Final History Study Guide

Usurp

seize another's pwr or rank

Précis

summary

migratory

wandering

recant

to publicly take back and deny (something previously said or believed); to openly confess error

withhold

hold back, or refuse to give

tantalize

tease; torture w/ disappointment

predetermined

already settled

encumber

to burden

rhetorical

pertain import. info. & insincere language

insurgent

rebel;someone who revolts against gov.

minute

small

connotation

suggested or implied (meaning of expression)

orator

public speaker

restitution

imdecification(pay someone charges due to loss)/reparation

unobtrusive

undesirably noticeable

sedentary

big confined to sitting down, not physically active

impassable

cannnot be traveled or crossed over

impervious

does not allow anything to pass through,

censor

elimate inapporiate remarks, overseer of mortals

bustle

move around energetically,

transient

temporary, short time

scrupulous

(strict/careful)hesitant due to ethical reasons

inherent

part of the essential nature, something natural

stagnant

motionless, cannot advance

discount

reduce price, reduce its significance

slacken

slow up;loosen

spatial

relate to space (one takes up)

idiom

figurative meaning, a language or dialect used by group of people

digression

wandering away from the subject

Retract

withdraw/draw back

edict

offical order (decree)

erode

eat away

couple

joint unit, unite

retribution

vengeance, compensation, punishment for offenses

volition

act of making conscious choice

hamper

to obstruct

bicameral

two-charmed as legislative body

therapeutic

curative

What were the Nuremberg Trials?

A series of military tribunals held after World War II by the Allied forces (US, UK, Soviet Union, France) in Nuremberg, Germany. They prosecuted prominent members of the political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany who planned, carried out, or otherwise participated in the Holocaust and other war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. They established important precedents for international law and accountability for atrocities.

What was the GI Bill (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944)?

A landmark federal law signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It provided a range of benefits to returning World War II veterans (GIs), including low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business, tuition and living expenses for college or vocational education, and one year of unemployment compensation. It significantly boosted the American post-war economy and contributed to the rise of a large middle class.

What is the United Nations (UN)?

An international organization founded in 1945 after World War II, replacing the League of Nations. Its primary goals are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. It aims to address global challenges through diplomacy, international law, and cooperation among member states.

What was the Baby Boom?

A period of significantly increased birth rates, primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, occurring roughly from the mid-1940s to the early 1960s, immediately following World War II. This demographic phenomenon led to a large generation known as "baby boomers," who had a profound impact on society, economy, and culture as they aged through different life stages.

What was the Interstate Highway Act (Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956)?

A U.S. law that authorized the construction of a 41,000-mile (66,000 km) network of interstate highways across the United States over a 10-year period. It was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It dramatically improved transportation efficiency for both commerce and travel, facilitated suburban growth, and was also seen as a crucial part of national defense for rapid troop movement in case of war.

What were Fallout Shelters?

Structures, often underground or reinforced buildings, designed to protect occupants from radioactive fallout resulting from a nuclear explosion. Popularized during the Cold War (especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s), governments and individuals were encouraged to build them as a civil defense measure, reflecting the widespread fear of nuclear war.

What was Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)?

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled state-sponsored segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. It effectively overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), arguing that segregated educational facilities are inherently unequal and violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. It was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

Who were the Little Rock Nine?

A group of nine African American students who, in 1957, were the first to enroll in Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their attempt to integrate the previously all-white school met with fierce resistance, requiring President Dwight D. Eisenhower to deploy federal troops (the 101st Airborne Division) to ensure their safe entry and attendance, enforcing the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

A prominent leader in the American Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. A Baptist minister, he was a staunch advocate for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to end racial segregation and discrimination. He played a key role in organizing and leading major protests (e.g., Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington) and delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

What is Civil Disobedience?

The active, professed refusal of a citizen to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. It is a nonviolent form of protest, often used to challenge perceived injustices, draw attention to grievances, and pressure authorities for change. Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous proponent, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau.

What was the Great Society?

A set of domestic programs in the United States launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) in the 1960s. The main goals were to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Key legislative initiatives included Medicare (health care for the elderly), Medicaid (health care for the poor), the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, federal aid to education, and environmental protection.

