Period 8

What were the main reasons for migration to the Sunbelt during the 1940s?

Economic opportunities, defense industry jobs, lower taxes, air conditioning, and warmer climates.

What was the impact of migration to the Sunbelt?

Growth of suburbs, shift in political power, environmental strain, and rise in conservative politics.

What were the main causes of post-war prosperity in the U.S.?

Consumer demand, industrial/military spending during and after WWII, GI Bill, baby boom, and cheap electricity.

What did the GI Bill provide?

Education and housing benefits to WWII veterans, helping expand the middle class and increase college graduation rates.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A policy to prevent the spread of communism by pledging support to countries resisting subjugation.

What was the Marshall Plan?

The U.S. gave over $13 billion to help rebuild Western European economies post-WWII to prevent the spread of communism.

What was the significance of the Berlin Airlift (1948–49)?

It was an early Cold War success for the U.S. and a symbol of resistance to Soviet aggression.

What was Eisenhower’s 'New Look' defense policy?

A defense strategy emphasizing nuclear weapons over conventional forces to deter Soviet aggression.

Why did the U.S. lead a coup to overthrow Mosaddeq?

Mosaddeq nationalized Iran's oil, raising fears of Soviet influence and loss of Western oil access.

What was the impact of Sputnik on the U.S.?

It sparked fear of Soviet technological superiority, led to the Space Race and increased U.S. investment in science and technology.

What roles did women play in the 1950s/60s?

They were often confined to domestic roles as homemakers and caregivers.

What was the ideal image of a housewife in the 1950s?

A white, middle-class suburban woman devoted to family and homemaking, seen as the pinnacle of female success.

How did 'The Feminine Mystique' change women’s self-perception?

It challenged the notion of domesticity as fulfillment, encouraging women to seek education, work, and identity beyond the home.

What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

It was a failed invasion that embarrassed Kennedy, strengthened Castro’s position, and pushed Cuba closer to the USSR.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

A 13-day standoff where the U.S. discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba, leading to the USSR agreeing to remove them.

What was the goal of the U.S. in the Vietnam War?

To prevent the spread of communism based on the domino theory.

What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution do?

It gave LBJ authority to escalate military involvement in Vietnam without a formal war declaration.

What was the Tet Offensive?

A massive surprise attack by Viet Cong during Tet, resulting in military failure for them but political disaster for the U.S.

What were the social impacts of the Vietnam War?

Deepened divisions, sparked protests especially among youth, and led to draft resistance.

What were the economic impacts of the Vietnam War?

Drained resources from domestic programs, contributed to inflation, and worsened public trust in government spending.

What was Nixon's policy of détente?

A policy aimed at easing Cold War tensions, which included the SALT I treaty and opening relations with China.

What were the two overarching goals of the Civil Rights Movement?

To end segregation and ensure voting rights for African Americans.

What did the Brown v. Board of Education ruling achieve?

It ruled that segregated public schools are unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

It banned segregation in public places and prohibited employment discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

What was the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It banned literacy tests and other discriminatory practices restricting Black voting rights, allowing federal oversight in some states.

What led to the split in the Civil Rights Movement?

Initial unity gave way to more radical views due to frustration over slow progress.

What was Johnson's War on Poverty?

A goal to eliminate poverty through government programs and aid, part of his 'Great Society' vision.

What were Medicare and Medicaid, established in 1965?

Medicare: Health care for the elderly; Medicaid: Health care for low-income individuals and families.

What is Head Start?

An early childhood education program for disadvantaged children to prepare them for school.

What were the effects of the oil shocks in 1973 and 1979?

OPEC oil embargo led to fuel shortages, high inflation, and economic stagnation (stagflation) in the U.S.

What was the conservative backlash against the Supreme Court?

Conservative criticism of perceived liberal decisions (e.g., on desegregation) that helped fuel the rise of the New Right.

What was the impact of Watergate?

It led to Nixon's resignation and eroded public trust in government, resulting in reforms like campaign finance laws.