Cold War and Mid-20th Century History

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, people, and legislation from the beginning of the Cold War following Yalta through the social movements and political crises of the 1970s.

The Legacy of Yalta

Post-WWII division of Europe by Stalin, creating the 'Iron Curtain'.

Truman Doctrine

US policy to contain Soviet influence.

Marshall Plan (1947)

US aid to rebuild Europe and counter Communism.

Berlin Airlift (1948-1949)

US supplied West Berlin after Soviet blockade.

NATO

Military alliance for mutual defense against the USSR.

Truman’s loyalty program (1947)

Investigated federal employees; many fired without charges.

HUAC

Committee that investigated suspected communists.

McCarran Internal Security Bill

Law enabling the arrest of 'suspicious' individuals.

Jules and Ethel Rosenberg

Executed for spying for the USSR.

Double V

WWII campaign for victory over fascism and racism.

GI Bill

Benefits for veterans, boosting the post-war economy.

Suburbanization

Movement to suburbs led by housing programs.

Brown vs. The Board of Education

Court ruling for desegregated schools.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Protest against bus segregation, led by MLK.

Little Rock 9 (1957)

Students blocked from integrating a school.

Brinkmanship

Eisenhower's policy of risky diplomacy.

Eisenhower Doctrine

US will protect Middle Eastern oil interests.

Sputnik (1957)

First satellite, sparking the Space Race.

Cult of Domesticity

1950s ideal of homemaking women.

The Beats

1950s writers challenging cultural norms.

Berlin Wall (1961)

Barrier preventing East Germans from leaving.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Confrontation over missiles in Cuba.

Freedom Riders (1961)

Interracial activists fighting bus segregation.

Great Society

LBJ's programs for social welfare.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964)

Congressional approval for military action in Vietnam.

SDS

Student group advocating for democratic society.

Tet Offensive

Major Vietnam attack shocking US public.

Vietnamization

Nixon's plan to reduce US troops in Vietnam.

Great Silent Majority

Nixon's term for supportive Americans.

Watergate Scandal (1972)

Nixon's scandal leading to his resignation.

Stagflation

High inflation and unemployment in the 1970s.

Carter Doctrine

US won't let others control Middle Eastern oil.

Title IX (1972)

Law ensuring gender equality in education.

United Farm Workers

Union for migrant workers' rights.

Stonewall riots (1969)

Protests advocating for LGBTQ rights.