The Cold War-American Studies- Content Statements 22-24

What event is considered the beginning of the nuclear age?

The dropping of atomic bombs on Japan

How did the use of atomic bombs change the nature of war?

It introduced weapons capable of mass destruction

What impact did the U.S. possession of nuclear weapons have on global power?

It helped establish the U.S. as a superpower

What event escalated the nuclear arms race in 1949?

The Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb

How did the nuclear arms race contribute to Cold War tensions?

It increased fears of global nuclear war

What strategy did both the U.S. and the Soviet Union rely on to prevent nuclear war during the Cold War?

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

What was a direct consequence of the nuclear arms race?

The development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)

What was the primary reason for the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Japan?

To hasten the end of World War II

Which doctrine justified the buildup of nuclear weapons as a deterrent to war?

The policy of deterrence

How did nuclear weapons impact military strategies post-World War II?

They shifted focus to strategic deterrence rather than direct military confrontation

What was the main goal of the U.S. policy of containment?

To prevent the spread of communism

What economic program was created to help rebuild Europe and resist communism?

Marshall Plan

What policy provided U.S. aid to countries resisting communist influence?

Truman Doctrine

What military alliance was formed to counter Soviet expansion in Europe?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

What two wars were fought by the U.S. as part of the containment policy?

The Korean War and the Vietnam War

What event in 1949 increased U.S. concerns about communism in Asia?

The communist takeover of China

How did the U.S. respond to the spread of communism in Latin America?

By supporting anti-communist regimes and movements

What was a key reason for U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

To stop the domino effect of communism spreading in Southeast Asia

What was the primary cause of the Second Red Scare?

Fear of communist influence in the U.S. government and society

What committee investigated suspected communist activity in the U.S.?

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

What was McCarthyism?

The practice of making accusations of communism without proper evidence

What was a major consequence of McCarthyism?

The blacklisting of suspected communists in Hollywood and other industries

How did the Second Red Scare affect American society?

It led to violations of civil liberties and widespread fear of subversion

Which doctrine justified U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts to stop communism?

The Truman Doctrine