APUSH Time Period 8 Vocab (copy)

Second Red Scare

The _____________ was a period of intense anti-communist fear in the United States during the 1900s. Fueled by Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union, it involved widespread suspicion of communist infiltration into American institutions. Factors like Soviet espionage, McCarthyism, the House Un-American Activities Committee, and blacklisting contributed to the atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Loyalty Review Board

The ___________ was a government agency established in 1947 by President Harry Truman as part of his efforts to combat perceived communist infiltration in the federal government during the Second Red Scare. Its purpose was to investigate and review the loyalty of federal employees and to remove those deemed disloyal. The board conducted investigations into the backgrounds of government employees. While its intentions were to protect national security, critics argued that the board's procedures were often unfair and violated civil liberties, leading to the dismissal or resignation of numerous individuals from government positions.

HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)

The ____________ was a congressional committee that investigated alleged communist influence in the United States during the Second Red Scare. It held public hearings and subpoenaed individuals, particularly in Hollywood and government, leading to accusations of communist sympathies and blacklisting.

Alger Hiss

_________ was a former State Department official accused of being a communist spy by Whittaker Chambers during the Second Red Scare. Hiss's denial led to a highly publicized trial in 1950, resulting in his conviction for perjury. The case heightened fears of communist infiltration in the U.S. government.

Julius & Ethel Rosenberg

__________________ were an American couple who were convicted of espionage in 1951 for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Their trial and subsequent execution in 1953 became one of the most controversial and sensationalized episodes of the Second Red Scare. The case fueled fears of communist infiltration in the United States and heightened tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Joseph McCarthy/ McCarthyism

_________ was a senator who exploited fears of communism in the 1950s through unsubstantiated accusations, known as ____________. This led to a climate of fear and suspicion, damaging the reputations of many individuals.

Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill)

The ______________, commonly known as the __________, was a landmark piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress to provide a range of benefits to World War II veterans. These benefits aimed to assist returning servicemen in transitioning to civilian life after the war. The __________ offered provisions such as low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business or farm, unemployment compensation, and funding for education, including tuition and living expenses for attending college or vocational schools. The __________ contributed to the post-war economic boom, expanding access to higher education, and helping millions of veterans build successful civilian lives.

Baby boom

The ___________ refers to a significant increase in birth rates in the United States following World War II, from roughly 1946 to 1964. This demographic phenomenon had wide-ranging effects on society, economy, and culture, as the large cohort of baby boomers shaped various aspects of American life as they grew up.

Levittown/suburbs

_________ was one of the earliest mass-produced __________ housing developments in the United States. It symbolized the post-World War II trend of suburbanization, offering affordable single-family homes with modern amenities to returning veterans and their families. This trend reshaped the American landscape and led to the growth of suburbs around major cities, changing social, economic, and cultural dynamics in the process.

Sunbelt

The __________ refers to the southern and southwestern region of the United States known for its warm climate and rapid population growth. It experienced significant economic and demographic expansion, attracting businesses and residents seeking opportunities, lower costs, and favorable climates.

Taft-Hartley Act of 1947

The ____________ amended labor laws to regulate unions, restrict their activities, and provide more power to employers. It aimed to balance labor-management relations but was contentious, with unions seeing it as infringing on their rights.

Dixiecrats

The ___________ were a faction of southern Democrats who broke away from the party in 1948 due to their opposition to civil rights initiatives. They formed the States' Rights Democratic Party and nominated Strom Thurmond for president, running on a platform that advocated for racial segregation and states' rights.

Truman's  "Fair Deal"

____________ was a set of domestic policies proposed to extend New Deal initiatives, including expanding Social Security, raising the minimum wage, promoting civil rights, and providing federal aid for education and housing.

Interstate Highway System

The _____________ is a network of high-speed highways spanning the United States. Established in 1956, it connects cities, facilitates interstate commerce, and promotes economic growth.

Kennedy’s “New Frontier”

____________ was his vision for bold domestic and foreign policies during his presidency, emphasizing economic growth, social welfare, space exploration, and a proactive stance in the Cold War.

television

___________ became a major influence in American life from 1945 to 1980, shaping public opinion, politics, culture, and consumer behavior through mass communication, political campaigns, entertainment, and advertising.

rock-and-roll music

___________ revolutionized American culture from 1945 to 1980, symbolizing youth rebellion, racial integration, and global influence. Emerging from a blend of musical traditions, it challenged societal norms, inspired individualism, and transcended national boundaries to become a commercial and cultural phenomenon.

Elvis Presley

__________, known as the "King of Rock and Roll," was a cultural icon whose blend of rock, rhythm and blues, and country music revolutionized the music industry. With his distinctive style and energetic performances, he became a symbol of youth rebellion and achieved unparalleled commercial success, leaving a lasting legacy on American music and popular culture.

The Affluent Society

"_____________" refers to economist John Kenneth Galbraith's critique of post-war America's emphasis on consumerism and material wealth. He argued that it masked social and economic inequalities and called for greater government intervention to address pressing social needs.

Beatniks

__________ were a countercultural movement of the 1950s and early 1960s, characterized by nonconformity, creativity, and a rejection of mainstream values. They were known for their unconventional lifestyles, experimental art, literature, and music, as well as their embrace of spontaneity and individual freedom. _________ played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time, influencing subsequent generations of artists, writers, and musicians.

Allen Ginsberg/"Howl"

"________" is a groundbreaking poem by _________ published in 1956. It criticizes the conformity and repression of post-World War II America, addressing themes like alienation and the search for meaning. The poem sparked controversy for its explicit language and subject matter but is celebrated for its emotional depth and literary innovation.

Kennedy assassination

President __________ was __________ on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the crime, but conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination persist. _________'s death remains one of the most significant events in American history, sparking grief and disbelief nationwide.

"silent generation"

The "_____________-" refers to the cohort of individuals born in the 1900s. This generation is characterized by its upbringing during the Great Depression and its formative years during World War II and the post-war era. The term "silent" is often used to describe this generation's perceived conformity, restraint, and reluctance to challenge the status quo. Despite their quiet demeanor, members of the Silent Generation played a significant role in shaping American society, culture, and politics during the mid-20th century.

Warren Commission Report

The _______________, published in 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Despite ongoing debate and conspiracy theories, it remains the official explanation of the events of that day.