Challenges of the 21st Century - AP U.S. History

1. Identify the major public health crisis of 2020.

   The COVID-19 pandemic. Caused global lockdowns and reshaped society, economy, and politics worldwide.

2. Which agreement aimed to reduce nuclear weapons in the 21st century?

   The New START Treaty. 2010 U.S.-Russia agreement limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads.

3. What major financial crisis occurred in 2008?

   The Global Financial Crisis. Triggered by subprime mortgage collapse and led to global recession.

4. Identify a major refugee crisis of the 21st century.

   The Syrian refugee crisis. Millions fled civil war, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since WWII.

5. What is the primary objective of the Black Lives Matter movement?

   To combat racial discrimination and police brutality. Founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman's acquittal in Trayvon Martin case.

6. What is the main goal of the Affordable Care Act?

   To improve access to health insurance in the U.S. Obama's signature healthcare reform expanding coverage to millions of Americans.

7. What is the main focus of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)?

   Promoting trade among Pacific Rim countries. Multilateral trade agreement abandoned by U.S. under Trump administration.

8. What is the primary goal of the Global War on Terror?

   To combat international terrorism. Bush doctrine launched after 9/11 to eliminate terrorist threats globally.

9. What is a primary concern regarding social media in the 21st century?

   The spread of misinformation. Fake news and echo chambers threaten democratic discourse and elections.

10. Identify the legislation passed in response to 9/11.

    The USA PATRIOT Act. Expanded government surveillance powers to prevent future terrorist attacks.

11. Which Middle Eastern country experienced a civil war beginning in 2011?

    Syria. Arab Spring protests escalated into devastating proxy war involving global powers.

12. What is the primary focus of the Occupy Wall Street movement?

    Economic inequality and corporate influence in politics. Started in 2011 to protest wealth disparity and Wall Street's political power.

13. Which event highlighted the risks of nuclear proliferation in 2006?

    North Korea's first nuclear test. Demonstrated the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons proliferation.

14. Which technology company became the first to reach a $1 trillion market cap?

    Apple. Reached this milestone in August 2018, reflecting tech sector dominance.

15. Which country was the target of the 9/11 terrorist attacks?

    United States. The attacks targeted American soil, specifically the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

16. Which country's rise has been a major topic in 21st-century geopolitics?

    China. Economic growth and military expansion challenge U.S. global dominance.

17. Identify a significant environmental disaster in the 21st century.

    The Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 2010 BP oil rig explosion caused massive Gulf of Mexico contamination.

18. What is the main focus of the Green New Deal?

    Addressing climate change and economic inequality. Progressive proposal linking environmental and social justice policies.

19. What is a key challenge in cybersecurity in the 21st century?

    Protecting data from cyber-attacks. Digital infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to state and criminal hackers.

20. Which industry was central to the 2008 financial crisis?

    The housing and financial sectors. Subprime mortgages and risky financial instruments caused the collapse.

21. What movement began with the hashtag #MeToo?

    A movement against sexual harassment and assault. Started by Tarana Burke, gained momentum after Harvey Weinstein allegations.

22. Which group is most affected by the digital divide?

    Low-income populations. Lack of internet access limits educational and economic opportunities.

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