The Cold War and Civil Rights Movement Practice Review

Practice flashcards covering the major political and social events of the Cold War and Civil Rights Movement as outlined in the lecture notes.

Why did tensions rise between the U.S. and the Soviet Union after WWII?

They had opposing ideologies: U.S. democracy/capitalism vs. Soviet communism.

What political ideology was spreading after WWII and causing fear in the West?

Communism.

What regions fell under communist control after WWII?

Eastern Europe and later countries such as China.

What did Winston Churchill call the Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe?

The Iron Curtain.

What was the Cold War?

A political, economic, and military rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union without direct war between them.

Where was the Cold War fought?

Through proxy conflicts around the world, including Korea and Vietnam.

Name two key competitions used to fight the Cold War.

The Arms Race and the Space Race.

What was the Arms Race?

Competition between the U.S. and the USSR to build more powerful nuclear weapons.

What was the Space Race?

Competition to achieve major accomplishments in space exploration.

Who won the early stages of the Space Race?

The Soviet Union (Sputnik and the first human in space).

How did sports become part of the Cold War?

Olympic competitions were used to demonstrate national superiority.

What factors helped the U.S. win the Cold War?

A stronger economy and Soviet economic problems.

Who led Vietnam's independence movement against France?

Ho Chi Minh.

What happened to Vietnam after France left in 1954?

It was divided into North and South Vietnam.

Which side of Vietnam was communist?

North Vietnam.

Which side of Vietnam did the United States support?

South Vietnam.

What were the Geneva Accords?

An agreement to temporarily divide Vietnam and hold future elections.

Why did the U.S. support South Vietnam?

Fear of communist expansion (Domino Theory).

What was the Domino Theory?

The belief that if one country became communist, nearby countries would follow.

Who were the Vietcong?

Communist guerrilla fighters operating in South Vietnam.

What event gave President Johnson broad war powers?

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Why was the Vietnam draft criticized?

Many believed it unfairly affected poorer and minority Americans.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A large-scale communist attack in 1968.

Why was the Tet Offensive significant?

It weakened public confidence that the U.S. was winning the war.

What was the My Lai Massacre?

The killing of Vietnamese civilians by U.S. soldiers.

What was Vietnamization?

Nixon's plan to transfer fighting responsibilities to South Vietnam.

What was the War Powers Act (1973)?

A law limiting presidential military powers without Congressional approval.

What is Vietnam Syndrome?

America's reluctance to enter future wars after Vietnam.

What Supreme Court case began the legal end of school segregation?

Brown v. Board of Education

What sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat.

What did Brown II (1955) require?

Schools must desegregate with "all deliberate speed."

What was the Little Rock Crisis?

Nine Black students integrated Central High School despite resistance.

What civil disobedience tactic was used at segregated lunch counters?

Sit-ins.

Who were the Freedom Riders?

Activists who challenged segregation on interstate buses.

Who is recognized as the first Black student admitted to the University of Mississippi?

James Meredith.

What happened in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963?

Peaceful protesters faced police dogs and fire hoses.

What occurred during the March on Washington?

A major civil rights rally where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech.

What was the result of the Selma to Montgomery march?

Voting-rights marches that helped lead to stronger voting protections.

What were the Watts Riots?

Violent unrest in Los Angeles caused by racial tensions and police-community conflict.

What was the Black Power movement?

A movement emphasizing Black pride, self-determination, and political strength.

Who promoted Black Power?

Stokely Carmichael.

What was the Civil Rights Act of 1968?

The Fair Housing Act, which banned housing discrimination.

What did the Kerner Commission conclude about urban unrest?

Racism, poverty, and inequality caused urban unrest.

What happened after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.?

Riots occurred in many cities, and the movement became more divided.