us history final

What was the "Double V" campaign?

-seeking victory over our enemies at home and victory over our enemies and the battlefields abroad -Civil rights leaders, for example, pushed their "Double V" campaign for both victory abroad and victory at home. NAACP membership soared during the war years to more than half a million people. expanded membership in the naacp but achieved only limited success against racial discrimination during the war The Double V Campaign dealt with blacks seeking victory at home (discrimination) and in battle abroad (fascism)

How did the war expand employment opportunities for women?

-women found employment in all sectors of the economy, including heavy industry -at the start of the war about a quarter of adult women worked outside the home, most as teachers, nurses, social workers, or domestic servants -few worked in factories, except for textile mills and sewing industries

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What was the "New Deal Coalition?"

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What were the "four guiding ideas" of New Dealers?

1) Wanted to save the capitalist economy by remedying its flaws. 2) Americans needed to consume more. 3) Big business needed to be counterbalanced by government. 4) Lend a helping hand to poor people who suffered from maldistribution of wealth four guiding ideas Roosevelt and his advisers sought capitalist solution to the economic crisis believed the depression resulted from imbalances in the nation's capitalist economy no desire to eliminate private property or impose socialist programs Roosevelt's Brains Trust persuaded him that the greatest flaw of America's capitalist economy was underconsuption underconsuption resulted from the gigantic productive success of capitalism the balance between consumption and production needed to be restored new dealers believed that the immense size of economic power of american corporations needed to be counterbalanced by government and by organization among workers and small producers huge businesses were here to stay hoped to counterbalance big economic institutions and their quest for profits with government programs focused on protecting individuals and the public interest new dealers felt that government must somehow moderate the imbalance of wealth created by american capitalism gov needed to find a way to perm

Why did suburbs grow in the 1950's?

11 mil of 13 mil new homes went up in the suburbs and by 1960 one in four americans lived there suburbs available to families with modest incomes William J. Levitt builder who modified the factory assembly-line process planning nearly identical units so that individual construction workers could move from house to house and perform the same single operation in each one Levittown Federal Housing Administration low-interest morgae guarantees Veterans Administration making interest on mortgages tax deductible without expansion of highway suburban expansion could not have occured growing suburbs polarized society along racial lines each levitown home owner signed a contract pledging not to rent or sell to a non caucasian The automobile and the freeway caused the suburban expansion.

What was the counterculture?

A group of cultural radicals (hippies) who rejected mainstream values of work ethic, materialism, rationality, order, and sexual control. Often defined by unique dress/language, rock music, folk music, and illegal drug use. Sought personal rather than political change Rock and Roll music - Woodstock Discard inhibitions by using marijuana and LSD Colorful clothes and long hair "sexual revolution " with help from the birth control pill

What was the Montgomery bus boycott?

After the Rosa Parks incident in 1955, the MIA got 90% of the Montgomery black community to sustain a yearlong bus boycott. civil disobedience: nonviolent protest Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and other groups experimented with tactics in the 1940s and African Americans boycotted the segregated bus system in Baton Roguge in 1953 first sustained protest to get national attention began in Montgomery on December 1, 1955 police arrested Rosa Parks for violating a local segregation ordinance Women's Political Council composed of black professional women led by Jo Ann Robinson had been humiliated by a bus driver when she inadvertently sat in the white section of the bus when word came of Parks arrest teachers and students distributed fliers calling for blacks to stay off buses Montgomery Improvement Associaiton founded by members of the mass meeting at the Holt Street Baptist Church arranged volunteer carpools and marshaled more than 90 percent of the black community to sustain the yearlong boycott headed by Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at churches throughout the boycott linked racial justice to the redeeming power of christian love walked miles to get to work, contributed their meager financial resources and stood up with dignity to intimidation and police harassment Jo Ann Robinson got seventeen traffic tickets in the space of two months authorities arrested several leaders and whites firebombed King's house November 1956: supreme court declared unconstitutional alabama's laws requiring bus segregation February 1957: King's face became the cover of Time magazine King headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinated local protests agains segregation and disfranchisement

Why were Americans concerned about Communist subversion in the years after World War II?

