Review of American Political Ideologies and Cold War Policies

Flashcards reviewing the lecture notes on American political ideologies, civil rights legislation, and Cold War policies.

What did the liberal policies of the New Deal and Great Society aim to do?

Expand the federal government’s role in promoting economic equality and social welfare.

What was the main goal of conservative policies during the Reagan era?

Reduce government influence in favor of free-market capitalism and individual responsibility.

What was the economic philosophy behind Reagan's tax cuts?

Supply-side or trickle-down economics.

What is a core difference between liberal and conservative policies?

Liberal policies favor a strong federal role in ensuring social justice and economic fairness, while conservative policies prioritize minimal government interference and personal freedom.

Why were the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 necessary despite the 14th and 15th Amendments?

Jim Crow laws had undermined constitutional rights, federal enforcement had been weak, and new legislation was needed to address ongoing racial discrimination.

How did Jim Crow laws undermine the 14th and 15th Amendments?

They mandated racial segregation and implemented discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes to deny African Americans their rights.

What was the federal government's role in enforcing the 14th and 15th Amendments prior to the 1960s?

The federal government largely failed to enforce these amendments, allowing Southern states to continue discriminatory practices.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

It outlawed segregation and discrimination in public accommodations, education, and employment.

What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 achieve?

It struck down barriers that had long prevented Black Americans from voting.

According to the Truman Doctrine and NSC-68, what was the new role of the United States in global politics during the Cold War?

A defender of democracy trying to stop the spread of communism.

What policy did the U.S. implement to stop Soviet influence during the Cold War?

The policy of containment.

Give an example of U.S. actions based on the Truman Doctrine and NSC-68.

Involvement in the Korean War and covert operations in Latin America and the Middle East.

How did the Truman Doctrine frame the United States' role in the world?

As a protector of democratic nations resisting subjugation.

What was the U.S. objective in the Korean War?

To contain and stop the spread of communism.

What did U.S. covert operations in Latin America and the Middle East aim to achieve?

To remove leaders viewed as threats to the U.S. and potentially aligned with Soviet ideals.

What was the main goal of the U.S. policy of containment as outlined in the Truman Doctrine and NSC-68?

To stop the spread of Soviet influence worldwide.

What did the Truman Doctrine establish as the policy of the United States?

To support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.

What did NSC-68 emphasize as a response to the Soviet threat?

The need for a stronger military and economic response, calling for a massive increase in defense spending.

How did the U.S. intervention in the Korean War demonstrate its commitment to the Truman Doctrine and NSC-68?

It showed the U.S. commitment to using military power to prevent the expansion of communism and to defend allies under threat.