Cold War & the Americas – Political Developments in the U.S.

Vocabulary flashcards related to key concepts of the Cold War and its impact on the Americas, particularly focusing on U.S. political developments.

Containment Policy

A U.S. strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism.

McCarthyism

A campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Nuclear Deterrence

The military strategy of maintaining a powerful nuclear arsenal to deter adversaries from initiating conflict.

Iron Curtain

A term coined by Winston Churchill to describe the division between Western powers and Soviet-controlled regions.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe to help rebuild economies after World War II.

Brinkmanship

The practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, often associated with nuclear confrontation.

Act of Chapultepec

A 1945 agreement aimed at ensuring regional solidarity among American nations.

Organization of American States (OAS)

A regional organization established in 1948 to promote political, economical, and social cooperation among member states.

Domino Theory

The idea that the fall of one nation to communism could lead to the spread of communism in neighboring countries.

Rollback

A U.S. policy aimed at actively reducing the influence of communism rather than merely containing it.