League of Nations
Organization formed in 1920 by the United States however they never became a full-fledged member of the League - Meant to promote international peace and security so they wouldn’t have to spend more money since they were all dirt poor after the war
Martin Luther King Jr.
Advocated for racial equality and integration through nonviolent protest.
End of the Great Depression
The Great Depression ended in the Early 1940s and was mobilized by government spending and production for World War II, creating millions of jobs and effectively boosted the economy and pulling the country out of the economic crisis.
Great Depression
Severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was characterized by low wages, bank failures, business closure, and unemployment.
Cold War
Decades long period of political unease as the United States and its allies (promoting capitalism) and the Soviet Union and its allies (promoting communism). Included proxy wars with other countries that prevented the Soviet Union and the U.S. from actually getting involved in a full blown war.
United Nations
International Organization composed of multiple countries created to promote peace, security, and economic development.
Malcolm X
Prominent African American leader during the Civil Rights Movement. Advocated for black empowerment, self defense and racial pride and criticized the slow pace of change through nonviolent protest.
Pearl Harbor
United States naval base in Hawaii that was attacked by Japanese kamikaze soldiers in 1941. That surprise attack ended the United States decision to isolate themselves during World War II.
Fireside Chats
Informal radio addresses by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War II. FDR used these to inform and reassure the American public by explaining government happenings clearly ensuring transparency.
Marshall Plan
Known as the European Recovery Program where the U.S. provided $12 billion in economic aid to Europe in order to stop the spread of communism and promote political stability.
FHA
The Federal Housing Administration is a government agency created as part of the New Deal. Post World War II it contributed to segregation and racial inequality by promoting redlining and refusing loans to those living in racially diverse communities.
Plessy vs. Ferguson
Supreme Court case that upheld the doctrine “Separate but Equal.” In this case the judge ruled that as long as there were equal in quality it would not be counted as racist.
Isolationism vs. Interventionism
Isolationism is the belief that a country should stay out of foreign conflicts and instead focusing on domestic affairs. Before the Pearl Harbor attack which prompted Americas involvement in WWII, the U.S. wanted to isolate themselves from the war to circumvent another global conflict. - Interventionism is when a country becomes involved in international issues which is what happened after the Pearl Harbor attacks when America had no choice but to intervene in the war.
New Deal
Series of programs introduced by FDR in the 1930s in hopes that they would counter the effects of the Great Depression. It aimed to relieve unemployment and recover the economy.
North vs South Korea
Both countries are separated by the 38th Parallel. North Korea is a communist dictatorship led by the Kim family dynasty and citizens are controlled by the government. South Korea is a democratic/capitalist nation with a strong economy and personal freedom.
Manhattan Project
Secret U.S. government research program during World War II that developed the first ever nuclear weapon. It was lead by Oppenheimer and resulted in the two atomic bombs that were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 ending World War II and Victory over Japan.
Brown vs. Board of Ed
Supreme Court case that ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The court decided that the “separate but equal” doctrine was unconstitutional and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Lend-Lease Act
Allowed the U.S. to lend or lease weapons, supplies, and aid to any of their allied nations during World War II. This marked a shift from American isolationism to support the Axis powers (allies).
VE/VJ Day
Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan as it marked the end of WWII.
Chinese Cultural Revolution
Political and social movement by Mao Zedong, the then leader of China than eliminated any capitalist elements from society. It caused widespread violence, suffering, and severely damaged the countries economy.
Civil Rights Movement
Political and social movement aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the U.S. It was led by figures like MLK and Malcolm X.
The Rise of Totalitarianism
Took place after World War I when dictators like Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), and Stalin (Soviet Union) gained power. The totalitarian governments used propaganda, fear, and violence in order to maintain order.
White Flight
Movement of white Americans from urban areas to more suburban areas due to the growing racially diverse culture in the urban commentates. This contributed to increased segregation.
Social Security Act
Part of the New Deal and was established to provide a financial safety net for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled. It created multiple programs that would supply retirement pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children i.e. the disabled.