IBHA Unit 5 - Early Cold War/Civil Rights Era Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Early Cold War and Civil Rights Era, providing definitions and significance.

Iron Curtain

The metaphorical barrier that separated Eastern Europe under Soviet control from Western democratic nations after World War II.

Containment

A United States policy aimed at preventing the spread of Communism during the Cold War.

Truman Doctrine

A principle stating that the U.S. would provide support for countries resisting Communist influence, particularly through military and economic assistance.

Marshall Plan

An American initiative passed in 1948 to aid Western Europe, under which over $13 billion was given to help rebuild economies after the devastation of World War II.

Dixiecrats

A short-lived political party made up of Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights reforms.

Fair Deal

A set of proposals by President Truman aimed at expanding social welfare programs and civil rights.

Berlin Airlift

A military operation in 1948-1949 where Allies supplied West Berlin by air after the Soviets blockaded the city.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 between the U.S., Canada, and Western European nations to counter Soviet aggression.

HUAC

The House Un-American Activities Committee, established to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities by private citizens.

GI Bill of Rights

Legislation providing various benefits to returning World War II veterans, including education and housing assistance.

Suburbia

An area characterized by residential communities outside of city centers that grew significantly in the post-WWII era.

Baby Boom

A significant increase in the birth rate following World War II in the United States.

Brown v. Board of Education

A landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

A significant civil rights protest against racial segregation on the public bus system in Montgomery, Alabama, initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

An African American civil rights organization, co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr., focused on nonviolent protest against segregation.

Viet Cong

A political organization and army in South Vietnam formed to oppose the U.S.-backed government, ultimately fighting against U.S. forces during the Vietnam War.

Domino Theory

The idea that political events in one country will cause similar events in neighboring countries, particularly in relation to the spread of Communism.

Suez Canal Crisis

The invasion of Egypt by Israel, followed by the United Kingdom and France in late 1956, aimed at regaining Western control of the canal and removing Egyptian President Nasser.

Sputnik

The first artificial Earth satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, marking the start of the space race.

Civil Rights Act of 1960

A law aimed at increasing voter registration among African Americans and combating racial discrimination.