APUSH Test

1952-1968

American Birth Rate

Post-WWII baby boom (1946–1964). Caused by economic prosperity, GI Bill, and suburbanization. Led to suburban growth and infrastructure strain. This period saw a significant increase in the birth rate in the United States, driven by returning soldiers, increased family stability, and a cultural emphasis on domestic life.

Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice and legal rights for African Americans, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. It aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in various aspects of life. This movement included landmark events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Federal Government Spending 

Increased during New Deal, Cold War, and Great Society. Includes military (Vietnam), Medicare, Medicaid, welfare programs. It played a significant role in economic recovery and social programs, significantly impacting federal budget allocations.

Peace Corps

Created in 1961 by JFK. Sent Americans abroad to assist with education, health, and development to counter communism. The Peace Corps is a volunteer program aimed at promoting world peace and friendship by providing assistance in various sectors.

Poverty in America 

"The Other America" by Michael Harrington exposed hidden poverty. Great Society programs targeted poverty through education, food stamps, and welfare. This poverty highlighted the struggles of low-income families and minority communities, leading to reforms aimed at alleviating economic disparities.

1950s Pop Culture 

Rise of rock ‘n’ roll, TV, gender roles, youth rebellion. Emphasis on conformity and consumerism. The 1950s saw the emergence of influential cultural movements, driven by the popularity of rock 'n' roll music and the rise of television, alongside defined gender roles and increasing youth rebellion. This era also marked a strong emphasis on social conformity and consumerism.

1950s Economy 

Postwar boom with GI Bill, credit expansion, and industrial growth. Fueled suburbanization and middle-class growth. The 1950s economy was characterized by a postwar economic boom driven by the GI Bill, the expansion of consumer credit, and significant industrial growth, which contributed to suburbanization and the rise of the middle class.

Alliance for Progress

JFK’s 1961 program for Latin America to support economic development and counter communism. It aimed to improve U.S.-Latin American relations through economic aid and social reforms.

Black Nationalism 

Promoted Black pride and independence. Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam emphasized self-defense and racial pride. It sought to create a unified identity among African Americans and advocated for social, economic, and political empowerment.

Chicano Movement

Mexican-American civil rights movement. Leaders: César Chávez. Focus: Labor rights, education, and cultural identity. The Chicano Movement sought to empower Mexican Americans by advocating for social justice, labor rights, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Cold War – China

1949: Mao’s Communist Party takes control. U.S. supports Taiwan and does not recognize PRC until 1979.The Cold War in China involved the U.S. opposing the spread of communism after Mao's Communist Party established the People's Republic of China, resulting in U.S. support for Taiwan.

Cold War – Cuba

1959 Castro’s revolution. Bay of Pigs (1961) failed invasion. Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) nearly led to nuclear war. Fidel Castro's rise to power marked the Cold War in Cuba, U.S. attempts to overthrow his regime, and the heightened tensions from Soviet missile deployment, which brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear conflict.

Cold War – Dominican Republic

1965 U.S. intervention to prevent communism during civil unrest. Installed pro-U.S. government. The Cold War in the Dominican Republic involved U.S. military intervention to restore order and prevent a communist takeover during civil unrest, ultimately leading to the establishment of a pro-American government.

Cold War – Germany

Divided after WWII. Berlin Airlift (1948), Berlin Wall (1961) to prevent East Germans from fleeing. The Cold War in Germany was characterized by the division of the country into East and West, with significant events such as the Berlin Airlift that supplied West Berliners during a Soviet blockade, and the Berlin Wall's construction to stop the mass migration of East Germans to the West.

Cold War – Guatemala

1954 CIA coup ousted Árbenz over land reform issues. U.S. supported anti-communist military government. The Cold War in Guatemala was marked by a CIA-led coup in 1954 that removed President Jacobo Árbenz due to his land reform initiatives, leading to U.S. backing of a military government aimed at combatting perceived communist influence.

Cold War – Hungary

The 1956 revolt crushed by Soviets. U.S. did not intervene, showing limits of Cold War commitments. The Cold War in Hungary was highlighted by the 1956 uprising against Soviet control, which was violently suppressed by Soviet forces. The U.S. chose not to intervene, underscoring the constraints of American involvement in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Cold War – Iran

1953 CIA-backed coup restored Shah to power after Mossadegh nationalized oil. U.S. sought to prevent Soviet influence. The Cold War in Iran was marked by the 1953 CIA-led coup that reinstated Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi following Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh's nationalization of the oil industry. This intervention aimed to curb Soviet influence in the region.

Cold War – Space Program

Sputnik (1957) triggered U.S. response with NASA and space race. Part of Cold War technological rivalry.The Cold War in the Space Program originated with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957, prompting the United States to enhance its own space exploration efforts, leading to the establishment of NASA and escalating the space race between the superpowers.

Cold War – Türkiye

Received aid under Truman Doctrine (1947). Joined NATO in 1952 to counter Soviet influence. During the Cold War, Türkiye was a critical ally for the United States, receiving military and economic assistance as part of the Truman Doctrine in 1947 to help contain communism. Türkiye's membership in NATO in 1952 further solidified its strategic position against Soviet expansion.