Americans were worried about communist subversion because of setbacks in foreign policy, partisanship in politics, the rise of the USSR as an enemy, and making public the USSR's espionage efforts. Partisan politics led to the prevalence of red-baiting (attempts at discrediting an individual or idea by associating them with communism) and led to a new red scare Revelations of soviet espionage gave some legitimacy to these claims Most alarming of all Klaus Fuchs, a British physicist working on the atomic bomb project admitted to being a spy and implicated several Americans including the Rosenburgs who pled innocent, but were found guilty and electrocuted Vast majority of individuals hunted down in the red scare were individuals who belonged to the Communist Party at some point

Who was Dr. Francis Townsend?

Angry his retired patients lived in misery. Proposed Old Age Living Pension. - Every person over 60 received 200$ a month to spend during that month. This would allow them to live and stimulate economy.

Why did the US intervene when North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950?

At the end of WWII the Soviet Union and the US divided Korea into two occupation zones along the 38th parallel. When the two powers failed to agree on a plan for unification UN sponsored elections determined that Rhee would be the President of South Korea. The United States withdrew troops satisfied with this installment of Rhee as president. Meager aid was given despite Rhee's repressive regime because of his strict anti-communist policies. The Soviet Union established a communist government in North Korea and withdrew as well. Uprising against factory owners, landlords, and the Rhee government had already claimed 100,000 lives and skirmishes along the 38th parallel had already become bloody, but when the North Koreans invaded, the US automatically assumed that it was at the instigation of the Soviets or China or both. Truman intervened calling it the "Greece of the far East" Korea was basically split between the Communist party of the North (supported by the Soviet Union) and Democratic Party in the south (backed by USA.) Troops from Communist North Korea invaded South Korea. Americans went into battle to implement containment. Confirming the global reach of the Truman Doctrine, US involvement in Korea marked militarization of American foreign policy.

Why did the New Deal lose momentum after 1936?

Basically everything was going wrong and it was said that New deal was an illusion of progress. Agriculture problems were still there and people were still unemployed. Started giving up on the new deal. roosevelt favored slowing the pace of the new deal; believed that existing new deal measures steadily boosted the economy and largely eliminated the depression crisis; his retrenchment backfired: reduction in deficit spending reversed the improving economy, failed to consider the stubborn realities of unemployment and poverty, in 1937 seven million people lacked jobs: national income and production slipped backward that almost 2/3 of the economic gains since 1933 were lost by june 1933 ;conservatives argued this recession proved that new deal measures produced only an illusion of progress

What was the sit-in movement?

Began in Greensboro, NC at a Woolworth's lunch counter with four African-American students Form of direct action and civil disobedience Beginning of massive direct action Hundreds of young people and others launched sit-ins in 31 cities A movement started by college students in Greensboro, NC, who requested service at a drug store's whites-only counter. This trend of nonviolent protest spread rapidly and included hundreds of people throughout the South.

Who was Charles Coughlin?

Catholic Priest in Detroit. Spoke to and for many worried Americans in his weekly broadcasts, which reached a nationwide audience of 40 million. Expressed outrage at the suffering and inequities.

How did the Kennedy and Johnson administrations respond to the civil rights movement in the 1960's?

Both administrations, fearing the loss of crucial southern democratic votes, both Kennedy and the Johnson administrations acted more when events forced their hands than on their own initiatives Kennedy: Sent federal marshals to protect freedom riders Dispatched troops to allow veteran James H Meredith to attend the all-white University of Mississippi in 1962 Called up the Alabama National Guard during the Birmingham demonstrations Told activists that law enforcement was a local matter Johnson: launched major transformation of southern politics: went from a handful of black representatives to a thousand by 1970 improved public facilities, police protection, roads, and other basic services Implementation depended on efforts of blacks themselves Executive order in 1965: affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity Civil Rights Act of 1968: see above; authorized the federal government to intervene to protect civil rights workers from violence Kennedy responded late in career to black freedom struggle by proposing the Civil Rights Act. Johnson got the CRA passed in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He lso ordered businesses to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunity. The 2nd CRA came in 1968, which outlawed racial discrimination.

