Historiography
What school of thought believed that the Cold War was the U.S. containing communism?
Orthodox/Traditional View
Who was Joseph McCarthy?
McCarthy was a senator from Wisconsin who was struggling to get relected until he claimed there were hundreds of communists in the State Department. He then went on to lead the "witch hunt" known as McCarthyism.
Why did the U.S. decide to support the French instead of the Vietnamese after WWII?
They feared that the "domino" would fall and Vietnam would become communist due to Ho Chi Minh practicing communism. The French told the U.S. they were trying to contain communism, not recolonize.
What were the major reasons for the overthrow of Batista in Cuba?
There was a distinct social class difference.
What role did the CIA play in disrupting life in Guatemala in 1954?
The CIA helped in a coup of President Arbenz in order to keep the United Fruit Company in power.
What theory believed that each president during the Vietnam continued to get deeper and deeper into Vietnam conflict?
Commitment Trap Theory
What was H.U.A.C.?
A House committee to investigate those accused of communistic activity. The hearings ended up being a circus of sorts.
How would you describe what was happening in Vietnam when Eisenhower was president?
Nation-building
Why was the Bay of Pigs a turning point in USSR and Cuban relations?
It showed US weakness and Cuba's need for a new ally.
What was the justification the US had for supporting dictatorships in Latin America? Provide an example.
These dictators supported anti-Communist (pro-American) ideas. Answers will vary.
What school of thought believed that both the US and USSR were to blame for the Cold War?
Post-revisionists
What was the "New Look" policy?
This was the policy of the Eisenhower administration to use less conventional weapons. More money was wrapped up into research and development for nuclear weapons.
How did Kennedy change the U.S. role in Vietnam?
He refused to commit troops, however he did increase military aid to the ARVN and put more than 20,000 military advisers in Vietnam.
Why was Castro worried about the missiles on Cuba?
He feared a US invasion of Cuba.
What was the Alliance for Progress? What was a success? What was a failure?
JFK's promise to aid the Latin American countries and bring about essential social change. Housing programs, education programs; program too ambitious, too American
This theory believed that U.S. presidents remained a part of the Vietnam conflict because they didn't want to "lose" the war.
What was the significance of "Duck and Cover"?
This was a government video produced to show students what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. It was a way to keep the public informed without cause total hysteria.
What event gave Johnson justification for committing ground forces to Vietnam?
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
What role did the US play in Cuba prior to the overthrow of Batista?
American interests in sugar and mafia connections
Why did Johnson intervene in the Dominican Republic?
He believed the US interests were threatened by communism.
What school of thought believed that the Cold War was more about economic superiority and imperialism by the U.S.?
Revisionist
Who was the leader of the U.N. forces in Korea? Why was he eventually fired from his post?
General Douglas MacArthur; He got too close to the Chinese border and wanted to continue into China against Truman's orders. This brought the Chinese into the fight and Truman was fearful it would cause WWIII.
Was the U.S. able to contain communism in Vietnam?
Yes, in that when we left, South Vietnam was still in existence. No, because just 2 years later, Saigon fell and Vietnam was reunited as a communist nation.
Why did Castro become a communist? When?
To show the USSR he was in fact a communist in 1961.
How did the US support Latin American leaders in leading in authoritarian ways?
Operation Condor