Political and Economic Characteristics of Communism

What are the political characteristics of a communist system?

A centralized government control with total political decision-making power, typically a one-party state with limited or no political opposition.

What is the economic characteristic of a communist system?

Collective ownership of resources, where all means of production are owned by the state or the community, not by individuals or private businesses.

How is the economy structured in a communist system?

It is a planned economy, centrally planned by the government, which decides what goods are produced, how much, and at what price, with no free market competition.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A U.S. policy established in 1947 promising to support countries resisting communism, especially Greece and Turkey.

What does containment refer to in the context of the Cold War?

The U.S. strategy to stop the spread of communism worldwide without necessarily eliminating it where it already existed.

What was the Marshall Plan?

An American program that provided over $12 billion to help rebuild Western European economies after WWII to prevent the spread of communism.

What is NATO?

A military alliance formed in 1949 between the U.S., Canada, and Western European countries to protect against Soviet aggression.

What was the Berlin Airlift?

A U.S.-led operation from 1948 to 1949 to supply West Berlin by air after the Soviet Union blocked land routes into the city.

What was the outcome of the Chinese Civil War?

The war ended in 1949 with a Communist victory, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) under Mao Zedong.

What event marked the beginning of the Korean War?

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea.

What role did the USA play during the Korean War?

The U.S. led the UN coalition in defending South Korea, providing the majority of troops, military equipment, and strategic leadership.

What was the United Nations' role in the Korean War?

The UN Security Council condemned North Korea's invasion and authorized a multinational force to intervene, with the U.S. taking the lead.

How did China influence the Korean War?

China entered the war in October 1950, sending hundreds of thousands of troops to support North Korea, shifting the war's momentum and leading to a stalemate.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

The war ended in July 1953 with an armistice, resulting in a stalemate and the border remaining at the 38th parallel.

Who was Joseph McCarthy?

A U.S. senator from Wisconsin known for his aggressive pursuit of alleged communists in the government during the 1950s.

What is McCarthyism?

A term describing the anti-communist hysteria of the 1950s, characterized by baseless accusations and public shaming of individuals suspected of communist ties.

What does the term 'Red Scare' refer to?

Periods of intense fear of communism in the U.S., particularly after World War I and during the Cold War, with the Second Red Scare driven by concerns about Soviet espionage.

Who were Ethel and Julius Rosenberg?

A married couple convicted of espionage in 1951 for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, executed in 1953.

What was the Red Scare of the 1950s?

A period of widespread fear of communist influence in America, fueled by Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Who was a prominent figure during the Red Scare, known for accusing people of being communists?

Senator Joseph McCarthy.

What were the consequences of the Red Scare?

Blacklisting, job losses, and ruined reputations for many accused of being communists or spies.

How did the development of atomic weapons by the Soviets impact the U.S.?

It intensified fear and suspicion, leading to strict anti-communist policies.

What role did the G.I. Bill play in the growth of American suburbs?

It made homeownership more accessible for returning World War II veterans, leading to a housing boom in suburban areas.

What was Levittown?

A large suburban community that became a symbol of postwar prosperity, developed for returning veterans.

What was the Baby Boom?

A population surge in the U.S. between the 1940s and 1960s, with millions of babies born after World War II.

What was the Beat Movement?

A literary and cultural movement of the 1950s that rejected mainstream values and embraced nonconformity.

What is Rock 'n' Roll?

A music genre that emerged in the 1950s, blending blues, country, and rhythm & blues, defining youth rebellion.

Who was Elvis Presley?

Known as the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll,' he revolutionized music in the 1950s and became an influential artist.

How did popular music of the 1950s reflect cultural changes?

It captured excitement and rebellion, with Rock 'n' roll challenging traditional ideas and breaking racial barriers.

What was the New Frontier?

President John F. Kennedy's vision for a better America, focusing on progress in space exploration and civil rights.

What was the public perception of President John F. Kennedy?

He was loved for his charm, inspiring speeches, and leadership, which gave people hope.

What was the Bay of Pigs invasion?

A failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles in 1961 aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro.

What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

It embarrassed the U.S. and strengthened Castro's ties with the Soviet Union, escalating Cold War tensions.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

A tense 13-day standoff in 1962 between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.

What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Soviets withdrew their missiles from Cuba, and the U.S. secretly agreed to remove its missiles from Turkey.

What was the significance of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy?

It shocked the world, ended a presidency full of hope, led to national mourning, fueled conspiracy theories, and resulted in Lyndon B. Johnson pushing key civil rights laws.

What was the main purpose of President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society?

It aimed at eliminating poverty, reducing racial injustice, and improving education and healthcare, building on the legacy of the New Deal.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Gideon v Wainwright?

It guaranteed the right to legal counsel for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney.

What are the Miranda warnings established by Miranda v Arizona?

