APUSH Unit 8 Notes

Vietnam War

A conflict in which U.S. support decreased due to graphic media coverage, protests, and the My Lai Massacre.

Marshall Plan

U.S. initiative providing over $12 billion to rebuild Western Europe to prevent communism.

LBJ’s Great Society

A program aimed at ending poverty and racial injustice, creating Medicare and other social programs.

Hernandez v. Texas

A Supreme Court case that ruled Mexican-Americans are protected by the 14th Amendment.

Sit-ins

Nonviolent protests against segregated lunch counters initiated by Black college students.

Sun Belt vs. Rust Belt Migration

Population and economic shifts from the Rust Belt to the growing Sun Belt.

Economic Justice – MLK vs. Malcolm X

Different approaches to economic equality; King favored peaceful reform, Malcolm X self-reliance.

Civil Rights & Global Context

King linked civil rights to global freedom, while Malcolm X supported UN intervention for human rights.

1950s Economic Boom & Consumerism

A period characterized by rising consumer goods, credit, and suburban development.

School Integration & Federal Response

Federal government enforced school desegregation amid significant Southern resistance.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Legislation that granted the president power to escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Vietnam & Cold War Policy

U.S. engagement in Vietnam was driven by the aim to contain communism under the Domino Theory.

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring

A book that initiated the environmental movement, leading to the EPA's establishment.

First vs. Second Red Scare

Periods of intense anti-communism; the 1920s focused on Palmer Raids, the 1950s on McCarthyism.

Chicano/Mexican-American Movement

Activism for Mexican-American rights, similar to the Civil Rights Movement.

McCarthyism & Soviet Fear

A campaign led by McCarthy that reflected widespread paranoia regarding communism.

Desegregation – Brown v. Board

Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional.

HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)

A committee that investigated suspected communists during the Second Red Scare.

1950s–60s Economy

A strong economy benefitting the middle class, yet failing to equally support minorities.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

A proposed amendment for gender equality, supported by activists but never ratified.

War Powers Act (1973)

Legislation limiting presidential military power, requiring timely notification of Congress.

Watergate Scandal

Political scandal involving Nixon's cover-up of a DNC break-in, leading to his resignation.

Levittowns & Suburbs

Mass-produced housing developments for veterans, contributing to urban decline and racial segregation.

Causes of 1960s–70s Pollution

Environmental issues driven by unregulated industry, increased automobile use, and pesticides.

King vs. Malcolm X – Major Differences

King emphasized nonviolence and integration; Malcolm X initially rejected white allies and advocated for self-defense.

Korean vs. Vietnam War

The Korean War ended in a stalemate, while the Vietnam War resulted in U.S. withdrawal and communism.

Alger Hiss & Rosenbergs

Hiss was accused of spying for the Soviet Union; the Rosenbergs were executed for espionage.

Phyllis Schlafly & the ERA

An anti-ERA activist who supported traditional female roles and influenced conservative movements.

Hollywood Ten

A group of writers and directors blacklisted for refusing to testify before HUAC.