Final Exam History 2025

End of WWII

What brought prosperity to many but also highlighted growing inequalities, especially related to race and gender.

G.I. Bill

The G.I. Bill offered veterans free college, low-interest home loans, and financial aid, benefiting mostly white men and promoting consumerism.

Racial Inequality and G.I. Bill

The G.I. Bill excluded African Americans, women, and suspected homosexuals, worsening discrimination in housing, education, and jobs.

Truman's Role in Civil Rights

Truman created a civil rights commission and advocated for equal opportunities, security, and citizenship rights for all.

Truman's Health Care Proposal

Truman proposed universal health care through the Fair Deal but faced strong opposition and failed to implement it.

Nixon and Kennedy's Domestic Policy

Nixon and Kennedy shaped U.S. policies through a Cold War lens, with international issues influencing domestic agendas.

Taft-Hartley Act

The Taft-Hartley Act limited union power, restricting strikes and boycotts, and reduced labor union influence.

U.S. Foreign Policy Shift after WWII

The U.S. created a national security state, supporting anti-communist governments and using the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan to contain communism.

NATO and Warsaw Pact

NATO was a Western military alliance, and the Warsaw Pact was a Soviet-led alliance of communist countries, representing the divide between democracy and communism.

McCarthyism

McCarthyism was a time of intense anti-communist fear, where people were accused of communism without proof, leading to political and social persecution.

Persecution of Homosexuals during Red Scare

The persecution of gays, known as the 'lavender menace,' spurred activism and eventually led to the modern gay rights movement.

Post-WWII Conservatism

Post-WWII conservatism emphasized personal freedom, anti-communism, and free-market values, rejecting collectivism and secularism.

Korean War and Eisenhower's Election

Eisenhower used the unpopularity of the Korean War to position himself as the candidate who would bring peace and end the conflict.

Army-McCarthy Hearings

The televised hearings exposed McCarthy's harsh tactics, leading to his disgrace and censure by the Senate.

U.S. Policy toward Native Americans in the 1950s

The U.S. pursued policies of termination and relocation, aiming to assimilate Native Americans, causing hardship for many.

Eisenhower's Covert Operations

Eisenhower's administration organized covert operations, such as CIA-backed coups in Iran and Guatemala, to preserve U.S. influence and counter communism.

Brown v. Board of Education

The 1954 Supreme Court ruling declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, marking a crucial moment in the civil rights movement.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

The 1955-1956 boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, led to widespread civil rights activism and helped Martin Luther King Jr. become a key leader.

Murder of Emmett Till

The 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till and his open-casket funeral highlighted racism, rallying support for civil rights reforms.

Postwar Economic Prosperity

Key factors in America's postwar economic prosperity.

Key factors for post-WWII prosperity

Federal infrastructure spending, the Marshall Plan, strong U.S. manufacturing, the oil boom, and the G.I. Bill, leading to a growing middle class.

Suburbanization and consumer culture in the 1950s

Suburban growth (like Levittown) and mass consumption characterized the 1950s, though racial discrimination in housing persisted.

Goals of the civil rights movement in the 1950s

The movement aimed to end segregation, secure voting rights, and challenge racial discrimination, seen in cases like Brown v. Board and events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Eisenhower's political priorities

Eisenhower focused on moderating Republicanism, cutting national debt, supporting business, avoiding social engineering, and promoting a balanced government.

Eisenhower's foreign policy priorities during the Cold War

Eisenhower focused on containing communism through nuclear deterrence, covert operations, and diplomacy, including creating NASA after the Sputnik crisis.

Southern Manifesto

The Southern Manifesto, signed by 101 Southern congressmen in 1956, condemned Brown v. Board and pledged to resist desegregation through 'massive resistance.'

Manifestation of Massive Resistance in the South

Massive Resistance included school closures, private 'segregation academies,' and legislative efforts to delay or block desegregation.

Impact of Sputnik on U.S. domestic policy

Sputnik's launch sparked fears of Soviet technological superiority, leading to the creation of NASA and more funding for science and math education.

McCarran Act

The McCarran Act (1950) required communist organizations to register and allowed the detention of suspected subversives during emergencies, infringing on civil liberties.

