Ike & the 50s - Ch.35 1-14

International Business Machines (IBM)

An American multinational technology and consulting company founded in 1911. It is known for its role in developing computer hardware and software."

"Big Blue"

A nickname for IBM, referring to its blue logo and dominance in the technology industry. The term conveys the company's size and influence."

Strategic Air Command (SAC)

A major command of the U.S. Air Force responsible for America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles during the Cold War. It played a key role in nuclear deterrence."

Boeing

An American aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites. It is one of the largest global aerospace manufacturers."

White Collar Workers

Employees who perform professional, managerial, or administrative work, typically in an office setting. They are often contrasted with blue-collar workers, who perform manual labor."

Blue Collar Workers

Employees who perform manual labor, often in industrial or manufacturing settings. They typically work in jobs that require physical skills and are paid hourly."

Cult of Domesticity

A value system prevalent in the 19th century that emphasized the role of women as homemakers and caretakers. It promoted the idea that women's proper place was in the home, nurturing their families."

"Pink-Collar Ghetto"

A term describing occupations predominantly held by women, often in low-paying and low-status jobs. Examples include secretarial work, teaching, and nursing."

Betty Friedan - The Feminine Mystique

A book published in 1963 by Betty Friedan that is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism. It criticized the limitations placed on women and the roles assigned to them by society."

Diner's Club Credit Card

The first independent credit card company, founded in 1950. It revolutionized consumer spending by allowing cardholders to charge meals and entertainment expenses to a single card."

Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, Fulton J. Sheen

Prominent religious figures and televangelists in the mid-20th century. Billy Graham was known for his evangelical crusades, Oral Roberts for his healing ministry, and Fulton J. Sheen for his Catholic television show."

Elvis Presley

An American singer and actor known as the 'King of Rock and Roll.' His music and charismatic style made him a cultural icon in the 1950s and beyond."

David Riesman - The Lonely Crowd (1950)

A sociological analysis of American character and social structures, written by David Riesman. The book explores how societal changes shape individuals' behavior and identity."

John Kenneth Galbraith - The Affluent Society (1958)

An economic critique by John Kenneth Galbraith that examines the disparity between private wealth and public poverty. The book argues for greater government investment in public services."

Adlai E. Stevenson

An American politician and diplomat who was the Democratic candidate for president in 1952 and 1956. He later served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations."

Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower

The 34th President of the United States, serving from 1953 to 1961. A former World War II general, he is known for his moderate policies and efforts to maintain peace during the Cold War."

Richard M. Nixon

The 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. He previously served as Vice President under Eisenhower and is known for the Watergate scandal that led to his resignation."

Checkers Speech

A televised speech given by Richard Nixon in 1952 to address allegations of improper campaign funding. The speech is famous for its emotional appeal and mention of his dog, Checkers."

Korean War Armistice

The agreement signed in 1953 that ended hostilities in the Korean War. It established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) but did not result in a formal peace treaty."

Emmett Till

A 14-year-old African American boy whose brutal murder in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. His death highlighted racial violence and injustice in America."

Paul Robeson and Josephine Baker

African American artists and activists known for their contributions to the arts and civil rights. Paul Robeson was a singer and actor, while Josephine Baker was a dancer and singer who achieved fame in France."

Gunnar Myrdal - An American Dilemma

A landmark study of race relations in the United States, written by Swedish economist Gunnar Myrdal in 1944. It highlighted the contradictions between American ideals and the treatment of African Americans."

Sweatt v. Painter

A 1950 Supreme Court case that ruled segregated law schools were inherently unequal. It was a precursor to the Brown v. Board of Education decision."

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1943

An act that repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and allowed Chinese nationals to become U.S. citizens. It was a wartime measure to improve relations with China."

Rosa Parks

An African American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She is often called the 'mother of the civil rights movement.'"

Montgomery Bus Boycott

A year-long protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest. It led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional."

Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance. He delivered the famous 'I Have a Dream' speech and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964."

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

A landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The decision overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson."

Chief Justice Earl Warren

The 14th Chief Justice of the United States, who served from 1953 to 1969. He presided over many landmark cases, including Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda v. Arizona."

Orval Faubus

The Governor of Arkansas who opposed the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. He deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from entering the school."

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

An African American civil rights organization founded in 1957, with Martin Luther King Jr. as its first president. It played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement."

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

A civil rights organization founded in 1960 that advocated for nonviolent protest and played a key role in the sit-in movement and Freedom Rides. It was instrumental in the fight for civil rights."

Ella Baker

A civil rights activist and organizer who played a key role in the NAACP, SCLC, and SNCC. She was known for her grassroots organizing and belief in collective leadership."

Creeping Socialism

A term used by conservatives to describe the gradual increase of government intervention in the economy and society. It reflects fears of socialism taking hold in the United States."

Operation Wetback

A U.S. government program launched in 1954 to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants. It resulted in the deportation of thousands of individuals."

Federal Highway Act of 1956

A U.S. law that authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System. It facilitated national defense and economic growth by improving transportation infrastructure."

John Foster Dulles

The U.S. Secretary of State under President Eisenhower, known for his aggressive stance against communism. He advocated for the policy of 'brinkmanship' to counter Soviet influence."

Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt

The President of Egypt who nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956. His actions led to the Suez Crisis and increased tensions in the Middle East."

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

An intergovernmental organization founded in 1960 to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries. It aims to stabilize oil markets and secure fair prices for producers."

Election of 1952

The U.S. presidential election in which Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Democrat Adlai E. Stevenson. It marked the first Republican victory since 1928."

Teamsters

A labor union representing a diverse group of workers, known for its influence and controversial leadership. It has been involved in organizing and negotiating for better wages and working conditions."