What was Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that criminal suspects, before police questioning, must be informed of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination (the right to remain silent) and their Sixth Amendment right to an attorney. This led to the creation of the "Miranda warnings" that police officers must read to suspects.

What was Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of a right to counsel applies to criminal defendants in state courts by way of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court held that states are required to provide legal counsel to indigent (poor) defendants in felony cases. This decision expanded the right to counsel to all felony cases, not just federal ones.

What was the Clinton Impeachment?

The impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Bill Clinton by the House of Representatives in 1998. The articles of impeachment accused him of perjury (lying under oath) and obstruction of justice, related to his testimony in a sexual harassment lawsuit and his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. He was acquitted by the Senate in 1999, remaining in office.

What was the USA Patriot Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001)?

A controversial federal law enacted shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It significantly expanded the surveillance powers of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, allowing for broader monitoring of communications, financial transactions, and other activities, aimed at preventing terrorism. It faced criticism for potentially infringing on civil liberties.

What was Bush v. Gore (2000)?

A landmark Supreme Court case that effectively resolved the dispute over the 2000 U.S. presidential election. The Court ruled in favor of stopping the recount of ballots in Florida, leading to George W. Bush being declared the winner of Florida's electoral votes and, subsequently, the presidency over Al Gore. The decision was highly controversial and decided by a 5-4 vote.

What was the Barack Obama Election (2008)?

The U.S. presidential election in which Barack Obama, then a Senator from Illinois, was elected as the 44th President of the United States. He became the first African American president in U.S. history. His victory was a historic moment, reflecting demographic shifts and a broad coalition of voters, occurring during a period of economic recession and ongoing wars.

What was Civil Defense?

A series of measures and programs undertaken by governments and citizens to prepare for and minimize the effects of potential attacks (especially nuclear) or natural disasters. During the Cold War, it included public education campaigns, evacuation plans, and the promotion of fallout shelters, aiming to protect civilian populations from a nuclear strike.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A foreign policy established by U.S. President Harry S. Truman in 1947, primarily in response to Soviet expansionist threats in Greece and Turkey. It committed the United States to providing political, military, and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external or internal authoritarian forces, particularly communism. It marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to interventionism and containment.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A U.S. program (officially the European Recovery Program) to provide $15 billion in aid to Western European countries devastated by WWII. Its goal was to rebuild factories and food production, prevent the spread of communism by addressing economic instability, and improve the U.S.'s image compared to the Soviet Union.

What is NATO?

NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a military alliance formed by Western European nations and the United States to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. Eastern European nations later formed their own alliance (the Warsaw Pact).

What was the Berlin Airlift?

A massive operation where the U.S. and its allies sent continuous flights over West Germany from 1948-1949 to deliver supplies to West Berlin, which was blockaded by the Soviet Union. It aimed to prevent a war while ensuring people did not starve, garnering support for the U.S. and its government practices, leading the USSR to eventually lift the blockade.

What was McCarthyism?

An unfair tactic of accusing people of disloyalty, especially of being communists, without sufficient evidence. It was heavily associated with Senator Joseph McCarthy, who notably charged the Democratic Party with communist infiltration. This tactic gained power in the early 1950s, exploiting Cold War fears.

What was the Korean War (1950-1953)?

A war fought on the Korean Peninsula. Before the war, Japan ruled Korea (1910-1945). After WWII, the area north of the 38th parallel was surrendered to the Soviets, leading to a communist North Korea, while the South was given to the U.S., forming a republic. In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. The U.S. aided South Korea, while China aided North Korea, leading to a stalemate.

Who was Douglas MacArthur in the Korean War?

A U.S. General sent to aid South Korea, initially tasked with containing communism. However, he wanted to eliminate communism entirely, including invading China and potentially using atomic bombs, which President Truman opposed due to the risk of an all-out war. MacArthur was fired for insubordination and publicly badmouthing the President, though he was celebrated upon returning home.

What was the Yalu River?

The river that forms the border between North Korea and China. During the Korean War, General MacArthur and American troops were explicitly not allowed to cross this line to avoid escalating the conflict with China.

Why did China get involved in the Korean War?

China aided North Korea due to their shared border and communist ties. China's involvement pushed South Korean and American troops back, leading to a stalemate in the conflict.

What is the 38th parallel in Korea?