What was the Brown decision?

Brown vs. Board of Education was when Oliver Brown filed suit because his daughter had to pass by a white school just seven blocks from her house everyday just to attend a black school over a mile away in horrible condition. The supreme court ruled that "separate educational facilities were inherently unequal and violate the 14th amendment" Eisenhower refused to endorse the Brown decision. Brown v Board of Education in 1954 Oliver Brown,a veteran, filed suit because his 8 year old daughter had to pass by a white school 7 blocks from her home and go to a black school a mile away 16 year old barbary johns was angered at the wretched conditions in her black high school initiated a walkout. Thurgood Marshall supreme court justice urged the court to overturn the separate but equal precedent Chief Justice Earl Warren declared "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal" and violated the fourteenth amendment Eisenhower refused to endorse Brown kept silent in 1955 when whites murdered Emmett Till kept distance from civil rights issues caused the fortification of southern resistance to school desereagtion and contributed to the graves constitutional crisis since the civil war

What was the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Civil Rights Act of 1964: see above; extended constitutional protections to Indians on reservations and Title VII could be applied to women as well The CRA symbolized the government's full attention to issue of racial inequality. It was the biggest measure taken towards ending discrimination since the Reconstruction.

Why were the gains of the civil rights era followed by urban riots and an upsurge of black nationalism?

Combination of heightened activism and unrealized promise Integration and legal equality did little to improve the material conditions of blacks Black rage at oppressive conditions erupted in waves of urban uprisings Violent black power rebellions were a result of increased activism and unrealized promises since integration/legal equality did little to immediately improve the material conditions of blacks.

What measures did New Dealers take to reate an American "welfare state" starting in 1935?

Created WPA- Works Progress Administration- to give unemployed Americans government-funded jobs on public work projects. WPA put millions of jobless citizens to work.

Why did further domestic reforms stall after 1966?

Democratic majorities decreased in Congress, causing more backlash at federal programs. The Vietnam War also became a major distraction. Diminishing Democratic majorities Opposition to the programs Conservatives criticized the program because they felt it encouraged a lack of initiative by providing handouts "I fight poverty - I work" button Liberals criticized the program because they felt the emphasis on self-improvement through job training and education placed the blame on the poor rather than the system that failed to provide them adequately with opportunities to work The Vietnam War proved problematic - diverted Johnson's attention to foreign affairs (largest blow) Antiwar movement that crippled his leadership Diverting tax dollars that could have been used for reform

What six-pronged defense strategy did the Truman administration fashion in the early years of the Cold War?

Development of atomic weapons September 1949 US received official confirmation that the Soviet Union had exploded a nuclear bomb Truman approved the development of the hydrogen bomb - eq. to 500 atomic bombs - to maintain the upper hand ignoring warnings that this would create an "arms race" The Soviet Union soon developed their own hydrogen bomb and thus began the policy of deterrence where the United States attempted to avoid a soviet attack by maintaining a nuclear force superior to the Soviets - they pursued a similar policy leading to the arms race Strengthening traditional military power Also used to deter Soviet attacks that may not warrant nuclear power National Security act of 1947 streamlined defense planning by uniting the military branches under a single secretary of defense and creating the NSC National Security Council to advise the president Department of War became the Department of Defense - emphasizing the more permanent character of the department (war is temporary while defense is an ongoing and substantial undertaking Instituted a peacetime draft during Berlin crisis and made women's branches of the military permanent Military alliances with other nations Collective security developed during the Berlin showdown first peacetime alliance with Canada and Western European nations in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and for the first time pledged to go to war if one of its allies were attacked designed to counter a Soviet threat to Western Europe Military and economic aid to friendly nations Aid plans like the ones for Greece and Turkey, and the Marshall Plan Approved $1 billion in military aid to NATO allies An espionage network and secret means to subvert Communist expansion National Security Act of 1947 also created the Central Intelligence Agency Gather information preform any functions or duties related to intelligence affecting the national security that the NSC might authorize virtually unaccountable to Congress or to the public activities included propaganda, sabotage, economic warfare, and support for anti-communist elements in threatened countries in the free world secret operations helped topple communist party in Italy helped topple legitimate governments violated the rights of US citizens propaganda offensive to win popular admiration for the United States around the world war to win the "hearts and minds" of people the world over sent books, exhibits, and performers to foreign countries jazz musicians were popular as cultural ambassadors - foreign countries were excited about this recognizable American creation