AFL-CIO

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, a federation of labor unions in the United States. It was formed in 1955 through the merger of the AFL and CIO."

Landrum-Griffin Act

A U.S. law passed in 1959 to regulate labor unions and address corruption. It aimed to protect union members' rights and ensure democratic practices within unions."

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. Its launch marked the beginning of the space race between the U.S. and the USSR."

Sputnik 2

The second artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, carrying the first living creature, a dog named Laika, into space. It demonstrated the USSR's advancements in space exploration."

ICBMs

Intercontinental ballistic missiles, long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads. They were a key component of the arms race during the Cold War."

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

A U.S. government agency established in 1958 to oversee civilian space exploration and research. It was created in response to the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology."

National Defense Education Act (NDEA)

A U.S. law passed in 1958 to improve education in science, mathematics, and foreign languages. It aimed to enhance national security by strengthening the country's intellectual resources."

Term,Definition

Camp David

The U.S. presidential retreat located in Maryland. It has been the site of many significant diplomatic negotiations, including the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel."

U-2 Incident

An event in 1960 where an American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. The incident heightened Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the USSR."

Fulgencio Batista

The Cuban military leader and dictator who ruled Cuba before being overthrown by Fidel Castro in 1959. His regime was marked by corruption and repression."

Fidel Castro

The revolutionary leader who overthrew Fulgencio Batista's regime in Cuba in 1959. He established a communist government and ruled Cuba for nearly five decades."

Cuba

An island nation in the Caribbean that became a focal point of Cold War tensions after the Cuban Revolution. Its communist government, led by Fidel Castro, allied with the Soviet Union."

Vanguard Missile

A series of American rockets developed during the early years of the space race. The Vanguard program aimed to launch the first U.S. satellite into orbit."

Kitchen Debate

A series of impromptu exchanges between U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1959. The debates took place in a model American kitchen at an exhibition in Moscow and highlighted the ideological differences between the two superpowers."

John F. Kennedy

The 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He is known for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his vision for the space race."

Lyndon Baines Johnson

The 36th President of the United States, who succeeded John F. Kennedy after his assassination. He is known for his Great Society programs and escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War."

Military-Industrial Complex

A term coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to describe the close relationship between the military and defense contractors. He warned of its potential influence on government policy."

Alaska and Hawaii

The 49th and 50th states to join the United States, admitted in 1959. Their statehood marked the last expansion of the U.S. territory."

Abstract Expressionism

An artistic movement characterized by spontaneous, abstract forms and emphasis on emotional expression. Notable artists include Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko."

International Style

An architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and the use of modern materials like steel and glass. It is associated with architects like Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe."

"Beat" Writers

A group of American writers in the 1950s who explored themes of spirituality, rebellion, and social critique. Key figures include Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs."

William Faulkner

An American author known for his complex narratives and innovative literary techniques. His works, such as 'The Sound and the Fury,' often explore themes of identity and the American South."

Lost Cause

A cultural and historical movement that romanticizes the Confederate cause in the American Civil War. It portrays the Confederacy's efforts as noble and justified, despite its defeat."

Southern Renaissance

A literary movement in the early 20th century that sought to redefine Southern identity and address social issues. Notable writers include William Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor, and Robert Penn Warren."

Flannery O'Connor

An American writer known for her Southern Gothic style and exploration of morality and religion. Her notable works include 'Wise Blood' and 'A Good Man is Hard to Find.'"

Brinkmanship

A foreign policy strategy that involves pushing a conflict to the brink of war to achieve favorable outcomes. It was a key component of U.S. Cold War strategy under President Eisenhower."

Formosa Resolution

A 1955 resolution by the U.S. Congress authorizing the use of military force to defend Taiwan (Formosa) from communist aggression. It reflected U.S. commitment to containing communism in Asia."

Allen Dulles

The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1953 to 1961. He played a key role in U.S. Cold War intelligence operations."

Eisenhower Doctrine

A U.S. policy announced in 1957 that promised military and economic aid to Middle Eastern countries resisting communist aggression. It aimed to counter Soviet influence in the region."

Geneva Peace Accords

Agreements reached at the 1954 Geneva Conference that ended the First Indochina War. They temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel, leading to the Vietnam War."

Domino Theory

A Cold War-era belief that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the spread of communism to neighboring countries. It was used to justify U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia."

Yates v. United States (1957)

A Supreme Court case that limited the application of the Smith Act, which made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the government. The decision protected free speech and narrowed the definition of subversive activity."

Policy of Boldness

A foreign policy approach advocated by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, emphasizing aggressive measures to counter Soviet influence. It included the threat of massive retaliation in response to communist aggression."

Nikita Khrushchev

The leader of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964. He is known for his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and efforts to de-Stalinize the Soviet Union."

Hungarian Uprising

A 1956 revolt against Soviet control in Hungary, brutally suppressed by Soviet forces. The uprising highlighted the limitations of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe."

Ho Chi Minh

The leader of the Vietnamese independence movement and the first President of North Vietnam. He played a key role in the fight against French colonial rule and the Vietnam War."

Battle of Dien Bien Phu

A decisive battle in 1954 during the First Indochina War, where Vietnamese forces defeated the French. The victory led to the Geneva Accords and the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam."

Ngo Dinh Diem

The first President of South Vietnam, serving from 1955 to 1963. His authoritarian regime faced significant opposition, leading to his assassination in a coup."

Saigon

The capital city of South Vietnam, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. It was the site of the final battle of the Vietnam War and fell to North Vietnamese forces in 1975."

Mohammed Reza Pahlavi

The Shah of Iran from 1941 until his overthrow in 1979. His modernization efforts and close ties to the U.S. led to significant opposition, culminating in the Iranian Revolution."