The USA: 1920 - 1973 Revision Flashcards

Flashcards designed to help review key concepts and events from American history between 1920 and 1973.

What were the key causes of the American economic boom in the 1920s?

Impact of WWI, tariffs against foreign goods, mass production, credit facilities, Laissez-Faire policies, and confidence in shares.

What was the Montgomery Bus Boycott and its significance?

A year-long protest starting in 1955 when Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat, leading to significant progress in civil rights.

What was the main impact of the Brown v. Board of Education case?

The Supreme Court declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, leading to desegregation.

Describe the role of McCarthyism in the Cold War.

McCarthyism involved intense anti-communist persecution led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, promoting fear of communism within the U.S. government and society.

What was the main goal of the New Deal?

To provide relief for the unemployed and poor, recover the economy, and reform the financial system.

What was the effect of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, aiming to end segregation in schools and the workplace.

What was the outcome of the Wall Street Crash of 1929?

It triggered the Great Depression, marked by widespread unemployment, business closures, and significant economic decline.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr. and what was his approach to civil rights?

A leader in the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience to achieve racial equality.

What led to the rise of the Women's Movement in the 1960s?

Increased dissatisfaction with traditional roles, the publication of influential works like 'The Feminine Mystique', and significant legislative changes.

What was the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their voting rights.