What criticisms did they make of the New Deal?

Did little to produce jobs and aid the poor.

How did crises in China and the Middle East affect the Cold War?

Due to the vulnerability of former colonial powers, third world countries as they came to be called began liberation movements in Africa, China, and the Middle East - impressed with the rapid economic development of the Soviet Union adopted socialist or communist ideas US provided meager technical aid which contrasted sharply with aid provided to Europeans who were the priority

What fueled the growth of the "sun belt" in the 1950's?

Economic opportunity, a pleasant natural environment, and technological advancements (ex: Air-conditioning). Defense spending also benefited the region greatly. no regions experienced the postwar economic and population booms more intensely than the west and southwest economic opportunity was a magnet to the west automobile and airplane spurred the post-world war ii surge technology of air-conditioning made possible industrial development and by 1960 cooled nearly eight million homes in the so-called sun belt sun belt captured the lion's share of cold war spending for the research and production of bombers and missiles, and other weapons populations and industries struck environmental concerns high technology basis of post war economic development drew well educated, highly skilled workers to the west continued bracero program more than 100,000 mexicans entered the us each year to labor in the field and many of them stayed legally or illegally mexican immigration not as welcome as mexicans' low-wage labor 1954: series of raids launched by government called Operation Wetbacks more than one mil Mexicans without documentation were deported and the operation made U.S. citizens of Mexican descent feel unwelcome and threatened them with incidents of mistaken identity Hernandez v Texas Texas jury convicted Pete Hernandez of murder persons of mexican origin had been routinely excluded from jury service supreme court decided the first mexican american civil rights case of the post-world war ii era ruling uanimously that mexican americans constituted a distinct group and their systematic exclusion from juries violated the constituational guarantee of equal protection

What was the Marshall Plan?

Effectively an Economic Recovery plan designed with Western Europe in mind. Western Europe was left in ruins economically and despite the large amounts of private aid being given, officials argued that only large scale economic recovery would halt the growth of socialist and communist parties in France and Italy and confine Soviet influence to Eastern Europe The plan was named after the retired senator who had proposed it during his time in Congress - general George C. Marshall It stipulated that $13billion would be given to sixteen European countries in the form of economic aid if they were to accept certain terms It was extended to all European nations and the Soviet Union but the Soviet Union objected to the terms of free trade and financial disclosure Soviet Union ordered their satellite nations to refuse the offer as well Was the first step to the European Union, and helped boost the US economy - countries used the aid money to buy American goods and this provided new opportunities for Americans to invest

Why did the Eisenhower administration become involved in Vietnam?

Eisenhower believed in the domino theory, meaning that communism could spread easily, and needed to be suppressed before it spread. they feared a communist victory and believed in the domino effect the US supported south vietnam left his successor with the deteriorating situation and a firm commitment to defend south vietnam against communism

How did the Eisenhower administration respond to the Hungarian rebellion against Soviet domination in 1956?

Eisenhower was unwilling to risk US soldiers and possible nuclear war. A nuclear bomb would just kill the people they were trying to liberate anyways. Soviets killed 30,000 Hungarians suppressing the revolt.

How did the Eisenhower administration manage the arms race with the Soviet Union?

Established NASA. Enormously increased the US nuclear capacity he practiced containment U-2 spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory United States installed icmb in the US and Britain and prepared to deploy more in italy and turkey defense contractors sought for a more powerful weapons system military industrial complex: alliance of the armed forces, defense contractors and members of congress whose districs rely heavily on the military. Some worry that it wields too much influence, increasing the size of the military in order to boost profits

How did Republicans criticize Truman's handling of the Cold War in the 1952 elections?

