DCUSH

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.

Describe how the Cold War was often fought through competition rather than direct war.

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

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

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

How did Cold War fears influence everyday American life?

People practiced drills, watched propaganda, and feared communism.

Why were bomb shelters built, and what do they reveal about American attitudes at the time?

They were built for protection from nuclear attacks and showed people feared war.

What caused the oil crisis and gas shortages in the 1970s?

Middle Eastern countries reduced oil exports.

How did Middle Eastern conflicts impact the U.S. economy during the late 20th century?

Oil prices rose and hurt the economy.

Explain how U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East was connected to Cold War concerns?

The U.S. wanted to limit Soviet influence there.

Describe the growth of suburban America after World War II.

Many families moved from cities to suburbs.

What factors made suburban life possible for many Americans?

The GI Bill, highways, and affordable housing.

How did suburban growth affect cities and urban communities?

Cities lost population and money.

Explain why many Americans migrated from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt in the late 20th century.

For jobs, lower costs, and warmer weather.

Identify major reasons why conservatism gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

People wanted lower taxes and less government.

What economic challenges of the 1970s helped set the stage for Reagan’s election?

Inflation and unemployment.

Define supply-side economics (Reaganomics).

Cutting taxes to grow the economy.

What were Reagan’s main goals regarding taxes, government spending, and regulation?

Lower taxes, less regulation, and strong defense spending.

Why did the national debt increase dramatically during the Reagan administration?

Due to tax cuts and military spending.

How did Reagan’s policies reflect a belief in smaller government?

He reduced regulations and government involvement.

What was the Reagan Doctrine, and what was its purpose?

Supporting anti-communist groups to fight communism.

Explain how the U.S. and Soviet Union fought indirectly through proxy conflicts during the Cold War?

They supported opposite sides in wars without fighting directly.

Why did Reagan increase military spending during the 1980s?

To pressure the Soviet Union.

How do historians connect Reagan’s military buildup to the Soviet decline?

The USSR couldn’t keep up economically.

Who was associated with glasnost and perestroika, and what were they?

Mikhail Gorbachev — openness and restructuring reforms.

Why was the Soviet Union unable to compete economically with the U.S. in the 1980s?

Its economy was weak and inefficient.

Why was the fall of the Berlin Wall significant?

It showed communism collapsing in Europe.

How did U.S. global power change after the Soviet collapse?

The U.S. became the only superpower.

What does “Third World” mean in Cold War context?

Poorer non-aligned countries.

What was the “new world order”?

A time of global cooperation led by the U.S.

How did the end of the Cold War affect U.S. military actions in the Middle East?

There was no Soviet opposition.

What was Operation Desert Storm?

U.S. mission to remove Iraq from Kuwait.

How did the U.S. use coalitions in the Gulf War?

Worked with the UN and allies.

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

Shifted from communism to terrorism focus.

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

People questioned costs and responsibilities.

Example of U.S. participation in an international organization?

The UN works for peace and cooperation.

Why were troops sent to places like Lebanon?

To help stabilize conflicts.

What is the debate between liberty and security?

Balancing freedom with safety.

Why do critics oppose the Patriot Act?

They say it increases surveillance.

Why did supporters defend post-9/11 surveillance?

To prevent terrorism.

How has use of executive orders changed?

Presidents use them more often.

Why do presidents rely on executive orders more now?

Congress is often gridlocked.

How does the ADA connect to civil rights movements?

It expanded equal rights protections.

Why was Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment significant?

Sonia Sotomayor was first Latina justice.

How does diversity in government reflect society?

It matches a more diverse population.

Who was the first Black U.S. president?

Barack Obama

What is globalization?

Global connected economies.

Why did manufacturing jobs decline?

Jobs moved to cheaper countries.

How did outsourcing affect U.S. industry?

Factory jobs declined in industrial regions.

What was NAFTA?

Free trade agreement in North America.

How did technology help global production?

Faster communication and shipping.

What is a service economy?

Economy focused on services not factories.

What skills became more important?

Tech, education, communication.

Why did unions decline?

Globalization and weaker laws.

How did globalization weaken unions?

Jobs moved overseas.

How does union decline relate to inequality?

Workers lost bargaining power.

How did the internet change communication?

Instant global communication.

How did tech change activism?

Social media helped organize people.

How did tech reshape the economy?

Created new industries.

Why are smartphones important?

All-in-one communication devices.

How did tech increase inequality?

Executives earned much more.

Impact of 9/11 on foreign policy?

Focus shifted to terrorism.

Why invade Afghanistan?

To fight Al-Qaeda and Taliban.

How did government expand after 9/11?

More surveillance and security laws.

Long-term effect of 9/11?

Long Middle East wars.

Causes of Great Recession?

Bad loans and housing crash.

Role of mortgages?

Risky loans caused collapse.

Government response?

Bailouts and stimulus.

Consequence of recession?

Job and home losses.

Economy during Clinton era?

Strong growth.

Key conflict in Clinton era?

Impeachment.

Clinton’s “middle path”?

Mix of liberal and conservative policies.

How did 1990s balance government and opportunity?

Help economy while limiting government.

Why invest in renewable energy?

Reduce oil dependence.

Energy policy and security?

Less reliance on foreign oil.

Energy policy and climate?

Clean energy reduces pollution and boosts growth