They require law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

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

It declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson and stating that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

What happened during the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957?

Nine Black students faced violent opposition when trying to attend a previously all-white school, leading President Eisenhower to send federal troops for their protection.

What sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955?

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, leading to a year-long protest that resulted in a Supreme Court ruling ending segregation on public transportation.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

It outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

What is the difference between Black Separatism, Black Power, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach?

Black Separatism wanted Black people to live separately from white society, Black Power focused on pride and control, while King advocated for peaceful protests and working together for equality.

What was the Tonkin Gulf Resolution?

It gave President Lyndon B. Johnson the power to escalate U.S. involvement in Vietnam following a mistaken report of an attack.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A massive surprise attack by the Vietcong that was a failure for North Vietnam and a mental defeat for the U.S.

What occurred during the My Lai Massacre?

In 1968, American soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including women and children, in the village of My Lai.

What symbol did the Berlin Wall represent during the Cold War?

It symbolized the division between East and West Berlin, representing the ideological conflict of the Cold War.

How long did the Berlin Wall physically and ideologically separate East and West Berlin?

Nearly three decades.

What was a major consequence of the event that brought the world close to nuclear war?

It ultimately led to improved diplomatic communication between the superpowers.

What was the impact of John F. Kennedy's presidency on civil rights?

His assassination led to Lyndon B. Johnson pushing key civil rights laws.

What major social programs were introduced during Johnson's Great Society?

Medicare and Medicaid, along with strengthened education funding and major civil rights laws.

What was the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for the civil rights movement?

It was a major victory that outlawed segregation and discrimination, advancing the cause of civil rights.

What was the ideological difference between Black Separatism and Black Power?

Black Separatism sought separation from white society, while Black Power emphasized pride and control.

What was the historical context of the My Lai Massacre?

It occurred during the Vietnam War and highlighted the tragic consequences of military actions.

What did the Tet Offensive reveal about U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

It demonstrated the challenges and failures faced by U.S. forces in the conflict.

What was the role of President Eisenhower during the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School?

He sent federal troops to protect the nine Black students facing violent opposition.

What did the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v Board of Education lead to in terms of public education?

It set the stage for desegregation across the country.

What tragic event involved U.S. soldiers attacking innocent villagers during the Vietnam War?

The My Lai Massacre.

What was the public reaction to the My Lai Massacre?

It shocked many Americans and increased anger about the war, leading to more protests.

What event at Kent State University involved the National Guard and students protesting the Vietnam War?

Four students were shot during a protest against the invasion of Laos and Cambodia.

Who were Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta?

Important leaders who fought for the rights of farmworkers in the U.S. and helped create the United Farm Workers (UFW) union.

What was the purpose of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

To guarantee equal rights for all Americans regardless of sex.

What happened to the Equal Rights Amendment after it was passed by Congress in 1972?

It failed to be ratified by enough states to become part of the Constitution.

What economic situation does stagflation describe?

A situation where the economy is stagnant, prices are rising, and unemployment is high.

What was the impact of stagflation in the 1970s?

It caused stress for people and businesses and made it difficult for the government to address economic problems.

How did U.S. foreign policy change under President Nixon?

It shifted towards improving relations with communist countries rather than solely fighting them.

What was détente?

A new approach in U.S. foreign policy focused on peace through diplomacy, particularly with China and the Soviet Union.

What were the results of the Watergate scandal?

Nixon resigned, some officials were convicted, new transparency laws were enacted, and public trust in leaders decreased.

What was the significance of the Camp David Accords?

They were a major success for President Carter, establishing peace between Egypt and Israel.

What was the Iran Hostage Crisis?

A diplomatic crisis where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days.

What did President Jimmy Carter promise during his election campaign in 1976?

Honesty and a fresh start to restore trust in the government.

What is supply-side economics?

An economic theory that suggests lowering taxes and reducing regulations will stimulate business investment and economic growth.

What was the outcome of Nixon's visit to China in 1972?

It marked the beginning of improved relations between the U.S. and China.

What role did Henry Kissinger play in U.S. foreign policy during Nixon's presidency?

He was Nixon's top advisor who helped negotiate détente and reduce Cold War tensions.

What was the public's perception of journalism following the Watergate scandal?

It highlighted the role of journalism in exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable.

What was the main goal of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union?

To improve working conditions, pay, and respect for farm laborers.

What was a major consequence of the Vietnam War protests?

Increased public awareness and activism regarding civil rights and government accountability.

What did the failure to ratify the ERA reflect about societal attitudes?

Concerns about changing traditional family roles and the impact on laws like the draft.

What did the Camp David Accords achieve in the Middle East?

They established a framework for peace between Egypt and Israel after years of conflict.

What economic challenges did the U.S. face in the 1970s?

Stagflation, characterized by high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant economic growth.