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Series Foreword 21st-Century Turning Points is a general reference series that has been crafted for use by high school and undergraduate students as well as members of the general public. The purpose of the series is to give readers a clear, authoritative, and unbiased understanding of major fast-breaking events, movements, people, and issues that are transforming American life, culture, and politics in this turbulent new century. Each volume constitutes a one- stop resource for learning about a single issue or event currently dominating America’s news headlines and political discussions—issues or events that, in many cases, are also driving national debate about our country’s leaders, institutions, values, and priorities. Each volume in the 21st-Century Turning Points series begins with an Overview of the event or issue that is the subject of the book. It then pro- vides a suite of informative chronologically arranged narrative entries on specific Landmarks in the evolution of the event or issue in question. This section provides both vital historical context and insights into present-day news events to give readers a full and clear understanding of how current issues and controversies evolved. The next section of the book is devoted to examining the Impacts of the event or issue in question on various aspects of American life, including political, economic, cultural, and interpersonal implications. It is followed by a chapter of biographical Profiles that summarize the life experiences and personal beliefs of prominent individuals associated with the event or issue in question. Finally, each book concludes with a topically organized Further Resources list of important and informative resources—from influential books to fascinating websites—to which readers can turn for additional information, and a carefully compiled subject Index.