Post-WWII housing boom

The growth of suburban communities, supported by federal loans and the GI Bill, enabled many white families to buy homes and join the growing middle class.

Consumerism in the 1950s

Consumerism expanded the economy with a focus on material goods, homeownership, and leisure, while promoting conformity through media and advertising.

Eisenhower's approach to government and business

Eisenhower supported big business and deregulation while promoting a market economy, reducing the national debt, and limiting social reforms.

Eisenhower's view on social engineering

Eisenhower opposed 'social engineering' and favored limiting federal involvement in social issues, advocating for more state and local control.

The 'New Look' in Eisenhower's foreign policy

The 'New Look' relied on nuclear deterrence, especially 'massive retaliation,' to counter communist aggression without direct confrontation.

Factors contributing to postwar economic prosperity

Key factors included federal spending, the Marshall Plan, strong U.S. manufacturing, the oil boom, and the GI Bill, leading to higher middle-class income levels.

Civil rights movement strategies in the 1950s

The movement aimed to end segregation, secure equal rights, and challenge racial discrimination through legal challenges and nonviolent protests, like Brown v. Board and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

New Look

The 'New Look' relied on nuclear deterrence, especially 'massive retaliation,' to counter communist aggression without direct confrontation.

Sputnik's launch

Sputnik's launch raised fears of Soviet technological superiority and led to the creation of NASA and increased funding for science education.

Eisenhower's arms race approach

Eisenhower preferred economic means over weapons for maintaining peace, but continued to build up nuclear arsenals.

U-2 Spy Plane incident

The 1960 shooting down of a U.S. U-2 spy plane by the Soviets worsened U.S.-Soviet relations and led to a confrontation at the Paris summit.

Postwar prosperity factors

Contributing factors included government spending on infrastructure, the Marshall Plan, advancements in manufacturing, and benefits from the GI Bill.

Levittown

Levittown symbolized the 'good life' with affordable homes but excluded African Americans, becoming the largest all-white community.

Shelley v. Kraemer (1948)

The case ruled that racial covenants in housing were illegal, challenging racial discrimination in housing.

Conformity in the 1950s

The 1950s emphasized conformity through mass culture, television, and consumerism, with people focusing on social approval rather than individuality.

Pledge of Allegiance change

In 1954, 'under God' was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, reflecting anti-communism and associating American values with religious faith.

Portrayal of women in 1950s media

Women were often depicted as 'happy homemakers,' focusing on domestic duties, marriage, and motherhood, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

Elvis Presley

Elvis helped revolutionize music with rock 'n' roll, breaking racial barriers and appealing to youth culture, challenging social norms.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

The ruling declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, a major legal victory for civil rights and desegregation.

Massive Resistance and Southern Manifesto

The Southern Manifesto (1956) opposed desegregation, and Massive Resistance used tactics like school closures to avoid integration.

Emmett Till's murder

Emmett Till's 1955 murder and open-casket funeral highlighted racial violence, becoming a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)

The boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, was a turning point in the civil rights movement and helped elevate Martin Luther King Jr. as a leader.

Great Society goals

The Great Society aimed to eliminate poverty, racial injustice, improve education, and expand healthcare (e.g., Civil Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid).

Challenges of the Great Society

Challenges included backlash against civil rights, Vietnam War escalation, limited poverty reduction, and conservative opposition.

Kitchen Debate (1959)

It highlighted the ideological differences between capitalism (Nixon) and communism (Khrushchev).

Liberal consensus in the 1960s

A broad agreement on supporting individual rights, democracy, and capitalism.

Economic inequality and political polarization in the 1960s

Wealth inequality grew, and divisions over civil rights and the Vietnam War deepened.

Sit-ins and SNCC

Sit-ins and SNCC played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Sit-ins

Protests like Greensboro in 1960 that challenged segregation and gained national attention for civil rights.

1960 Election

Kennedy's narrow victory, close debates, and civil rights support reshaped American politics.

Peace Corps

Promoted democracy and aid to developing nations, reflecting Kennedy's commitment to global freedom.

Vietnam War Escalation

Kennedy sent military advisors to South Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The 1962 crisis brought the U.S. and the USSR close to nuclear war and led to a peaceful resolution and a communication hotline.

Freedom Rides

1961 protests against bus segregation, bringing national attention to civil rights and enforcing desegregation laws.