Excoriated containment as negative futile and immoral; charged the administration with hiding traitors in high places "Adalai the Appeaser" and accusations that Adalai had a degree from the Cowardly College of Communist Containment were used as attacks during the campaign Popular discontent with President Truman's war boosted Republican candidates in the 1952 election. Republican presidential nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower ended up winning the election with Richard Nixon as his running mate.

Who was George Kennan?

George F. Kennan was a career diplomat with extensive experience in Eastern Europe and Moscow who wrote a comprehensive rationale for the adoption of a hardline foreign policy He stressed Soviet insecurity and Stalin's need to maintain authority at home and that this would prompt Stalin to exaggerate threats from abroad and to expand Soviet power These circumstances, in Kennan's opinion made it impossible for US to negotiate with Stalin Predicted that the Soviet Union retreat from its expansionist efforts in the face of superior force and recommended that the United States respond with "unilateral counterforce" Came to be called Containment By and Large Truman's advisors agreed with this stance - it was published in the journal foreign affairs reaching a larger audience and was dismayed when his views were used to justify an American response whenever communism arose throughout the world George Kennan was a career diplomat with experience in Eastern Europe and Moscow who wrote a comprehensive rationale for hard-line foreign policy, downplaying the influence of Communist ideology in Soviet policy. career diplomat with experience in eastern europe and moscow who wrote a comprehensive rationale for hard-line foreign policy What did he argue about US policy towards the Soviet Union? downplayed the influence of communist ideology in soviet policy by stressing the soviets' insecurity believed that since stalin wanted to maintain authority at home, stalin exaggerated threats from abroad and to expand soviet power predicted that the soviet union would retreat from its expansionist efforts in the face of superior forc and he recomended that the us respond with unalterable counterforce (containment) containment:

Who was Huey Long?

Governor of the state of Louisiana in 1928. Slogan was "every man a king, but no one wears a crown. Championed poor over rich. Behaved ruthlessly to achieve his goals, "dictator of Louisiana", Buzz Windrip from book based of this man.

What were the major domestic initiatives of his administration?

Greatest domestic initiative was the Interstate Highway and Defense system act of 1956 (authorized construction of national highway system). interstate highway and defense system act of 1956 authorized the construction of a national highway system with the federal government paying most of the costs through increased fuel and vehicle taxes became easier for road trips and goods moved more quickly around the nation spurred suburban expansion and growth in the fast food and motel industries substantial gains went to trucking construction and automobile industries it eventually exacted unforeseen costs in the form of air pollution, energy consumption, declining railroads and mass transportation in general, and decay of central cities tax cuts benefitted business and the wealthy stubbornly resisted national health insurance, federal aid to primary and secondary education, and white house leadership on behalf of civil rights

What was the "New Left?"

Group of young activists whose goal was to move away from the society of their elders and mobilize a new democratic society focused on civil rights, peace, and universal economic security. Political in nature and run largely by middle-class white youths: centered on the goals of civil rights, peace, and universal economic security

How did the US fare economically in the years immediately following the Cold War?

