Important Concepts from Postwar America to the 1970s

These flashcards cover key concepts from post-World War II America through the 1970s, highlighting economic, social, and political developments.

What drove the economic growth in the United States after World War II?

Increased industrial output, consumer demand, and government spending.

What period is known as the Baby Boom?

From 1946 to 1964, marked by a surge in birth rates.

What are some demographic changes in postwar America?

Suburban growth, migration to the Sunbelt, increased diversity from immigration reforms.

What domestic program did Truman introduce to expand New Deal policies?

The Fair Deal.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A pledge of U.S. support to nations resisting communism.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To provide aid to rebuild European economies post-WWII and prevent communism.

What is NATO?

A military alliance formed in 1949 to prevent Soviet aggression.

What did the Domino Theory suggest?

If one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

What were the key outcomes of the Potsdam Conference?

Discussions of postwar Europe and tensions over Soviet influence.

What was decided at the Yalta Conference regarding Germany?

Agreements about dividing Germany and holding free elections in Eastern Europe.

What marked the beginning of the Cold War?

Tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over ideology and global influence.

What did the United Nations aim to do?

Promote global peace, security, and cooperation.

What was McCarthyism?

An era of aggressive anti-communist accusations led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

Outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.

What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 address?

Banned literacy tests and provided federal oversight for voter registration.

What was the Olive Branch that MLK extended to the Civil Rights Movement?

Nonviolent protest and peaceful civil disobedience.

What did the Brown v. Board of Education ruling establish?

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

What was the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

A protest against bus segregation sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest.

Who were the Freedom Riders?

Interracial groups challenging segregation in interstate travel.

What were the Watts Riots of 1965?

A violent uprising reflecting frustration over police brutality and racial inequality.

What did the SCLC focus on?

Organizing nonviolent protests for civil rights across the South.

What was the SNCC?

A group formed by young activists for civil rights, known for sit-ins and voter registration.

What was the American Indian Movement (AIM)?

An organization advocating for Native American rights and cultural heritage.

What did César Chávez advocate for?

Latino laborers' rights, particularly in agriculture.

What was Gideon v. Wainwright about?

A Supreme Court ruling that states must provide counsel to defendants who cannot afford it.

What did Miranda v. Arizona require?

Suspects must be informed of their rights to remain silent and have an attorney.

What did Engel v. Vitale establish?

Prohibited public school-sponsored prayer under the First Amendment.

What sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The U.S. discovering Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.

What was Vietnamization?

Nixon's policy of gradually withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam.

What was the significance of the 1968 Election?

Followed major national turmoil and was marked by deep divisions within the Democratic Party.

What were the Pentagon Papers?

Leaked documents revealing government misrepresentation of the Vietnam War.

What did the War Powers Act do?

Limited the President's ability to commit U.S. troops without congressional approval.

What were the SALT talks?

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks that aimed to limit nuclear arms.

What did Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' address?

Environmental impacts of pesticides and sparked the environmental movement.

What was the outcome of the Three Mile Island incident?

Raised public safety concerns and led to stricter nuclear regulations.

What was the impact of the GI Bill post-WWII?

Helped returning soldiers buy homes and pursue education.

What characterized the counterculture movement of the 1960s?

Rejecting traditional norms and advocating for social change.

Who were the Black Panthers?

A group advocating for Black Power and self-defense against police brutality.

What did the Stonewall Riots signify?

A turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

What was the Kent State shooting?

A protest against the Vietnam War that resulted in the death of four students.

Who was Thurgood Marshall?

The first African American Supreme Court Justice and champion of civil rights.

What legislation aimed to guarantee women equal rights?

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Who opposed the ERA and why?

Phyllis Schlafly; she argued it threatened traditional gender roles.

What did the civil rights movement evolve into by the late 1960s?

A more militant approach with the rise of Black Power.

How did the Vietnam War impact U.S. domestic policy?

It caused social division and significant antiwar protests.

What did Nixon's 'Silent Majority' refer to?

Americans who supported the Vietnam War but did not publicly protest.

What were the implications of the My Lai Massacre?

It shocked the public and fueled antiwar sentiment.

What characterized the economic conditions of stagflation?

Simultaneous stagnation and inflation in the economy.

What did Nixon's policies towards China and the USSR focus on?

Détente and improved diplomatic relations.

What was Johnson's approach to civil rights during his presidency?

He expanded rights through legislation like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis end?

It concluded with a U.S.-Soviet agreement for missile removal from Cuba.

What was the outcome of Nixon's secret bombing of Cambodia?

It led to a public outcry and increased mistrust in government.

What was the significance of the U-2 incident?

It ended a planned U.S.-Soviet peace summit and escalated tensions.

What did the term 'Great Society' refer to?

LBJ's program aimed at eliminating poverty and promoting equality.

What social movements were prominent in the 1960s-1970s?

Civil rights, feminist, environmental, and antiwar movements.

What was the purpose of the Peace Corps?

To promote development and goodwill abroad during the Cold War.

What crisis did JFK address in his presidency?

The Cuban Missile Crisis.

What legislation was designed to support desegregation in schools?

Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 empower the federal government to do?

Enforce desegregation and prevent discrimination.

What sparked the civil rights movements of the 1960s?

A combination of longstanding racial injustices and new activism.

How did youth involvement in the civil rights movement manifest?

Through organized protests, sit-ins, and voter registration drives.

What was one legacy of the Great Society?

Expansion of social welfare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

What was the significance of the Tet Offensive?

It shocked the public and eroded support for the Vietnam War.

What did the 1973 War Powers Act aim to accomplish?

Rebalance power between Congress and the presidency regarding military action.

What event marked President Nixon's downfall?

The Watergate scandal leading to his resignation.