Malcolm X

Advocated for Black pride, self-defense, and separation from white society, promoting a more militant approach.

March on Washington

A major civil rights event where 250,000 people gathered for racial equality; MLK's 'I Have a Dream' speech was pivotal.

War on Poverty

Aimed to reduce poverty through programs like Medicare and the Economic Opportunity Act, but poverty remained in some communities.

Vietnam War Consequences

Strained Johnson's presidency, diverted resources from the Great Society, and sparked protests and political division.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlawed discrimination and expanded voting rights for African Americans, key victories in racial equality.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Expanded voting rights for African Americans, key victories in racial equality.

Black Power Movement

Emphasized pride and self-defense, with the Black Panthers promoting these ideas through activism and armed resistance.

Immigration Act of 1965

Abolished discriminatory quotas and increased immigration from Asia and Latin America, changing U.S. demographics.

Rise of Conservatism

Reflected a backlash against liberal social programs and civil rights, led by figures like Ronald Reagan.

Kennedy's Foreign Policy

Focused on military containment of communism and supported civil rights through federal desegregation and the Civil Rights Act.

Civil Rights Strategies

Nonviolent protests, direct action, and legal challenges led to desegregation and landmark civil rights legislation.

1960 JFK vs. Nixon Election

First televised debates and Kennedy's civil rights appeal helped him win a narrow victory.

Kennedy's View of America's Role

He believed in promoting freedom and containing communism, as seen in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Berlin Crisis.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

A failed invasion that embarrassed Kennedy and led to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy.

Berlin Crisis

Led to the construction of the Berlin Wall, and Kennedy reaffirmed U.S. support for West Berlin.

James Meredith

Became the first African American student at Ole Miss, facing violent opposition and federal intervention.

First African American student at Ole Miss

He became the first African American student at Ole Miss, facing violent opposition and federal intervention.

Cuban Missile Crisis impact on U.S. foreign policy

Led to de-escalation through diplomacy and the establishment of a U.S.-Soviet communication hotline.

Project C in Birmingham

A series of protests that gained national attention after police violence, helping to push the Civil Rights Act forward.

Significance of JFK's assassination in 1963

It ended an era of optimism and led to political uncertainty and a shift in American politics.

Impact of JFK's assassination on the Civil Rights Movement

His death pushed forward the Civil Rights Movement, with LBJ passing key legislation like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

Public reaction to JFK's assassination

The nation was shocked and devastated, and it sparked conspiracy theories about the assassination.

JFK's assassination impact on Cold War and foreign policy

It led to continuity in Cold War policy under LBJ, but also increased tensions, especially in Vietnam.

Conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination

Theories included multiple gunmen and possible involvement of the CIA or mafia, though the official report concluded Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.

Long-term impact of JFK's assassination on American politics

It led to political instability, distrust in the government, and set the stage for the Vietnam War, Civil Rights struggles, and Watergate.

Economic Opportunity Act

A 1964 law aimed to reduce poverty, creating programs like Job Corps, Head Start, Upward Bound, and VISTA.

LBJ's major initiatives in the war on poverty

Included programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and educational initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and racial injustice.

LBJ's signature achievements in the Civil Rights Movement

LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, pressured by protests and marches like the Selma march.

Johnson's escalation of war in Vietnam

To contain communism, but it led to political backlash, protests, and loss of support, marking a divided period in U.S. politics.

Fragmentation of the Civil Rights Movement

It led to a more militant, self-determined approach to Black equality, focusing on pride and solidarity.

Youth revolt and the New Left

Young people protested the Vietnam War, pushed for social change, and embraced alternative lifestyles.

Emergence of new feminism in the late 1960s

It focused on workplace equality, reproductive rights, and challenging traditional gender roles.

Long, Hot Summers of the 1960s

A series of race riots in urban areas due to frustration over poverty and discrimination.

Black Power Movement

A movement that emphasized Black pride, self-defense, and empowerment.

Malcolm X's role in the Black Power Movement

He promoted Black self-determination and rejection of integration.

Stokely Carmichael

A leader who popularized the term 'Black Power' and pushed for more radical action.

Black Panthers

A group that advocated for armed self-defense and social programs for Black communities.