Cold War
What was the Cold War? Why was it called "cold"?
The Cold War was a conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1945–1991. It was called "cold" because neither country declared war directly; fighting occurred through proxy wars.
What was the purpose of the G.I. Bill?
The G.I. Bill provided WWII veterans with financial aid for housing, education, and work opportunities.
What event is considered the start of the Civil Rights Movement?
Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus is considered the start of the Civil Rights Movement.
Why was John F. Kennedy’s election in 1960 significant?
he was the youngest president, the first Catholic president, and the first to use televised debates.
Define "Iron Curtain."
The divide between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western Europe during the Cold War.
Name the two countries involved in the Cold War conflict.
The United States and the Soviet Union.
Name two reasons for the growth of suburbs in the 1950s.
Suburbs grew because more cars allowed people to commute, housing was cheaper (like in Levittown), and the Interstate Highway Act made transportation easier.
What did Martin Luther King, Jr. teach, and why was he successful?
Nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. He was successful because his peaceful approach highlighted the injustices of segregation and gained widespread support.
What were the results of the Bay of Pigs Invasion?
a failed attempt by the U.S. to overthrow Fidel Castro in Cuba, making the U.S. look weak.
What was the purpose of NATO?
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was an alliance formed to protect member nations and promote freedom.
What was the Marshall Plan, and why was it created?
The Marshall Plan provided over $13 billion in financial aid to rebuild European nations after WWII. It was created to stabilize economies and build alliances.
What cultural changes happened in America during the 1950s?
the popularity of television, the rise of Rock 'n' Roll, increased car ownership, conformity, suburban growth, and the Beat Movement as rebellion.
What are two major achievements of the Civil Rights Movement?
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (banning public segregation) and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (ending voting barriers).
How was the Cuban Missile Crisis resolved?
Ended with the U.S. and USSR agreeing to remove nuclear weapons from Cuba and Turkey, avoiding war.
What is brinkmanship, and how was it used during the Cold War?
a strategy of threatening extreme measures, like nuclear war, to force an opponent to back down during the Cold War.
How did the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences contribute to the start of the Cold War?
The Yalta and Potsdam Conferences led to tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union by dividing Germany and Berlin into sections, creating a nuclear arms race, and highlighting competition for global power.
What impact did the Interstate Highway Act have on American society?
The Interstate Highway Act made travel between suburbs and cities faster and easier, encouraging suburban living and boosting the economy.
Why did the Black Power movement gain popularity?
People were frustrated with the slow progress of nonviolent protests and wanted immediate change.
What was the Space Race, and what were its effects on the U.S.?
Advancements in technology, education, and funding for science. The USSR launched Sputnik first, but the U.S. was the first to land a man on the moon.
What was McCarthyism, and why was it significant?
the intense fear of communism in the U.S., during which Senator McCarthy accused people of being communists without proper evidence.
Explain the significance of the U-2 Spy Plane incident.
The U-2 Spy Plane incident revealed the U.S. was spying on the Soviet Union. It harmed trust between the countries and made Americans question their government.
What were the lingering problems in the U.S. economy despite 1950s prosperity?
income inequality, the minority/majority gap, and limited opportunities for women and minorities persisted.
Explain the role of organizations like NAACP, SNCC, SCLC, and Black Panthers in the Civil Rights Movement.
NAACP fought legal battles, SNCC led grassroots movements, SCLC focused on nonviolence, and the Black Panthers pushed for direct action and self-defense.
Explain the key aspects of Johnson’s Great Society program.
Included Medicare for elderly Americans, Medicaid for low-income Americans, and Social Security expansion to support senior citizens financially.
Compare and contrast the economic systems of communism and capitalism.
Communism (Soviet Union) involves government control of all resources and production, whereas capitalism (U.S.) is based on private ownership and free markets.