Vietnam War
How does the domino theory represent a reason why the U.S. started getting involved in Vietnam?
The U.S. worried that if South Vietnam fell to communism than the countries around it in southeast Asia would fall to Communism.
What was the goal of the Great Society, and how did it attempt to accomplish this?
The goal was to end poverty. New programs were started such as Head Start, food stamps and Medicaid, and others that were primarily geared toward helping economically disadvantaged people.
How was detente a change from previous administrations in handling the Cold War?
President Nixon’s policy of détente aimed to deliberately ease Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union and China through diplomacy, reducing the risk of nuclear conflict. It sought to shift from confrontation to negotiation. More focus on lessening tensions with the Soviets than stopping the spread of communism.
How did the Immigration Act of 1965 change where most immigrants were coming from?
Due to the the National Origins Act of 1924 most immigrants were coming from Northwestern Europe. This act eliminated the quotas and most immigrants have come from Latin America and Asia since.
In the late 1960s, what was the progress in the Vietnam War, and how did the public view President Johnson?
The war was very different from other wars, and it did not appear that the U.S. was making progress. People began to question why we were involved and disapproved of Johnson's leadership.
What happened in the Watergate scandal, and why is it remembered more than other presidential scandals?
The scandal surrounded a break-in at a hotel in Washington that was the headquarters of the Democratic Party. President Nixon attempted to cover up his administration's involvement. He resigned rather than be impeached. Many Americans became more distrustful of govt. because of this scandal.
Why was the world so close to nuclear war in 1962, over Cuba and how was the war averted?
Why was the Berlin Wall built?
The Wall was built by the East German Govt. to keep people living there from fleeing to West Berlin.
What was the American public's opinion about the Vietnam War, and what played a major role in shaping opinion?
How was the power of the president limited by Congress in 1972 as a direct result of the Vietnam War?
Congress passed the War Powers Act, which limited the president's ability to commit U.S. troops without Congressional authorization.
What happened at the Bay of Pigs?
The CIA had trained people who been exiled from Cuba because they were against Castro. They landed at the Bay of Pigs and hoped they would inspire a popular uprising. Instead they were captured and the invasion was a disaster for Kennedy.
Why was the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution important?
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave President Johnson (and later Nixon) in almost blank check when it came to the use of bombs and soldiers in the Vietnam War.
What earlier program was similar to the Great Society, and what political viewpoint do they both reflect?
It was similar to the New Deal. Both represent a liberal viewpoint in using government to help solve society's problems. (New Deal- Great Depression, Great Society- Poverty)
What happened in Cuba in 1959, and how did this affect the United States and Florida?
A communist named Fidel Castro and his followers overthrew the leader of Cuba with Castro becoming the new dictator. People who had fought against Castro began fleeing to the U.S. on boats and settled in Florida. The U.S. and Cuba and Cuba entered into a period of hostility.
how did Vietnamization lead to the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War?
Vietnamization led to the end of the war by initiating a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops while aggressively building up South Vietnamese (ARVN) forces to assume combat roles.
While President Johnson took a lot of criticism for his handling of the Vietnam war some of his domestic programs remain and our heralded as huge success. Name at least two. (Hint think Civil Rights for two)
Civil Rights Act of 1964- bans discrimination on race, gender religion in areas of public places hiring etc.
Voting Rights Act of 1965- Gets federal govt involved in registering African Americans to vote in areas of a history of discrimination.
Medicare- Healthcare for those over 65.
Why was Richard Nixon going to China in 1972 such a huge deal, and what were some effects of both countries establishing relations?
It ended 25 years of isolation between the 2 countries (U.S. didn't even recognize Communist China) Eventually it leads to diplomatic ties being restored between the 2 countries and later large amounts of trading between the 2 countries.