It is the current heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. On the North side are North Korean soldiers, acting under their dictator's orders, and on the South side are American and South Korean soldiers. Both sides face each other, and every move is carefully monitored.

What was the Domino Theory?

A Cold War-era theory that if one country in a region fell to communism, then the surrounding countries would inevitably follow, like a chain of dominoes. This theory was a significant justification for U.S. involvement in conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

What was the Peace Corps?

A program initiated by President John F. Kennedy (JFK) where American volunteers were sent to developing "Third World" countries. They worked as agricultural advisers, teachers, and health aids, aiming to help these countries develop and improve their quality of life. The program was sometimes affectionately called "Kiddie Korps."

What was the Alliance for Progress?

A program proposed by President John F. Kennedy that offered economic and technical assistance to Latin American countries. Its goal was to foster economic development and democratic reforms to discourage people from embracing revolutionary (communist) ideas.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis (Summer 1962)?

A major Cold War confrontation that began when U.S. U-2 spy planes discovered that the Soviets were sending nuclear weapons to Cuba. JFK warned the Soviets that the U.S. would not tolerate nuclear weapons in Cuba, stating any missile launched from Cuba against the Western Hemisphere would be an attack on the U.S. requiring full retaliation against the Soviet Union.

What were the key events during the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962)?

From October 14th (U-2 evidence) to October 28th, 1962, the world feared nuclear war. Kennedy informed the nation on October 22nd about the crisis and announced a naval "quarantine" (blockade) of Cuba. Soviet ships approached the blockade line on October 24th, leading to a tense standoff where Dean Rusk famously said, "We are eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked."

What was the "deal" that ended the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The U.S. and Soviet Union made a secret agreement: the Soviets would remove their missiles from Cuba if the U.S. promised not to invade Cuba. The U.S. also secretly agreed to remove its missiles from Turkey. This deal, while resolving the crisis, damaged Khrushchev's prestige and led to criticism of JFK for practicing "brinkmanship" and not removing Castro.

What were two immediate establishments after the Cuban Missile Crisis (1963)?

A "HotLine" was established between the White House and the Kremlin for direct communication, and a Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed, which barred nuclear testing in the atmosphere.

Why did the US get involved in the Vietnam War?

The U.S. got involved in Vietnam primarily due to the policy of containment and the Domino Theory. After WWII, France tried to reestablish rule in Vietnam. The U.S. aided France with massive economic and military support (sending over $1 billion from 1950-1954) because Vietnam was communist and the U.S. feared the spread of communism.

Who were the U.S. Presidents during the Vietnam War?

Truman, Eisenhower (who articulated the Domino Theory), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), and Richard Nixon.

Who were the key leaders in Vietnam during the war?

Ho Chi Minh (communist leader of North Vietnam, viewed as a great leader) and Ngo Dinh Diem (corrupt, abusive, democratic leader of South Vietnam, who suppressed opposition and was a Catholic who didn't allow other religions). Diem, with U.S. help, cancelled national elections.

Who were the Vietcong?

Communists in the South who opposed Ngo Dinh Diem and his government. They called themselves the National Liberation Front. Their influence grew in South Vietnam.

What happened to Ngo Dinh Diem?

Under orders from JFK, Diem was removed from power. He was then assassinated, reportedly against JFK's orders. JFK himself was assassinated three weeks later.

What significant events occurred in February 1965 in Vietnam?

The Viet Cong attacked and killed American advisors. In response, President Johnson unleashed "Operation Rolling Thunder," which involved bombing raids on North Vietnam. By June 1965, the U.S. had more than 50,000 soldiers in Vietnam.

Who were key advisors to LBJ supporting containment in Vietnam?

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and Secretary of State Dean Rusk strongly advised LBJ to defend South Vietnam. At this time, only 24% of Americans were against LBJ's Vietnam policy. By the end of 1965, over 180,000 American soldiers were in Vietnam, and college students often received deferments from service.

Who was General Westmoreland?

The major general at the time, who requested more ground troops to confront the Vietcong. LBJ met his requests, leading to over 500,000 U.S. soldiers in Vietnam by 1967.

Why were the enemies in Vietnam "elusive"?

The Vietcong used guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run tactics, had knowledge of the jungle terrain, and secretly moved in and out of the general population. Women and children also took part in the war effort.

