U.S. History Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from U.S. history focusing on international relations, domestic policies, and socio-economic impacts from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century.

What was the main purpose of the Dawes Plan?

To provide loans to Germany to meet reparations payments, creating a circular flow of money between the U.S., Germany, and Britain/France.

What did the Kellogg-Briand Pact accomplish?

It aimed to outlaw war as a method of national policy and had 14 initial signatories.

What were the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s?

Laws that aimed to prevent U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts by prohibiting arms trade and loans to countries at war.

What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Act?

It allowed the U.S. to provide military aid to foreign nations, particularly those vital for U.S. defense, marking the end of neutrality.

What was the America First Committee?

A group that supported isolationism and opposed U.S. intervention in World War II.

What was the main goal of FDR's Quarantine Speech?

To suggest that aggressive nations should be 'quarantined' to prevent the spread of war.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Midway?

The U.S. destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers while losing only one, regaining control over the Pacific.

What was the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC)?

An agency established to ban discrimination in war industries, responding to A. Randolph's demands.

What did the GI Bill (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944) provide for veterans?

It provided education funding, low-interest home loans, and job training for returning WWII veterans.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To provide economic aid to rebuild Western Europe post-WWII and counter communist influence.

What characterized McCarthyism?

A period marked by aggressive accusations against alleged communists, leading to public hearings and ruined reputations.

What was NSC-68?

A top-secret policy document emphasizing a massive military buildup against the Soviet threat.

What strategy did John Foster Dulles advocate with 'Massive Retaliation'?

The U.S. would respond to communist aggression with overwhelming military force, including nuclear weapons.

What was the significance of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision?

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

What was the impact of the Rosenberg case?

It deepened Cold War anxieties and debates over due process and state secrecy following their execution for espionage.

What did the Taft-Hartley Act do?

It restricted the power and activities of labor unions in the United States.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

An armistice was signed in July 1953, leaving the Korean peninsula still technically at war.

What was the role of the National Security Act of 1947?

It reshaped the U.S. military and intelligence structure, creating the CIA and the National Security Council.

What was Eisenhower's 'New Look' foreign policy?

It emphasized nuclear deterrence and economic measures rather than conventional military buildup.

What was the main purpose of the Dawes Plan?

To provide loans to Germany to meet reparations payments, creating a circular flow of money between the U.S., Germany, and Britain/France.

What did the Kellogg-Briand Pact accomplish?

It aimed to outlaw war as a method of national policy and had 14 initial signatories.

What were the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s?

Laws that aimed to prevent U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts by prohibiting arms trade and loans to countries at war.

What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Act?

It allowed the U.S. to provide military aid to foreign nations, particularly those vital for U.S. defense, marking the end of neutrality.

What was the America First Committee?

A group that supported isolationism and opposed U.S. intervention in World War II.

What was the main goal of FDR's Quarantine Speech?

To suggest that aggressive nations should be 'quarantined' to prevent the spread of war.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Midway?

The U.S. destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers while losing only one, regaining control over the Pacific.

What was the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC)?

An agency established to ban discrimination in war industries, responding to A. Randolph's demands.

What did the GI Bill (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944) provide for veterans?

It provided education funding, low-interest home loans, and job training for returning WWII veterans.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To provide economic aid to rebuild Western Europe post-WWII and counter communist influence.

What characterized McCarthyism?

A period marked by aggressive accusations against alleged communists, leading to public hearings and ruined reputations.

What was NSC-68?

A top-secret policy document emphasizing a massive military buildup against the Soviet threat.

What strategy did John Foster Dulles advocate with 'Massive Retaliation'?

The U.S. would respond to communist aggression with overwhelming military force, including nuclear weapons.

What was the significance of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision?

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

What was the impact of the Rosenberg case?

It deepened Cold War anxieties and debates over due process and state secrecy following their execution for espionage.

What did the Taft-Hartley Act do?

It restricted the power and activities of labor unions in the United States.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

An armistice was signed in July 1953, leaving the Korean peninsula still technically at war.

What was the role of the National Security Act of 1947?

It reshaped the U.S. military and intelligence structure, creating the CIA and the National Security Council.

What was Eisenhower's 'New Look' foreign policy?

It emphasized nuclear deterrence and economic measures rather than conventional military buildup.