Period eight refers to the time period covered by AP US History curriculum from 1945 to present. It encompasses major events such as World War II, Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, globalization, technological advancements, etc.
Related terms
Cold War: A state of political tension between the United States (and its allies) and Soviet Union (and its allies) after World War II until early 1990s.
Civil Rights Movement: A social movement aiming for equal rights for African Americans in areas such as voting rights, desegregation, employment opportunities, etc., which gained momentum during the mid-1950s to late 1960s.
Globalization: The increasing interconnectivity and interdependence of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide through trade, technology, and communication.