United States History B Final Exam Study guide

The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 was also known as the

G.I. Bill.

What did the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 provide to soldiers?

provided returning World War II soldiers with benefits like free college tuition, low-interest home loans, and unemployment benefits.

What effects did this act have on American society? (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944)

It helped create a strong middle class, boosted the economy, and expanded access to higher education and homeownership.

Who were the Beatniks and what were their beliefs?

a group of writers and artists in the 1950s who rejected materialism and traditional American values, embracing individualism, spontaneity, and anti-conformity.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education?

The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

What Supreme Court cases did Brown v. Board of Education overturn?

It overturned: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which had upheld “separate but equal” segregation.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case of Sweatt v. Painter?

The Court ruled that a separate Black law school in Texas was not equal to the white one, and Heman Sweatt had to be admitted to the University of Texas Law School.

What are the comparisons you can make of the two Supreme Court cases of Brown v. Board of Education and Sweatt v. Painter?

Both cases challenged segregation, but Sweatt v. Painter focused on graduate school inequality, while Brown v. Board of Education focused on public K–12 education and ended segregation nationwide.

What did the Marshall Plan provide to Europe?

gave over $12 billion to help rebuild Western Europe after WWII.

Why did the US create the Marshall Plan?

To stop the spread of communism by stabilizing European economies.

Why did the US get involved in the Berlin Airlift?

The U.S. sent food and supplies to West Berlin after the Soviet Union blocked access in 1948, showing U.S. commitment to containment.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A policy to support countries resisting communism, starting with Greece and Turkey.

Define the policy of Containment.

The U.S. strategy of stopping the spread of communism during the Cold War.

Who founded the NAACP?

founded by: W.E.B. Du Bois and others in 1909.

What is the NAACP?

A civil rights organization that fought against racial discrimination, especially through the courts.

How did the NAACP impact the Civil Rights Movement?

It played a major role in legal victories like Brown v. Board and supported peaceful protests.

Who Founded the Southern Christian Leadership Committee (SCLC)?

Martin Luther King Jr. and others in 1957.

What impact did the SCLC have on the Civil Rights Movement?

It led nonviolent protests and helped organize major movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.

What were some tactics of peaceful protest used during the Civil Rights Movement?

Sit-ins, boycotts, marches, and freedom rides.

Who founded the Black Panthers?

Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966.

How did the Black Panthers impact the Civil Rights Movement?

They challenged police brutality, created community programs, and brought attention to urban inequality.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 do?

Ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.

Who was George Wallace, in context of the Civil Rights Movement?

Segregationist governor of Alabama; opposed civil rights, famously blocked Black students from entering the University of Alabama.

Who created the Great Society Program and what was the purpose of the program?

Created by President Lyndon B. Johnson to fight poverty and racial injustice.

Under which President was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed?

Passed under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

How did the Gulf of Tonkin impact the Vietnam War?

Gave the president broad military powers in Vietnam, escalating U.S. involvement.

What did the War Powers Act do?

Limited the president’s power to send troops into combat without Congressional approval.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A surprise attack by North Vietnam during the Vietnam War; shocked Americans and reduced support for the war.

How did the media coverage of the Tet Offensive impact America's view of the government?

Made Americans distrust government claims about winning the war.

What was the domino theory?

The belief that if one country fell to communism, others nearby would too.

What was Detente?

A period of easing Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

What are some examples under President Nixon where he used detente?

SALT treaties, visits to China and the USSR.

What was the Watergate Scandal?

A political scandal involving Nixon’s cover-up of a break-in at Democratic headquarters.

What impact did the Watergate Scandal have on the United States government and the American people?

Led to Nixon’s resignation and caused public distrust in government.

Define and explain the significance of the 19th Amendment.

• Definition: Gave women the right to vote (ratified in 1920).

• Significance: Major victory for women’s rights and suffrage.

Define and explain the significance of the 24th Amendment.

• Definition: Banned the use of poll taxes in federal elections (1964).

• Significance: Helped ensure African Americans could vote without economic barriers.

Define and explain the significance of the 26th Amendment.

• Definition: Lowered the voting age to 18.

• Significance: Recognized that if 18-year-olds could fight in war (Vietnam), they should vote.

What were the accomplishments of Dolores Huerta?

Co-founded the United Farm Workers, fought for Latino labor rights and social justice, and helped secure better pay and conditions for farm workers.

How/why did the United States enter an oil crisis under President Jimmy Carter?

caused by Middle East conflict and OPEC oil embargo, which reduced oil supply.

What were some of the effects of the Oil Crisis?

Gas shortages, high prices, inflation, and economic slowdown in the U.S.

What was the significance of the Camp David Accords?

Peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, brokered by President Jimmy Carter—major step toward Middle East peace.

Who is Sandra Day O'Connor and what is her accomplishment?

First female Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1981; symbolized progress for women in government.

43. Define the Iran-Contra Scandal.

Illegal U.S. operation where arms were sold to Iran and money was secretly given to Nicaraguan rebels, violating Congress’s orders.

44. What is NAFTA and what effect did NAFTA have on the United States' economy?

Created a free trade zone between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; boosted trade, but some feared job losses.

What was the purpose of Bush's War on Terror?

Launched after 9/11 to fight terrorism worldwide, starting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

What is the USA PATRIOT ACT and why was it controversial?

Gave the government expanded powers to monitor and prevent terrorism; controversial for possibly violating privacy rights.

What is the significance of Barack Obama?

First African American President (elected in 2008); promoted healthcare reform, ended Iraq War, and symbolized progress in racial equality.

Define "diffusion" and provide an example of American cultural diffusion.

The spread of culture from one place to another.

• Example: American fast food like McDonald's being popular around the world.

What is the free enterprise system?

An economic system where businesses are privately owned and operate in competition with limited government regulation.

What is an advantage and disadvantage of the free enterprise system?

• Advantage: Encourages innovation and consumer choice.

• Disadvantage: Can lead to economic inequality and monopolies.