Cold War Basics
What two superpowers were the main rivals during the Cold War?
The United States and the Soviet Union
What kind of government lets people vote and have freedom?
Democracy
JFK came from a wealthy and prominent family in what US state?
Massachusetts
Who was the U.S. President at the start of the Cold War?
Harry S. Truman
What country launched the first satellite, Sputnik 1?
The Soviet Union
What is a "cold" war?
A war of threats and ideas, not physical fighting.
In what economic system do people own businesses and land with little government involvement?
Capitalism
Why was he so popular?
He was young, charming, and represented a new, fashionable era.
Who led the USSR during the early Cold War and was known for strict control?
Joseph Stalin
Who said " We will go to the moon" in 1962?
JFK
How long did the Cold War last?
From 1945 to 1991 (about 46 years)
Who controls everything in a communist system?
The government
What was the name of this wife?
Jackie Kennedy
What did Truman do to promote racial equality in the military?
He signed Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the military
What U.S. organization was created in 1958 to compete in space?
NASA
Define the word “superpower” in terms of world politics.
A country that is very strong with a big army, lots of money, strong ideas, and power over others.
What U.S. policy aimed to stop the spread of communism?
Containment
What major Cold War event happened during his presidency that was the closest the US and Soviet Union ever came to physical war?
Cuban Missile Crisis
What Soviet leader began “De-Stalinization"
Nikita Khrushchev
What year did the U.S. land on the moon, and who were the astronauts?
1969; Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
What is one reason why the U.S. and USSR became superpowers after WWII?
They helped win WWII and had strong militaries, money and influence.
What was the Truman Doctrine?
A promise to help countries fight against communism, starting with Greece and Turkey
How did JFK support civil rights during his presidency?
He spoke against racism, sent troops to protect Black students, and asked Congress to pass a civil rights law.
Name two major Cold War events that happened while JFK was president.
The Berlin Wall was built and the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred (Also accept Space Race)
Who said, "That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Neil Armstrong