit crunch that had lasting impacts on economies worldwide.
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a trade agreement negotiated among twelve Pacific Rim countries aimed at promoting economic integration and reducing trade barriers. The TPP was significant for its potential to reshape trade relationships and standards across the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting broader changes in the global economy and strategic geopolitical considerations.