Cold War Impact on US Domestic Policy

Flashcards reviewing the effects of the Cold War on United States domestic policy and American society.

NSC-68

Policy paper during the Cold War that advocated for a massive build-up of both conventional and nuclear arms to deter the Soviet Union.

Doomsday Clock

Symbolic representation of how close humanity is to nuclear annihilation, reflecting global threats and technological advancements.

Peace Dividend

The economic benefits expected from a decrease in defense spending after the end of the Cold War.

McCarthyism

A period of intense anti-Communist suspicion in the United States, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, characterized by accusations of Communist ties without evidence.

HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)

A committee in the U.S. House of Representatives that investigated allegations of Communist activities in the United States during the early years of the Cold War.

Executive Order 9835

The US government's loyalty program established in 1947, aimed to investigate every federal employee due to fears of communist infiltration.

Military-Industrial Complex

The close relationship between the military and defense industries, which grew significantly during the Cold War due to increased defense spending.

The Great Inflation

A period between 1965 and 1982 marked by budget deficits and inflation due to heavy spending on the Vietnam War, Apollo Program, and other Cold War initiatives.

Domino Theory

The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow, influencing US intervention in conflicts like the Korean War.