Untitled Flashcards Set

What was the key issue during Truman's presidency that led to Republican resurgence?

Dissatisfaction with Truman, particularly due to the Korean War.

Who criticized Truman for his negotiation strategy in the Korean War?

General Douglas MacArthur.

What role did Eisenhower hold during World War II?

Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe.

What was Eisenhower's stance on political involvement before running for president?

He initially resisted politics, believing soldiers shouldn't participate.

How did Eisenhower's moderate views manifest in his presidential policies?

He favored containment and fiscal responsibility while opposing communism.

Name the significant impact of TV political adverts in Eisenhower’s campaign.

Revolutionized political communication and presented Eisenhower as a gentle, approachable figure.

What was the significance of Nixon’s 'Checkers Speech'?

It was a defense against accusations of financial impropriety that resonated positively with the public.

What characterized the economic transformation in the postwar United States?

Private industry thrived while public investment lagged.

By the 1960s, what demographic change occurred in the American workforce?

Sixty percent of the population was classified as middle class.

What did the 'Kitchen Debate' symbolize in the context of the Cold War?

It represented the ideological battle between consumer choice in the US and technological superiority in the USSR.

How did suburbs affect economic life in postwar America?

They drove demand for household goods and transformed social life.

What was the old ideal of economic freedom in America?

Economic freedom meant not being in debt.

What cultural shift occurred with the introduction of television in American homes by the end of the 1950s?

National broadcasting homogenized culture and values.

Define Eisenhower's 'Middle Way' in the context of American politics.

A philosophy advocating moderate domestic policies, balancing New Deal values with less government intervention.

How did Eisenhower approach McCarthyism during his presidency?

He strengthened loyalty programs but refused to confront McCarthy publicly.

What were the major welfare expansions under Eisenhower?

Added to Social Security, raised minimum wage, and created the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

What key infrastructural project did Eisenhower promote during his presidency?

The Interstate Highway System, authorized in 1956.

What characterized the new forms of conservatism emerging in the 1960s?

A commitment to state welfare, greater social welfare division, and a desire against liberal capitalism.

Who were the leading figures of the New Conservatism and their main focus?

Kirk and Weaver; they emphasized moral and spiritual renewal.

What did libertarianism argue regarding government intervention?

It valued the free market and opposed government regulation, taxes, and welfare.

What was a significant aspect of the evangelical revival during the 1960s?

Billy Graham became a key spiritual advisor and led mass religious rallies.

What was Eisenhower's approach to civil rights?

He favored slow, consensual change, which civil rights advocates deemed too passive.

What landmark ruling occurred in 1954 regarding segregation?

Brown v. Board of Education ruled that 'separate but equal' was unconstitutional.

What event sparked national attention to racial violence in 1955?

The lynching of Emmett Till.

What was the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Led by Martin Luther King Jr., it highlighted racial injustices and asserted the power of organized, nonviolent protest.

What was the Civil Rights Act of 1957?

The first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction aimed at protecting African American voting rights.

What was JFK's main appeal during the 1960 elections?

He embodied generational change, modernity, and a challenge to traditional anti-Catholic sentiment.

What pivotal moment demonstrated JFK's commitment to civil rights during his campaign?

He called Coretta Scott King while her husband Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed.

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect American foreign policy?

It was a crucial moment that emphasized the need for both firmness and diplomacy in addressing threats.

What was a major consequence of Nixon's 'Checkers speech'?

It helped Nixon maintain public support by making a personal emotional appeal.

How did the Bay of Pigs invasion impact US credibility?

It was seen as a major failure that undermined the US's position in the Cold War.

What military strategy did JFK prioritize during his presidency?

Flexible response, expanding military capabilities beyond nuclear options.

How did the Vietnam War escalate under JFK's administration?

Increased economic and military aid to South Vietnam amid rising insurgency.

What triggered the Tet Offensive and what was its impact on American perception of the Vietnam War?

It was a surprise attack that shattered the belief in a nearly won war.

What was significant about the voting rights movement initiated in the 1960s?

It sought to address the persistent issue of voter suppression in southern states.

What did LBJ’s Great Society aim to address?

Poverty, inequality, and discrimination through landmark legislation.

What legislation aimed at civil rights was passed in 1964?

The Civil Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination in employment and public institutions.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

To eliminate racial discrimination in voting practices.

What did the aftermath of the 1968 election signify for American politics?

A shift in the political landscape with the end of Democratic dominance in the South due to Nixon's appeal.

What characterized the economic recovery during Reagan's second term?

Falling unemployment, modest inflation, and a booming stock market.

What was significant about Reagan’s 'Economic Recovery Tax Act'?

It slashed the top tax rate significantly and ended the progressive tax system.

What was a notable foreign policy change during Reagan's presidency?

A ramping up of defense spending and a strategic stance against the Soviet Union.

What was the primary criticism of Clinton's administration regarding economic policies?

Rising inequality despite economic growth; benefits not equally shared.

What was the outcome of the 2000 election and its subsequent Supreme Court ruling?

Gore lost the presidency despite winning the popular vote, with the Supreme Court halting Florida recounts.

What characterized the Conservative movement during George W. Bush's presidency?

An emphasis on compassionate conservatism, including faith-based initiatives and tax cuts.

What role did the Department of Energy play during the Carter administration?

It aimed to reduce US reliance on imported oil amidst the energy crisis.