Post-WWII America, Cold War, Civil Rights, and Social Movements Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from lecture notes on post-WWII America, the Cold War, Civil Rights, and social movements.

The Fair Deal

Ambitious economic program proposed by Truman for higher minimum wage, slum clearance, expanded Social Security benefits, and a national health insurance system

Baby Boom

The significant increase in birth rates that occurred in the US and other countries following World War II

Jonas Salk

Scientist who developed the vaccine for polio

Disadvantages of standardization of American business

Stops creativity, reduces customer relevance, and increases vulnerability to market changes

Flexible Response

Allowed the US to choose from various diplomatic, political, and military options to create a proportional response to any given conflict

Main reason for the construction of the Berlin Wall

To prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West, primarily East Berlin, which was under communist control.

Result of Johnson’s Great Society initiatives

Significantly reduced poverty rates and expanded access to healthcare and education.

De jure segregation

The legal separation of individuals based on race, upheld by laws and regulations

The People’s Army of Vietnam and Viet Cong

The ARVN fights against these individuals.

War Powers Act of Congress

Reassert congressional authority over the use of military force and limit the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval.

The Domino Theory

The suggestion that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall, like a row of dominos.

Main purpose of the 'body count'

To measure and report on the effectiveness of U.S. military operations

Cesar Chavez

Labor leader and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to improving working conditions and rights of farm workers.

AIM

American Indian Movement, to address issues of racism, police brutality, and systemic problems facing Native Americans, particularly in urban areas.

Phillys Schlafly in the women’s movement of the 1960s Role

Opposed many of the goals and tactics of the women’s liberation movement and actively worked against the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

National Organization for Women

Group founded specifically to address the women’s grievances that were not addressed in the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Lasting impact of Watergate

Decline in public trust in government and reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability

Nixon Shock

A 90-day freeze on wages and prices, and a 10% surcharge tax on imported goods.

A chief criticism of affirmative action

It can be seen as a form of reverse discrimination.

Counterculture movement

Young people, particularly hippies

Main goal of the United States in Vietnam

To prevent the spread of communism

Allowed communists in N. Vietnam to supply military arms to the government opposition groups in S. Vietnam

The Ho Chi Minh Trail and with support from the Soviet Union and China