US History Exam

Flashcards generated from lecture notes on the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Revolutionary leader of North Vietnam who played a crucial role in the country's fight for independence from colonial rule.

What was the Domino Theory?

A key reason for U.S. involvement in Vietnam, as American policymakers feared that if Vietnam fell to communism, other Southeast Asian nations would follow.

What were the Geneva Accords of 1954?

Officially ended French rule in Indochina, dividing Vietnam along the 17th parallel into North and South.

What was Operation Rolling Thunder?

A sustained bombing campaign launched by the United States against North Vietnam to weaken the Viet Cong and disrupt supplies.

What was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu?

A decisive confrontation between the French and the Viet Minh, marking the collapse of French colonial rule in Indochina.

What role did the SNCC play in the Civil Rights Movement?

Played a crucial role in grassroots activism, organizing sit-ins and Freedom Rides to challenge segregation.

What role did the NAACP play in the Civil Rights Movement?

Focused on legal challenges, successfully fighting discriminatory laws through cases like Brown v. Board of Education.

How did the Black Panthers contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?

Took a more militant stance, advocating for self-defense, community programs, and direct action against racial oppression.

What was CORE's role in the Civil Rights Movement?

Instrumental in early desegregation efforts, including organizing Freedom Rides to challenge segregation in interstate travel.

What was the outcome of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

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

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring school segregation unconstitutional.

What did the Ferguson protests (2014) reflect?

Reflected ongoing racial struggles, demonstrating the unresolved issues of systemic discrimination and inequality.

What was the Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)?

Involved alleged attacks on U.S. Navy vessels by North Vietnamese forces, leading Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

What major court case declared school segregation unconstitutional?

Marked the start of legal challenges to segregation.

What effect did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution have?

Granted President Johnson broad military authority, escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

What approach did Martin Luther King Jr. take in the Civil Rights Movement?

Championed nonviolent resistance, leading protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

How did Malcolm X influence the Civil Rights Movement?

Advocated Black nationalism and self-defense, influencing the Black Power movement.

What role did Rosa Parks play in the Civil Rights Movement?

Sparked the civil rights movement by refusing to give up her bus seat, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

What was the goal of Operation Rolling Thunder?

A prolonged bombing campaign aimed at weakening North Vietnam, but it failed to break enemy resistance.

How did the Domino Theory influence U.S. intervention in Vietnam?

The fall of Vietnam to communism would trigger the spread of communism throughout Southeast Asia, justifying U.S. intervention.

What historical context led to the Civil Rights Movement?

Post-WWII segregation, economic hardships, racial discrimination, and veterans demanding equal rights.

Where did the Civil Rights Movement begin geographically?

Southern states first, expanding to northern cities as activism grew.

What events encouraged African Americans to fight for change?

Jim Crow laws, economic inequality, voter suppression, police brutality, racial violence.

What were key motivations for activists in the Civil Rights Movement?

Equal rights, voting access, desegregation, and justice system reform.

Who were Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks?

Each used different strategies to combat racism.

What was the role of the NAACP?

Legal challenges against segregation, won cases like Brown v. Board of Education.

What did the SNCC focus on?

Student-led protests, sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and grassroots activism.

How did the Black Panthers differ from other organizations?

Advocated self-defense, armed resistance, and community programs.

What was the SCLC’s approach to civil rights?

Led by Martin Luther King Jr., focused on nonviolent protest and church-based activism.

What two major laws helped end segregation?

Civil Rights Act of 1964 (banned segregation) & Voting Rights Act of 1965 (protected voting rights).

What protest made MLK a national leader?

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956)—sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest.

What was the largest demonstration for Civil Rights?

March on Washington (1963)—MLK delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech.

What event marked the decline of the movement?

MLK’s assassination (1968)—shifted focus and fractured leadership.

What long-term effects did the Civil Rights Movement have?

Led to legal desegregation, improved voting access, and inspired modern racial justice movements.

How did the movement affect racial relations today?

Progress in civil rights, but continued challenges in systemic racism and equality.