2.0 flascards

GI Bill

1. Helped send 8 million WWII veterans to school between 1945 - 1956

2. Backed home loans, gave  veterans a year of unemployment benefits and provided for veterans medical care

3. Helped economic prosperity that characterized the postwar era

4. Propelled Americans to new heights of education

5. U.S thought that after WWII, the veterans re-entering the workforce may wreak the reviving economy

6. Wanted to give financial security upon their arrival

7. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen's Readjustment Act on June 22, 1944. Commonly known as the GI Bill, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act offered veterans a year of unemployment pay after their homecoming; guaranties for loans to purchase homes, businesses, or farms; and tuition and living stipends for college or vocational programs.

Levittown/Growth of the suburbs/suburbia

1. Levittowns -> created by Levitt & Sons firm who constructed houses using an assembly-line production method

   1. Were situated in PA, NY, NJ

   2. Due to low prices and veteran benefits, more Americans could afford houses

   3. From the GI Bill benefits -> spread the growth of suburbs

   4. Each house had the same floor plan and no basement, took advantage from FHA

   5. Levitt and Sons also took advantage of the government support offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA). Before the FHA, would-be homeowners had to put down an average of 58% of a home's purchase price to secure a mortgage, a nearly impossible prospect for working class families. Since the GI Bill insured veterans' mortgages, Levittown could afford to offer them unprecedented credit, in some cases allowing veterans and their families to move in without putting down a cent.

   6. Homeownership suddenly became possible for a broader segment of the American population than ever before.

Baby Boom

1. This generation of "baby boomers" was the result of a strong postwar economy, in which Americans felt confident they would be able to support a larger number of children. Boomers also influenced the economy as a core marketing demographic for products tied to their age group, from toys to records.

2. Constituting as much as 40% of the American population, baby boomers have exerted a strong pull on American culture at large, particularly during the social movements of the 1960s.

“white flight”/redlining

1. White flight -> Movement of middle class whites away from the city and towards owning homes in the suburbs, leaving the city to be inhabited by poor minorities.

2. Redlining -> Redlining is the practice of denying people access to credit because of where they live, even if they are personally qualified for loans. Historically, mortgage lenders once widely redlined core urban neighborhoods and Black-populated neighborhoods in particular.

Consumerism

1. is the social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It plays a crucial role in shaping modern economies and societies, emphasizing individual satisfaction through material wealth. This concept has influenced various aspects of life, from the development of the middle class to cultural shifts post-World War II, as people began to associate success and happiness with the consumption of products.

Television

1. led to questions regarding the nations, morals, politics, etc.

2. Television glamorized the suburban life, woman= homemaker.CULT OF DOMESTICITY celebrated and re-enforced.

3. Television became a common household item and contributed to HOMOGENEITY of American culture.

Car culture

1. spread of paved roads fueled new roadside culture of restaurants, service stations, and motels, "auto camps" opened to provide tourists w/ tents and toilets, automobile travel broke down the isolation of Americans and led to standardization, gave the youth freedom from parental authority, led to many new sex crimes, etc., automobile was catalyst for economic growth, transportation revolution, and a cultural symbol

McDonald’s

1. Dick and Mac McDonald moved to California to seek opportunities they felt unavailable in New England. Failing in the movie business, they subsequently proved successful in operating drive-in restaurants. In 1948 they took a risk by streamlining their operations and introducing their Speedee Service System featuring 15 cent hamburgers. The restaurant’s success led the brothers to begin franchising their concept—nine becoming operating restaurants. At the San Bernardino location, Dick and Mac McDonald perfected their Speedee Service System featuring a limited menu including fifteen cent hamburgers, shakes and fries. The brothers sold 14 franchises of which 10 became operating restaurants not including their original location in San Bernardino.

2. McDonald's gained significant importance post-World War II as it emerged as a pioneer of the fast food industry, perfectly aligning with the changing American lifestyle of car-dependent suburban families who needed quick, affordable food options, effectively shaping the way people ate and contributing significantly to the growth of the restaurant sector in the United States and beyond; essentially becoming a symbol of the postwar era's shift towards convenient, standardized food at a low price.

Drive-in movies

1. The drive-in theater quickly gained popularity, especially in the 1940s and 1950s, following World War II. This period, known as the post-war boom, saw a dramatic rise in car ownership as American families moved to the suburbs and embraced a more mobile lifestyle

Beats/beatniks

1. In the context of post-World War II APUSH, "Beats" and "Beatniks" refer to a countercultural movement, primarily centered around a group of writers, who rejected the prevailing American values of conformity, materialism, and consumerism, expressing their dissent through literature, poetry, and art, often with themes of nonconformity, spirituality, and personal exploration; they were most prominent in the 1950s, with key figures like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Gary Snyder.