What types of traps were used in Vietnam?

Cartridge traps, grenades in food cans, trip wires, and Punji traps (sharpened stakes hidden in pits).

What methods did U.S. troops use to find the elusive enemy?

They used Napalm (a flammable gel that causes widespread fires and burns) and Agent Orange (a chemical defoliant that destroyed jungle foliage but also caused various health concerns).

What was significant about the tunnels of the Vietcong?

The tunnels were extensive, able to withstand air strikes, connected villages throughout the countryside, and were filled with many booby traps. They were small enough for individuals to fit into easily.

What was the Tet Offensive (1968)?

A massive coordinated attack by Communists (North Vietnamese and Vietcong) on hundreds of locations throughout South Vietnam during the Tet holiday. Although U.S. forces pushed them back and the Communists suffered severe casualties, Americans saw this negatively as it showed the Communists still had the capability to fight despite previous losses, eroding public support for the war.

Who were the major candidates in the 1968 U.S. Presidential Election?

Democrats: Lyndon B. Johnson (who withdrew), Hubert Humphrey (VP, who later got the nomination), and Eugene McCarthy (who opposed the war). Republican: Richard Nixon. Robert F. Kennedy (Democrat) was assassinated during the campaign.

What was the outcome of the 1968 election?

LBJ withdrew from the race, and Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Hubert Humphrey joined the race and secured the Democratic nomination over McCarthy amidst street protests in Chicago. Richard Nixon (Republican) ultimately became the new President.

How did Nixon attempt "Peace with Honor" in Vietnam?

Nixon's strategy involved a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops, allowing the South Vietnamese to take on more of the fighting ("Vietnamization"). Within three years, U.S. troops decreased from 500,000 to 25,000. He also secretly bombed Laos and Cambodia to disrupt Vietcong supply lines.

Who was Henry Kissinger?

Nixon's National Security Advisor. He believed in the strategy of gradual U.S. troop withdrawal and empowering the South Vietnamese to fight their own war.

What was The My Lai Massacre?

An incident during the Vietnam War where U.S. troops killed over 300 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including women and children, due to confusion between Viet Cong and South Vietnamese civilians. Although 25 soldiers were charged, only Lieutenant William Calley Jr. was jailed, highlighting a failure of moral conduct in warfare.

What was the Invasion of Cambodia (1970)?

President Nixon announced a U.S. invasion of Cambodia in 1970 without informing Congress. This sparked widespread protests, leading to 1.5 million college students organizing strikes that shut down 1,200 campuses.

What were the Kent State Protests (1970)?

Protests at Kent State University where students, mostly 17-19 years old, tried to burn a building. The National Guard was called in and opened fire on the protestors, killing four people. This incident intensified anti-war sentiment and demands to end the war.

What was "The Silent Majority" during the Vietnam War?

This term referred to the segment of the American population who quietly supported the U.S. government's policies and actions in Vietnam, contrasting with the vocal protestors. They were often frustrated by protests that disrupted daily life (e.g., blocking traffic). This group largely voted for Nixon.

What was the political loss of support for the Vietnam War?

Congress repealed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, which had given presidents broad powers to wage war. Nixon won re-election in 1972 promising to end the war, and he withdrew all U.S. troops by March 29, 1973. However, on April 30, 1975, North Vietnam invaded and conquered South Vietnam, leading many to feel the war was "all for nothing."

What was the legacy of the Vietnam War?

Over 3.3 million Americans served, with 58,000 killed and 303,000 wounded. The Vietnamese lost over 2 million lives. Approximately 400,000 South Vietnamese were sent to labor camps, and 1.5 million fled the country. The war profoundly impacted U.S. foreign policy. Today, Vietnam remains communist, and the U.S. trades with it.

What were Wilson's Fourteen Points?

A proposal put forth by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson that outlined principles for achieving lasting peace after World War I.

What was the League of Nations?

An international organization established after World War I to promote global peace and cooperation. The U.S. notably did not join it.

What is Appeasement?

The act of giving up principles or making concessions to an aggressor to avoid conflict. A key example is British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's appeasement of Nazi Germany by allowing them to take the Sudetenland.

What was the reason for the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to prevent U.S. interference as it planned to access vital supplies in Southeast Asia.