us history b

Why was it a big deal for the Allies to invade Europe during the war?

was crucial for defeating Germany and liberating Europe from Nazi control

How did American generals and soldiers help win key battles?

strategic leadership, innovative military tactics, and the unwavering commitment of the US military and civilian populace

What were some major turning points, like Iwo Jima or the atomic bomb?

the vast battle of Stalingrad and its repercussions iwo Jima was important because it gave the U.S. a base close to Japan. The atomic bomb was a major turning point because it forced Japan to surrender, ending the war quickly, but it also killed thousands and started debates about nuclear weapons.

What impact did world leaders have on how the war played out?

Leaders like FDR, Churchill, Stalin, and Hitler all made huge decisions that affected the war. For example, FDR helped with Lend-Lease and war strategy, Churchill inspired Britain, Stalin helped defeat Germany on the Eastern Front, and Hitler made choices that led to Germany’s defeat.

Why did the U.S. and Soviet Union go from allies to rivals?

America wanted democracy and capitalism, while the USSR wanted communism and control in Eastern Europe.

What were their major world-view differences?

The U.S. believed in free elections and capitalism, while the USSR wanted a communist world with government control.

Why were new global organizations like the UN formed

to promote peace and stop further wars from happening

How did nuclear weapons change country interactions?

Countries had to be more careful because one mistake could mean nuclear war. The U.S. and USSR built more bombs (arms race), but didn’t fight directly because both feared destruction.

What were people fighting for? during civil rights

People wanted equal rights, especially for African Americans. They fought against segregation, unfair voting laws, and discrimination in schools, jobs, and housing.

How did the government and courts help?

The Supreme Court made big decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, which ended school segregation. Laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination, and the Voting Rights Act helped protect voting ri

What caused unrest and protests in cities?

People were frustrated by racism, poverty, and police brutality. In some cities, peaceful protests turned violent when people felt ignored. The assassination of leaders like MLK also caused riots like detroit race riots and watts riots

How did young people and different groups speak up?

Young people joined protests, sit-ins, and marches. Groups like the Black Panthers, women’s movement, and Latino and Native American activists demanded equality and justice in their own communities.

Why did the U.S. get involved and why did people question it?

The U.S. wanted to stop communism from spreading (domino theory), but the war dragged on and looked unwinnable. Americans saw disturbing images on TV and didn’t trust the government’s version of events.

What challenges did South Vietnam face?

South Vietnam struggled with corruption, weak leadership, and growing support for the Viet Con

South Vietnam struggled with corruption, weak leadership, and growing support for the Viet Con

TV and newspapers showed the violence and destruction, which made more Americans against the war. Protests by students and veterans made people speak out.

What were the lasting effects on trust in government?

The Vietnam War made many Americans lose trust in leaders. They felt lied to, especially after the Pentagon Papers were relea

How did Nixon affect Cold War politics?

by shifting US foreign policy away from containment and towards detente with both the Soviet Union and China

What was Watergate and why did it matter?

Watergate was a scandal where Nixon’s team spied on political rivals and then covered it up. When the truth came out, Nixon resigned. It showed that no one is above the law and made people even less trusting of the government

Key Supreme Court decisions in the 1970

Roe v. Wade made abortion legal.

What were Reagan’s priorities?

Reagan focused on cutting taxes, reducing government programs (Reaganomics), and increasing military spending.

what helped end the cold war

the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989

How did people in communist countries make changes?

movements for democratic change

What global challenges did the U.S. face in the 1990s?

high unemployment, recession, drugs , homelessness and crime

How did Clinton’s leadership affect the U.S.?

impacted the U.S. economy, fostering growth, low unemployment rates, and budget surpluses through fiscal discipline, tax reforms, and deregulation.

How did internet/global trade change life?

The internet made communication and info fast. Companies could sell things worldwide (globalization). It changed how people worked, shopped, and learned.

How did the U.S. respond to 9/11?

The U.S. started the War on Terror, invaded Afghanistan to go after the Taliban, and made new laws like the Patriot Act for security. Homeland Security was also created.

goals and results of the wars in iraq and Afghanistan

The U.S. wanted to stop terrorism and bring democracy, but both wars lasted long and were controversial. They cost many lives and money, and results were mixed.

How did leaders explain the war?

Leaders said fighting terrorism was needed for national security and freedom. They wanted to stop attacks before they happened and protect allies.

How did healthcare laws change treatment access?

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) made health insurance more available, especially for people with low income or pre-existing conditions.

Issues with Social Security today?

More people are retiring, and there’s not enough money going in to cover everyone. If nothing changes, the system might not support future generations. Aging population, and the government has to pay more benefits for longer, as people live longer

How does U.S. influence the world today?

The U.S. is still a global leader in military, technology, and culture, but other countries are also rising. America’s influence is strong, but more challenged now than in the 20th century.