The Beginning of the Cold War and the Red Scare of the 1950's History Test

Cold War

Known as a state of political and military tension after WW2 between the US and Soviet Union. U.S. emerge as world powers after WW2. Democracy/Capitalism vs. Communism. Waged on Political, economic, and propaganda fronts. No real direct military combat between the 2 nations.

Policy of Containment

To stop the USSR from spreading communism (fear of the domino effect). Used to avoid war, provide aid to the weaker nations and influence democracy/capitalism

Capitalism

free market, private ownership, limited to no government intervention, laissez-faire

Socialism

Social equality, focus on decreasing the wealth gap, private ownership (mostly), government controls some parts of the economy.

Communism

Egalitarian, class-less society, anti-capitalism, no private ownership, government redistributes all wealth.

USA and USSR Tensions

Atlantic charter, U.S. avoided 2 front war during WW2, Poland border and government, treatment of Germany

Potsdam Conference

Churchill, Stalin, and Truman- view each other as dishonest and carry opposing views. Stalin broke Yalta agreement by controlling Poland, Germany, and parts of Europe (establishing communism), decided Germany would remain divided- Half USA and Half USSR, creates the final straw for the cold war

Truman Plan

Economic/Military aid to Turkey and Greece to stop soviet communism, start of containment policy.

Marshall Plan

Humanitarian relief to the world after WW2, $17 billion in aid over 4 years to Europe, rebuilt western Europe and created a booming economy (saving them from communism)

NATO Pact

collective defense and security treaty between USA, British, French, Canada, and more

Warsaw Pact

a collective defense treaty between the Soviet Union and Soviet satellite nations.

Berlin Airlift

Berlin and Germany were divided into East and West, USSR cut off Berlin from all of German, US air dropped 23 million tons of cargo into Berlin. (Policy of Containment)

NSC-68

Claimed the the USSR a threat to democracy, USA builds up military and nuclear weapons to respond to threat, strengths the political/economical/military aspects of the free world

Post WW2 China

Nationalists vs. Communists, nationalists led by Chiang Kairshek (support by the US, corrupt- cruel regime, secret policy), Communists led by Mao Zedong (help peasant class and Red army)

Civil War Breaks Out

Erupted after Japanese leave at the end of WW2, US backed nationalists, 1949- Chiang and Nationalists flee to Taiwan, communists create people's republic of China

People's Republic of China

Principal Founder: Mao Zedong's brutality toward political opponents, starvation of people (30 million people died), Reforms...but also took away some freedoms. Five Year Plan and Great Leap Forward: to modernize agriculture and industry. Civil Reforms: Women/Marriage Law 1950- free to choose spouse, provision of education and healthcare, violence, US does not recognize China as a new nation leads to diplomatic trouble later.

Korean War

Korea under Japanese control and oppression, the end of WW2 brought Korean independence, and Korea became divided- The US would occupy the south (democratic/capitalist) The USSR would occupy the North (communist)

Korea Divided

38th parallel, North: led by Kim-11 Sung (communist fought against Mao Zedong) South: Syngman Rhee Capitalist, Continues Japanese oppression tactics, U.S. reduces military/financial aid, leading to Soviets providing, overwhelming support to the North

Stalemate of the War

North Korean and Chinese forces push the U.N. forces back across the 38th Parallel and capture Seoul for a second time, For the next two years, both sides push back and forth, MacArthur will call for direct war with China and access to small-scale nuclear weapons (President Truman will resist), Fighting stalls at the 38th Parallel, MacArthur will publicly criticize Truman and be fired for his remarks, June 1951-the Soviet Union offers a ceasefire and the war will end, Permanent border of 38th Parallel established for the Koreas (demilitarized zone)

Highway System

Interstate impacted Americans in the 50's because it created an easier way for people to travel, the construction enabled more automobiles to be used safely.

Beatniks

Inspired many social movements such as hippies, the civil rights movement, and the feminist movement. Sought to spiritually and sexually liberate humanity.

Fast Food

Woman were expected to spend hours in the kitchen making meals, increased diet related diseases, worker exploitation, animal abuse, and environmental degradation.

Baby Boom

Society had to adapt to the conditions of all the new people, more schools and more entertainment for kids.

Rock n' Roll

The great migration, creative freedom and social change for teens. Adults/churches found the music to be disturbing.

GI Bill of Rights

Provided veterans of WW2 with funds for college, amount of college and university degree holders more than doubled, saved economy in USA from any potential unemployment scare.

Cars

gave people more personal freedom and access to jobs and services. Became a part of the American dream of owning a car.

Teenage Life

they came to be around and about, it increased disapproval from older generations. introduced time and money spent of leisure activities and consumption of popular cultures.

Bomb Shelter

To protect the families from a nuclear attack and it increased paranoia.

Suburbia and Family Life

increasingly popular place to live because of affordable houses, racial fears, the new consumer economy, and sense of security. Younger marriages and more children, cookie cutter, "All American Family"

Actors, Actresses, TV, and Movies

Promoted values of family, individualism, and the ideal of the white suburban family. Became an escape from reality for many.

New Products

they brought convenience to peoples lives. Colored TV's brought new ways to experience sports and entertainment in a more realistic way.

Planned Obsolence

Accelerated Consumption by making goods more affordable while manufacturers made them less durable, ensuring that they would have to be replaced with regular use. It had a very negative effect on the environment- producing products/throwing away electronics.

U.S. Fear of Communism

Communism is being spread by the Soviet Union (Europe & Asia), Investigations begin!, Democrats are accused of being weak against communism, House Un-American Activities Committee investigates the film industry, State Dept. - Alger Hiss is accused of perjury and imprisoned, discrediting liberal Democrats

Federal Loyalty Review Programs

Investigated government employees: Any communist sympathy/support and you are fired!, 200+ officials are forced to resign. FBI - Hoover creates lists of subversive groups. Begins harassing anyone deemed communist. McCarren Internal Security Act- Restricts subversive behavior, Communist groups must register with the government, "Subversive" individuals removed from federal, state, and local jobs (schools and universities)

The Rise of McCarthy

Republican senator from Wisconsin, McCarthyism - rampant persecution of Communist beliefs and supporters, without any proof. "Twenty Years of Treason": attacked Democrats while Republican party just stood by, Wins political "points" and gains popularity/votes for Republicans. Fails when he accuses military of being communist, Accused George Marshall, Army Chief of State who helped win WWII