In the years immediately following World War II the US economy struggled to revert back to a "peacetime" economy There were real concerns about how to sustain the standard of living to which they'd become accustomed during World War II and how to provide jobs for returning soldiers Truman's twenty-one point plan included social as well as economic reforms His intention was to maintain government's power to regulate the economy while it adjusted to a peacetime production (production of consumer goods) Congress approved only one part of Truman's plan, full-employment legislation The Employment Act of 1946 invested federal government with the responsibility to foster a healthy economy It also created the council of Economic Advisors to advise the President on economic affairs - it did not however build in a process to put this new mandate into action The primary economic issue immediately following WWII was inflation Americans had $30billion in savings waiting to be spent on the consumer goods that were out of reach during war time Because the production facilities had not yet reverted back to peacetime production, consumer demand drove up the prices for goods. There were shortages of meats, cars, and especially houses Effort to enact programs to counteract this issue fell by the wayside due to individuals trying to limit the power of government, as well as business owners Labor relations also became problematic Duing wartime the wages of working class Americans had improved drastically due to the availability of higher paying jobs as well as opportunity for overtime Now with the wage un-frozen and overtime no longer available, workers saw a 30% reduction in pay To rectify this problem workers began to strike more than they ever had before - Americans reacted against labor unions who they blamed for rising prices and scarcity of goods Ultimately didn't do much good because the purchasing power of working class Americans only increased slightly between 1942 and 47 By 1947 we had reverted to a peacetime economy and the country had eluded the post-war depression that many had feared. These were the contributing factors: Wartime profits - increase in ability of businesses to invest in new plants and equipment Consumers could now spend their wartime savings Defense spending and aid led to purchase of American goods and new opportunities for investment Soaring birthrate - sustained consumer demand Economic boost from the Servicemen's Readjustment Act Offered job training and education - boom in education Unemployment compensation while they looked for jobs Small interest loans to buy homes, farms, and small businesses The US struggled to convert to a peacetime economy in the years immediately followed WWII. The economy had trouble with inflation due to a dramatic increase in people's purchasing power after the war and with labor organizations.

Why was the election of 1936 a pivotal one in American history?

It would test Roosevelt's leadership and progressive ideals. He won by the largest margin ever. new deal's failure to lift the nation out of depression indicated that americans were ready for a change; Republicans selected governor alfred landon as their presidential nominee; roosevelt triumphed spectacularly making it the widest margin of victory in a presidentail election to date

What long-term impact did it have on American society?

Its long-term effects were creating a generational fear of communism. Caused untold economic and psychological hard to indiviuals innocent of breaking any law Thousands were humiliated and discredited, houded from their jobs, and in some cases imprisoned Violated fundamental constitutional rights of freedom of speech and association Removed unpopular causes from public contemplation

Why did Japan attack the United States at Pearl Harbor in December 1941?

Japanese high command planned to attack the US if necessary to pursue their aspirations to rule an Asian empire they termed the greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere Japan attacked the US because they thought we threatened their ambitions for a Japanese empire and because they thought we were going to enter the war anyways, so they thought they could ruin public support for the war by attacking first.

What other alternatives were considered?

Other alternatives considered were a public demonstration of the bomb to persuade Japan to surrender (was rejected) and an ultimatum: Japan must surrender unconditionally or face utter ruin. (First issued before bombing but Japan didn't comply which resulted in bombing). japanese failed to respond to the ultimatum dropped the bomb first on hiroshima leveling the city and incinerating 78,000 people and 3 days later on nagasaki killing more that 10,000 civilians

How did the rise of rock and roll, the Kinsey report, and the beats anticipate the social changes of the 1960's?

Kinsey report Sexual Behavior in the Human Male and Sexual Behavior in the Human Femal uncovered a range of sexual conduct 85% of the men and 50 percent of women had had sex before marriage, half of the husbands and a quarter of the wives had engaged in adultery one third of the men and one seventh of the women reported homosexual experience rise of rock and roll Chuck Berry Elvis Presley african americans' contributions to rock and roll as well as the rebellion expressed by white youths' attraction to black music beat generation small group of primarily male literary figures based in new york city's greenwich village and in san francisco rejected nearly everything in mainstream culture patriotism, consumerism, technology, conventional family life, discipline celebrated spontaneity and abolute personal freedom including drug consumption and feewheeling sex rebelliousness provided a model for a much larger movement of youthful dissidents in the 1960s The Kinsey report shed light on hidden sexual behaviors that would run rampant in the coming decades. The rise of rock and roll, particularly Elvis Presley, had a strong influence over the younger generations. The beats rejected everything in mainstream culture, celebrating spontaneity and personal freedom, including drug consumption and fornication.

Why did some social critics worry about the cultural changes of the 1950's?