2. Rejection of mainstream culture:

   1. The Beats actively rebelled against the perceived emptiness and superficiality of post-war American society, advocating for a more authentic and meaningful life. 

3. Literary style:

   1. Their writing often featured spontaneous, free-flowing prose, with an emphasis on personal experience and raw emotion, as seen in works like Jack Kerouac's "On the Road". 

4. Political activism:

   1. While not strictly political, the Beat movement sometimes expressed anti-establishment views, particularly regarding the military-industrial complex and nuclear proliferation. 

5. Jazz influence:

   1. Many Beats were deeply influenced by jazz music, seeing its improvisational nature as a parallel to their creative expression. 

6. Notable figures:

   1. Allen Ginsberg: Author of the influential poem "Howl," which sparked controversy due to its explicit language. 

   2. Jack Kerouac: Novelist known for "On the Road," a semi-autobiographical novel about a cross-country road trip. 

   3. Gary Snyder: Poet who incorporated elements of Zen Buddhism into his work. 

7. How the Beats impacted American culture:

8. Challenged societal norms:

   1. The Beat movement helped to loosen the constraints of traditional American values by promoting individualism and open expression. 

9. Influence on later movements:

   1. The Beats paved the way for later countercultural movements like the Hippie movement of the 1960s. 

10. Literary legacy:

    1. Their works continue to be studied and appreciated for their raw honesty and unique style.

Teenagers/teen culture

1. In the post-WWII era of American history, teenagers and teen culture emerged as a distinct social phenomenon, largely fueled by economic prosperity, increased leisure time, and the rise of mass media, particularly television, which led to the development of a unique youth identity marked by distinct fashion, music (like rock and roll), and attitudes often seen as rebellious against their parents' generation; this phenomenon is often referred to as the "teenager" and is a significant aspect of APUSH study regarding the post-war period.

Rock n Roll/Elvis

1. Music played a major role in shaping teen culture, with rock and roll becoming a powerful symbol of rebellion and youth identity, popularized by artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard.

2. Refers to the emergence and widespread popularity of rock and roll music in the United States following World War II, particularly during the 1950s, which significantly impacted American culture by representing a youthful rebellion against established norms and bridging racial divides through its music style drawing from both African American blues and white country influences; prominent figures include Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard.

3. Elvis Presley represents a significant cultural phenomenon in the post-WWII era, particularly known for popularizing rock and roll music which challenged social norms and bridged racial divides, becoming a symbol of the changing youth culture of the 1950s

   1. His energetic stage presence and rebellious persona resonated strongly with teenagers, who were increasingly becoming a distinct consumer group in the post-war era.

   2. Beyond music, Elvis became a major cultural icon, symbolizing the emerging consumer culture and the "American Dream".

   3. His popularity highlighted the growing tensions between traditional values and the changing social landscape of the 1950s, particularly regarding gender roles and racial segregation.

   4. Elvis's music, heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, brought African American musical styles to mainstream white audiences, causing controversy and social commentary around racial integration.

National Housing Act 1949

1. The Housing Act of 1949 provided loans to cities to acquire and clear slums for redevelopment through private developers.

2. The National Housing Act of 1949, also known as the "Housing Act of 1949," was a significant piece of legislation signed by President Harry Truman that aimed to provide affordable housing for American families by establishing federal programs to support home construction and urban renewal, significantly contributing to the post-WWII suburbanization boom in the United States; however, it was also criticized for its role in perpetuating racial segregation through discriminatory lending practices by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

   1. Goal: To create a "decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family" by providing federal funding for housing construction and rehabilitation.

Urban renewal

1. Urban Renewal was a post-World War II effort by local and national governments to revitalize American cities based on new living patterns and with the hope of improving economic conditions. For many cities this meant demolishing buildings and clearing out areas considered to be in decay

The New Conservatism

1. New conservatism is a political philosophy developed in the 1970s and 1980s, advocating the active use of government power in pursuit of conservative domestic and foreign policies.

Dwight D. Eisenhower/Modern Republicanism

1. "Modern Republicanism" refers to the political ideology championed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, which aimed to strike a balance between traditional conservative Republican values and some aspects of the New Deal liberalism, essentially taking a "middle-of-the-road" approach to domestic policy, prioritizing fiscal responsibility while still supporting certain social programs and government interventions when deemed necessary; this often put him at odds with more extreme elements within his own party.

2. As president, he filled his cabinet with successful corporate executives and was criticized for leaving important decisions to others, although proven untrue. In domestic policies, he described his approach as "modern Republicanism", and authorized the interstate highway system.

Interstate Highway System

1. The Interstate Highway System comprises over 47,000 miles of highways, making it one of the largest public works projects in American history. It was initially proposed to improve military logistics and ensure rapid deployment during emergencies, which led to significant government investment.

