real dcush 100

What was the main goal of the United States’ policy of containment after World War II?

To stop communism from spreading.

Why was NATO created, and how did the Soviet Union respond?

NATO was created to protect Western countries, and the Soviet Union responded with the Warsaw Pact.

What was the purpose of the Warsaw Pact?

To create a Soviet military alliance against NATO.

What does the term “Iron Curtain” describe?

The division between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western Europe.

How was the Cold War often fought without direct war?

Through propaganda, spying, arms races, and proxy wars.

Why did many Americans in the 1950s fear nuclear attack?

Because both the U.S. and USSR had nuclear weapons.

How did Cold War fears affect American life?

It led to drills, propaganda, and fear of communism.

Why were bomb shelters built?

To protect people from nuclear attacks.

What caused the oil crisis in the 1970s?

Middle Eastern countries reduced oil supply.

How did oil shortages affect the U.S. economy?

Gas prices rose and the economy slowed.

How was U.S. Middle East policy connected to the Cold War?

The U.S. aimed to limit Soviet influence in the region.

Why did suburbs grow after WWII?

Many families moved from cities to suburbs.

What helped make suburban life possible?

GI Bill, highways, and affordable housing.

How did suburban growth affect cities?

Cities lost population and economic power.

Why did people move to the Sun Belt?

For jobs, climate, and lower costs.

Why did conservatism grow in the 1970s–80s?

People wanted lower taxes and less government.

What problems led to Reagan’s election?

Inflation and unemployment.

What is supply-side economics?

Cutting taxes to grow the economy.

What were Reagan’s economic goals?

Lower taxes, less regulation, stronger military.

Why did national debt increase under Reagan?

Tax cuts and increased military spending.

What is the Reagan Doctrine?

Supporting anti-communist groups worldwide.

What are proxy wars?

Wars where superpowers support opposite sides.

Why did Reagan increase military spending?

To pressure the Soviet Union.

How did Reagan’s policies affect the USSR?

It could not compete economically.

Who was Mikhail Gorbachev and what did he do?

Soviet leader who introduced glasnost and perestroika.

What do glasnost and perestroika mean?

Openness and economic restructuring.

Why couldn’t the USSR compete with the U.S.?

Weak and inefficient economy.

Why was the fall of the Berlin Wall important?

It showed communism collapsing.

What changed after the Cold War?

The U.S. became the main superpower.

What does Third World mean?

Poorer countries not aligned with superpowers.

What is the “new world order”?

Global cooperation led by the U.S.

What was Operation Desert Storm?

U.S.-led war to remove Iraq from Kuwait.

How did the U.S. win the Gulf War?

Through international coalition support.

How did U.S. foreign policy change after 1991?

Focus shifted to terrorism and regional conflicts.

Why did debates arise about U.S. leadership after the Cold War?

Costs and global responsibility.

What is the purpose of the United Nations?

Promotes peace and cooperation.

Why were troops sent to Lebanon?

To stabilize conflict areas.

What is the debate between liberty and security?

Balancing freedom and safety.

Why do critics oppose the Patriot Act?

It increases government surveillance.

Why do supporters support surveillance laws?

To prevent terrorism.

How has use of executive orders changed?

Presidents use them more often.

Why do presidents use executive orders?

Because Congress is often gridlocked.

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Law protecting rights for disabled people.

Why was Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment significant?

First Latina Supreme Court justice.

Who was the first Black president?

Barack Obama.

What is globalization?

Global connected economies.

Why did manufacturing decline?

Jobs moved overseas.

What is outsourcing?

Moving jobs to other countries.

What is NAFTA?

Free trade agreement between U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

What is a service economy?

Economy focused on services instead of factories.

What skills became more important?

Technology, education, communication.

Why did unions decline?

Globalization and fewer factory jobs.

How did unions affect inequality?

Less union power increased inequality.

How did the internet change society?

Instant global communication and information.

How did technology affect jobs?

Created new industries but increased inequality.

Why are smartphones important?

They combine many tools into one device.

What was the War on Terror?

U.S. fight against terrorism after 9/11.

Why did the U.S. invade Afghanistan?

To destroy Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

What was the impact of 9/11?

Increased security and long wars.

What caused the Great Recession?

Housing crash and bad loans.

How did the government respond to the recession?

Bailouts and stimulus.

What was a major effect of the recession?

Job and home losses.

How was the economy in the 1990s?

Strong growth and low unemployment.

What was Clinton’s impeachment about?

Political scandal and charges in office.

What is the “middle path”?

Mixing liberal and conservative policies.

Why invest in renewable energy?

To reduce oil dependence.

How is energy tied to security?

Less reliance on foreign countries.

How does energy relate to climate change?

Clean energy reduces pollution