Period 8 (1945-1980)

Iron Curtain

The ideological and physical boundary separating the Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe from the Western democracies.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. policy to provide economic and military aid to countries threatened by communism, initially to Greece and Turkey.

Marshall Plan

U.S. initiative to aid Western Europe's economic recovery after World War II, countering communist influence.

Berlin Airlift

The U.S. operation to fly in supplies to West Berlin during the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

A military alliance formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion in Europe.

Domino Theory

The idea that a communist victory in one nation would lead to a chain reaction of communist takeovers in neighboring countries.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 1962 confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles in Cuba, bringing both superpowers close to nuclear war.

Vietnam War

A conflict involving North Vietnam and South Vietnam with significant U.S. military involvement aiming to prevent the spread of communism.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that made segregation illegal in public facilities and aimed to eliminate employment discrimination.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices aimed at African Americans.

SDS (Students for a Democratic Society)

A student organization promoting activism and antiwar protests during the 1960s.

Women's Rights Movement

The social movement seeking to achieve equality for women in various aspects including legal rights, employment, and education.

Title IX

Legislation that prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded education programs.

GI Bill of Rights

Legislation providing a range of benefits to returning World War II veterans, including education and housing.

Counterculture

A cultural movement in the 1960s characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and the pursuit of alternative lifestyles.

Eisenhower Doctrine

U.S. policy to provide military and economic assistance to Middle Eastern countries resisting communism.

McCarthyism

A campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.

Fair Deal

Truman's domestic policy agenda aimed at extending the New Deal, focusing on social welfare programs.

22nd Amendment

A constitutional amendment that limits U.S. presidents to two terms in office.

Warren Court

The Supreme Court during Chief Justice Earl Warren's tenure, known for landmark decisions promoting civil rights and liberties.

Camelot

A term used to describe the Kennedy administration, symbolizing an era of optimism and youthfulness in America.

Baby Boom

The significant increase in birth rates after World War II, leading to societal changes and economic expansion.

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

The U.S. government agency responsible for foreign intelligence and clandestine operations.

Berlin Wall

A barrier erected by East Germany in 1961 to prevent East Berliners from fleeing to West Berlin.