HIST 1493 Final Exam Potential Questions

Potential Questions for Final Exam HIST 1493 Spring 2025

Cold War

• United States' Views Towards the Cold War:

  • Discuss the overarching perspectives and ideologies held by the United States concerning the Cold War.

• Origins of the Cold War:

  • Explore the factors and events that led to the commencement of the Cold War. What specific disagreements or conflicts triggered the initial divide?

• Mutual Fears:

  • What elements or factors caused both the Soviet Union and the United States to harbor fears of war? Identify the potential threats or scenarios that each side perceived as dangerous.

• Domestic Politics and Communism:

  • Within the sphere of domestic politics in the United States, examine how communists and suspected subversion were perceived and treated. What policies or actions were implemented in response to these concerns?

• American Foreign Policy:

  • Describe the key aspects and strategies of American foreign policy during the Cold War period. What were the main goals and priorities of the United States on the global stage?

• "Hot" Conflicts:

  • Investigate whether the Cold War ever escalated into direct military conflict ("hot" war). If so, provide specific instances, dates, and details of what occurred.

• Timeline:

  • Trace the evolution of these aspects from 1945 to at least 1975, providing a chronological overview of key events and developments.

Civil Rights Movement

• Chronological Scope: From the end of the Second World War through at least 1968.

• Critical Events:

  • Identify and discuss the significant events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement during this period. What were the pivotal moments that drove change?

• Successes and Failures:

  • Analyze the accomplishments and shortcomings of the movement. In what areas did it achieve its goals, and where did it fall short?

• Government's Role:

  • Examine the extent to which the government supported or hindered the Civil Rights Movement. What actions did the government take, and what impact did they have?

• Changes by 1968:

  • Assess the changes and transformations that had occurred by 1968 as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. What progress had been made, and what challenges remained?

• Primary Source Analysis:

  • 1965 Alabama Literacy Test:

    • Analyze what this test reveals about racial issues in American society, particularly in the South.

  • 1957 Film Crisis in Levittown:

    • Examine what this film tells us about racial issues in American society, especially in the North, during this era.

War in Vietnam

• Time Frame: Approximately 1965-1973.

• American Involvement:

  • Describe how American involvement in the Vietnam War began. What were the initial reasons and justifications for U.S. intervention?

• End of Involvement:

  • Explain how American involvement in the war came to an end. What factors led to the withdrawal of U.S. forces?

• American Conduct and Its Impact:

  • Examine the way Americans conducted the war and how it affected American society. What strategies and tactics were employed, and what were their social and cultural consequences?

• Specific Details:

  • Provide detailed information about the specific roles and actions of the United States in the war. Include key events, military operations, and policy decisions.

• Turning Point:

  • Identify when the war shifted significantly. What event or period marked a change in the trajectory of the conflict?

• Ultimate Result:

  • Discuss the final outcome of the war and its long-term implications for both Vietnam and the United States.

NOTE: Final Exam is Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00am – NOT our usual class time!