The Changing Role of the USA as a Superpower After 1990 Flashcards

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What is meant by the USA being a 'superpower'?

It is a country with a very strong army, wealth and world influence.

What event in 1991 made the USA the world's only superpower?

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

Before 1990, what was the USA's main aim in the Cold War?

To stop communism spreading and to limit the power of the Soviet Union.

After 1990, what new role did many US leaders say the USA should have in the world?

They said the USA should act as a 'world policeman'. It would try to keep order and protect its interests.

How did the 1991 Gulf War show the USA acting as a superpower?

The USA led a large UN-backed force. It used high-tech weapons and drove Iraqi troops out of Kuwait.

How did the USA keep pressure on Iraq after the 1991 Gulf War?

It helped enforce UN trade sanctions and no-fly zones over Iraq. US and British planes also bombed Iraqi targets when Iraq broke the rules.

What happened on 11 September 2001 (9/11) that changed US foreign policy?

Terrorists from al-Qaeda took over planes and crashed them into New York and Washington. Almost 3,000 people died.

What was the 'War on Terror' announced by President George W. Bush?

It was a worldwide campaign led by the USA. Its aim was to find and destroy terrorist groups and the states that helped them.

How did the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan show the USA's power?

The USA led NATO forces that used bombing and ground troops. They removed the Taliban government that had sheltered al-Qaeda.

Why did the 2003 invasion of Iraq damage the USA's image as a superpower?

The USA invaded without clear UN backing. No weapons of mass destruction were found, and many people around the world criticised the war.