Cold War – Vietnam

U.S. escalated military involvement in the 1960s to prevent the spread of communism from North Vietnam to South Vietnam. This conflict included significant battles, extensive use of ground troops, and heavy bombing campaigns. The Vietnam War ended in 1975 with the fall of Sa

Containment

U.S. policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism globally. Coined by diplomat George Kennan in 1946, it outlined the strategy for the Cold War. The policy led to various interventions in countries like Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba, where the U.S. sought to counter communist influence and promote democratic governments.

Counterculture

A social movement or group that rejects the dominant cultural norms and values, often characterized by alternative lifestyles, artistic expression, and activism. Prominent in the 1960s, it included figures advocating for civil rights, anti-war sentiments, and the promotion of peace, love, and communal living.

Desegregation and Integration

1954: Brown v. Board of Education overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. 1957: Little Rock Nine faced resistance to school integration. Civil Rights Act (1964) banned segregation in public spaces. Significance: Major victories for the Civil Rights Movement; forced federal enforcement of integration. Desegregation refers to the elimination of racial segregation in public facilities and schools, while integration involves the blending of different racial groups within those same settings.

Domino Theory

Idea that if one country fell to communism, nearby nations would follow. Used to justify U.S. involvement in Korea and Vietnam. Popularized by Eisenhower administration. Significance: Justified Cold War interventions, especially in Southeast Asia.

Eisenhower Doctrine

1957: U.S. pledged military/economic aid to Middle Eastern countries resisting communism. Used to justify intervention in Lebanon (1958). Significance: Extended containment policy to the Middle East. This doctrine aimed to counter Soviet influence in the region by providing support to nations threatened by communist aggression.

JFK Assassination

November 22, 1963: President Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald. Investigated by Warren Commission. Significance: Shocked the nation, led to conspiracy theories, and elevated Lyndon B. Johnson to presidency.

Nonviolent Direct Action

Strategy used during Civil Rights Movement involving peaceful protest. Inspired by Gandhi and promoted by MLK Jr. Examples: Greensboro sit-ins (1960), Freedom Rides (1961), Birmingham Campaign (1963), March on Washington (1963). Significance: Drew national attention to racial injustice and led to legislative change.

Presidential Elections

1960: JFK narrowly defeated Nixon in first televised debates. 1964: LBJ won landslide over Goldwater; promoted Great Society. 1968: Nixon elected amid civil unrest and anti-war sentiment. Significance: Reflected shifting political ideologies and public response to social issues.

Racism

Systemic oppression based on race. Manifested in Jim Crow laws, segregation, police brutality, and voter suppression. Civil Rights Movement fought to dismantle these structures. Key terms: De jure vs. de facto racism, white supremacy. Significance: Central issue in 20th-century reform movements.

Second Red Scare

Late 1940s–1950s: Fear of communist infiltration. Led by Senator Joseph McCarthy (McCarthyism), HUAC hearings targeted Hollywood and government. Key events: Rosenberg trial, loyalty oaths. Significance: Violated civil liberties and stoked national paranoia.

Segregation

Racial separation enforced by law (South) and by practice (North). Challenged by Civil Rights Movement. Key events: Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955), integration of schools. Significance: Perpetuated inequality until challenged and dismantled by activists.

Sputnik

1957: First satellite launched by USSR. Marked beginning of space race. U.S. response: NASA (1958), increased STEM education. Significance: Heightened Cold War tensions and fear of Soviet technological superiority.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

1960s student activist group. Authored Port Huron Statement calling for participatory democracy. Key role in anti-Vietnam War protests and New Left politics. Significance: Influenced campus activism and liberal movements.

Suburbia

Post-WWII expansion of suburban neighborhoods. Fueled by GI Bill, car culture, and baby boom. Examples: Levittown. Often racially exclusive. Significance: Reflected economic growth, consumer culture, and racial inequality.

United Nations (UN)

Founded 1945 after WWII to promote peace and security. Key bodies: Security Council, General Assembly. U.S. used UN to justify interventions but faced opposition from Soviet bloc. Significance: Platform for Cold War diplomacy and global cooperation.

Vietnam War

U.S. supported South Vietnam against communist North. Key events: Gulf of Tonkin (1964), Tet Offensive (1968), My Lai Massacre (1969). Ended with Paris Peace Accords (1973), Fall of Saigon (1975). Significance: Deeply divided U.S., led to loss of faith in government and military. A conflict in Southeast Asia involving U.S. military intervention, fighting to prevent the spread of communism, resulting in significant domestic upheaval and changes in foreign policy.

Waves of Feminism

First Wave: 19th–early 20th century, focus on suffrage (19th Amendment). Second Wave (1960s–1980s): Gender equality, workplace rights, reproductive freedom. Key figures: Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem. Significance: Transformed gender roles and civil rights. Third Wave (1990s–present): Emphasizes diversity, intersectionality, and global women's issues.