APUSH Period 8 Vocabulary

APUSH Period 8 Vocabulary Flashcards

Truman Doctrine

An attempt to contain Soviet expansion into Europe by helping nations resist subjugation.

Marshall Plan

US loans money to European nations to help them rebuild and resist Communist takeover.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Alliance between America, Canada, and several European nations, marking America's first permanent alliance.

Red Scare

Fear of Russian spies in America, exploited by Joseph McCarthy who falsely accused federal officials of being Communists.

Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka

Supreme Court case that overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine established in Period 6.

Deterrence

Eisenhower's method of preventing attacks from the Soviets and Americans through the threat of mass destruction.

Third World

Independent nations liberated from European control, unwilling to ally with the US or Soviets.

Bay of Pigs Operation

Failed US attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's Communist government in Cuba.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Spy planes detect Soviet missiles being built in Cuba, the Soviets agree to remove the missiles with the promise that the US would never invade Cuba again.

Equal Pay Act

Supported by Kennedy, this act gave men and women equal pay in equal jobs, helping promote women’s rights.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation pushed through by Johnson that banned discrimination based on skin color, gender, or religious practice.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Enforced the 15th Amendment in states that barred blacks from voting.

Economic Opportunity Act

Set aside federal funds for poverty relief under Johnson's administration.

Great Society

The term for Johnson’s cumulative sweeping changes across government and society.

New Left

Progressive individuals on college campuses who aimed to end poverty, racism, and American involvement in the Cold War.

Détente

Nixon’s peaceful approach in which the Soviet Union and the US would cooperate with each other and respect each other’s differences.

Nixon Doctrine

US would reduce troops overseas and check the spread of communism through alliances rather than military might.

Watergate Scandal

Nixon mobilized a team of investigators called the “plumbers”, who disgracefully broke into Democratic Party headquarters for information.