Sputnik/”Sputnik Syndrome”

1. "Sputnik" refers to the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957, and "Sputnik Syndrome" describes the widespread fear and anxiety that gripped the United States following this event, leading to a major push for increased funding and focus on American science and technology, particularly in the field of space exploration, to catch up to the Soviets during the Cold War

2. Sputnik syndrome is a term used to describe a feeling of inferiority or inadequacy that can arise when one country or group feels that it is falling behind another in terms of technology, military power, or other measures of progress. It is named after the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957. This event caused a great deal of anxiety in the United States, which was concerned that it was falling behind the Soviet Union in the space race.   

   1. Sputnik syndrome can be a powerful motivator. It can lead to increased investment in research and development, as well as a greater focus on education and innovation. However, it can also have negative consequences. It can lead to feelings of insecurity and paranoia, as well as a tendency to exaggerate the achievements of rivals.

National Defense Education Act

1. In APUSH, the "National Defense Education Act" refers to a piece of legislation passed in 1958 that significantly increased federal funding for education in science, mathematics, and modern foreign languages, primarily motivated by the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik and the ensuing "space race," aiming to bolster American scientific and technological capabilities for national defense purposes; it provided student loans and grants to states for improving curriculum in these areas.

Social Contract/AFL-CIO

1. a "social contract" refers to the philosophical concept where citizens agree to give up some of their individual freedoms in exchange for the government's protection of their natural rights, essentially meaning that the power to govern comes from the consent of the people and can be revoked if the government fails to uphold its duty to protect those rights; this idea was central to the Enlightenment and heavily influenced the American Revolution, with thinkers like John Locke being prominent proponents of this theory

2. In December 1955, the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations ended their twenty-year rivalry and merged to create this, under the leadership of George Meany.

Nakita Khrushchev

1. Premier of the Soviet Union from 1958-1964, he was a communist party official who emerged from the power struggle after Stalin's death in 1953 to lead the USSR. He crushed a pro-Western uprising of Hungary in 1956, and, in 1958, issued an ultimatum for Western evacuation of Berlin. Defended Soviet-style economic planning in the Kitchen Debate with Richard Nixon in 1959 and attempted to send missiles to Cuba in 1962 but backed down when confronted by JFK. Created Berlin Wall

Kitchen Debate

1. the "Kitchen Debate" refers to a spontaneous, televised argument between U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1959, where they debated the merits of their respective political systems, capitalism and communism, while standing in a model American kitchen at an exhibition in Moscow, showcasing the consumer goods available in the United States; essentially, a symbolic clash of ideologies during the Cold War.

U-2 Incident

1. the "U-2 incident" refers to the event in May 1960 when a high-altitude American spy plane, the U-2, was shot down while flying over the Soviet Union, causing a major international crisis between the US and USSR, particularly because the pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was captured alive, exposing the secret surveillance operation and leading to the collapse of a planned summit between the leaders of both nations; this incident significantly heightened Cold War tensions.

Decolonization (Africa)

1. "decolonization of Africa" refers to the historical process where African countries gained independence from European colonial powers, primarily occurring in the mid-20th century, fueled by nationalist movements and anti-colonial struggles, leading to the emergence of numerous new sovereign states across the continent; this process was heavily impacted by the changing global political landscape following World War II.

Suez Canal Crisis

1. the "Suez Canal Crisis" refers to a 1956 international conflict where Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, prompting a military invasion of Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel, which was ultimately unsuccessful and forced the invading powers to withdraw due to strong international pressure, marking a significant decline in British and French influence on the world stage; this event is considered a major turning point in the post-colonial era and the Cold War.

Eisenhower Doctrine

1. Under the Eisenhower Doctrine, a country could request American economic assistance and/or aid from U.S. military forces if it was being threatened by armed aggression from another state.

2. refers to a foreign policy declaration by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957, pledging to provide military and economic aid to any Middle Eastern country threatened by communist aggression, essentially aiming to prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the region; it allowed countries to request US assistance if facing communist-backed threats.

Brinkmanship/massive retaliation

1. refers to a Cold War foreign policy strategy, primarily associated with President Eisenhower and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, where the United States threatened to use nuclear weapons as a response to any Soviet aggression, essentially pushing situations to the "brink" of war to deter communist actions, even if it meant risking a devastating nuclear conflict; it was a policy of using the threat of extreme force to prevent smaller conflicts from escalating.

Military-Industrial Complex

1. refers to the close relationship between a nation's military establishment and the defense industries that supply it, where both entities exert significant political influence to maintain high levels of military spending, often seen as a potential threat to democratic oversight due to their vested interest in continued arms production; this term was popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address, warning about its potential dangers.