Chapter 27 & 28 Review Sheet: The 1950’s

United Nations

Established after WWII to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Differences between USSR and US

USSR promoted communism and had satellite nations; the US advocated for democracy and capitalism.

Satellite Nations/Buffer Zone

Countries in Eastern Europe aligned with the USSR, serving as a buffer against western influence.

Containment Policy

Aimed to prevent the spread of communism.

Truman Doctrine

Provided military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey to help them resist communism.

Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)

USSR blocked access to West Berlin, resulting in the Berlin Airlift by Western Allies.

NATO

Military alliance established in 1949 by the US and its European allies.

Warsaw Pact

Military alliance of communist nations formed in response to NATO in 1955.

Korean War (1950-1953)

Conflict between North Korea (supported by China and USSR) and South Korea (supported by UN forces led by the US); ended in a stalemate.

Sputnik (1957)

First artificial satellite launched by the USSR, leading to the Space Race.

U-2 Spy Plane Affair (1960)

American U-2 plane shot down over the USSR, worsening US-Soviet relations.

Red Scare

Fear of communism that led to loyalty tests and investigations.

Role of Senator McCarthy

Became infamous for accusing many of being communists, leading to widespread paranoia.

1948 Election

Harry Truman (Democrat) won against Thomas Dewey (Republican).

1952 Election

Dwight Eisenhower (Republican) won against Adlai Stevenson (Democrat).

1956 Election

Eisenhower re-elected against Stevenson.

Truman’s Fair Deal

Proposals for social welfare programs, including the GI Bill for veterans.

GI Bill

Provided benefits for returning WWII veterans.

Post-War Housing

Increased demand for affordable housing after WWII.

Television in the 1950s

Became a significant aspect of American culture.

Religion's Influence

Influenced societal norms and politics during this era.

Traditional Gender Roles

Men as breadwinners and women as homemakers were prevalent during this time.

Civil Rights Issues

Systematic discrimination, segregation, and violence faced by minorities.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)

A pivotal protest against racial segregation in public transportation sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest.

Little Rock Nine (1957)

Group of African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High School, requiring federal intervention for protection.