USA 1945-1974: The People & The State (GCSE History A)

Red Scare

The threat of communist ideals influencing non-communist countries, following the Cold War and imposed by the Soviet Union, leading to loyalty investigations of federal employees and Hollywood figures.

Rosenberg Case

Involving Julius and Ethel Rosenberg charged with espionage for disclosing secrets to the Soviet Union, leading to their execution in 1953 due to their Communist Party affiliation and involvement in passing atomic bomb information.

McCarthyism

Investigations during the Red Scare exposing alleged communist infiltration in the US government, led by Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee, resulting in blacklisting and lacking concrete evidence.

Jim Crow Laws

Laws enforcing racial segregation in the South, affecting public places and voting polls, disadvantaging African Americans until abolished by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Civil Rights Movement

Pushed for desegregation and equality among races in the US through events like the March on Washington and nonviolent protests, transforming American society and promoting racial equality.

Brown vs Board of Education

Overturned Plessy vs Ferguson, ruling against segregation in public schools, emphasizing the Supreme Court's stance against segregation and requiring desegregation nationwide.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, led by Martin Luther King Jr., and lasting 381 days, resulting in the unconstitutional segregation on public buses and economic hardship for the Montgomery bussing system.

Civil Rights Act of 1957

Established the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, used National Guard to protect activists, and aimed to increase African American rights and voting participation.

Malcolm X

Influential figure advocating for African American rights and self-defense, assassinated while speaking in New York City, contributing significantly to the movement.

Equal Pay Act

Enacted in 1963 to eliminate gender-based pay disparities in the workplace, requiring salary differences to be based on factors other than gender, promoting equality among genders.

Julius Rosenberg

An American engineer who, along with his wife, was convicted of espionage for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union in the 1950s. They were executed in 1953, making them the only American civilians to be executed for espionage-related activities during the Cold War.

Communist Party of the United States

• Founded in 1919

• Advocates for socialism

• Played a role in labor movements

• Currently active in political activism.

Joseph McCarthy

American senator who led the anti-communist movement in the 1950s known as McCarthyism

Poll Taxes

A tax levied on individuals, regardless of income or property. Historically used to restrict voting rights and discriminate against minorities.

Freedom Rides

Integrated bus trips across the South in 1961 to challenge segregation laws on public transportation. Led by civil rights activists, they faced violence and arrests but helped bring attention to racial injustice.

Plessy vs Ferguson

Landmark 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld "separate but equal" racial segregation laws, allowing racial segregation in public facilities.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment that guarantees all citizens equal protection under the law. Prohibits discrimination by the government.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Who was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, known for his nonviolent activism and famous "I Have a Dream" speech?

Rosa Parks

Civil rights activist known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Central High School

Location of the Little Rock Nine crisis in 1957, where nine African American students faced intense segregation and violence when trying to desegregate the school.