LOSS OF TRADITION AND MORALS Critics claimed that the 50's culture was marked by a decline in the individual thinker. "There was a new eagerness to adapt to external standards of behavior and belief." There was also a loss of traditional masculinity due to an increase in women's employment loss of traditional masculinity consumption associated with women and their presumed greater susceptibility to manipulation David Riesman wrote the Lonely Crowd shift from the "inner directed" to the "other directed" individual. found a regrettable eagerness to adapt to external standards of behavior and belief William H. Whyte Jr. wrote The OrganizationMan blamed modern corporation for making employees tailor themselves to the group, thus sacrificing risk taking and independence for dull conformity Vance Packard The Status Seekers class lines appear to be hardening men were called to spend more time with family

What was the March on Washington?

Largest nonviolent demonstration drawing 250,000 whites and blacks to Washington DC Dr. King delivered his "I had a Dream" speech from the Lincoln Memorial Inspired by the strategy of A. Philip Randolph 250,000 supporters of racial equality marched in Washington, DC, and witnessed Martin Luther King, Jr. give his famous "I have a dream" speech. It marks the largest demonstration for civil rights in the 60s.

What were the freedom rides?

Led by Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) Form of protest to integrate interstate transportation in the South Six whites and seven blacks boarded the bus in Washington DC with the intent to ride to New Orleans Bombed and beaten in Alabama When mob attacked bus in Montgomery attorney general Robert Kennedy dispacted federal marshals to restore order Violence abated but riders were arrested Several hundred participants Manifested typical elements of the black freedom struggle Admistration efforts to stop the protest Officials reluctance to step in to protect demonstrators Steely courage of African-Americans in the face of violence Another form of protest for the integration of interstate transportation. CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) organized for college-aged passengers of mixed races to ride throughout the South. Buses were bombed and passengers were badly beat and arrested for protesting.

What criticisms did leftists make of the New Deal?

Leftists though it did not solve human suffering and didn't attack coporate power and greed criticisms the left faulted the new deal for its failure to allay the human suffering caused by the depression and for its timidity in attacking corporate power and greed

What was the long term impact of the war on poverty?

Long-term effects included a more economically stable, educated, and trained future for families. People of all ethnicities were helped, although whites rose out of poverty much faster. Medicare and Medicaid were extremely beneficial and long-standing health programs. Most declare that the war was not beneficial enough to officially declare victory. Reduction in poverty: 20 percent to 13 percent Certain groups faired better than others Aged and male headed families vs. female headed families Contributed to burgeoning black middle class Construction industries Real estate developers, investors, and moderate income families Physicians and hospitals Medicare and consumer safety benefitted Americans across the board

What was the long term impact of those efforts?

Made it clear that the US would actively combat communism in the Middle East. Also established "Eisenhower Doctrine," which said the US would aid any nation requesting help from a communist aggressor. 1979: americans reaped the fury of Iranian opposition to the repressive government that the United States helped reinstall resentment of use of force would poison U.s. iranian relations into the 21st century

How did the GI bill affect higher education in the 1950's?

Made the traditional study body more diverse in terms of age, class, and marital status. Also geared college more towards men. more than 40 percent of young americans attended college by the mid 1960s more families could afford to keep their children in school longer the federal government subsidized the education of more than two million veterans cold war sent millions of federal dollars to universities for defense relted research African americans constituted only about 5 percent of all college students, less than half their percentage of the population number of college women increased, but did not keep the same pace as men large veteran enrollment make the traditional student body more diverse along lines of class, age, and marital status women dropped out of college after marriage, and got jobs so their husbands could stay in school got to go to school for free boosted college attendance

What was the Selma campaign?

March for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery Violence by state troopers had become so fierce that they referred to the incident as Bloody Sunday Campaign for voting rights organized by SNCC in Selma, Alabama, where white officials only registered a small fraction of black voters.

What was "McCarthyism?"

McCarthyism was a strict anti-Communism policy created by Senator Joseph McCarthy (WI) that targeted many government officials with ridiculous claims of them being associated with communism Joseph R. McCarthy was a senator from Wisconsin who made wild and often reckless/ludicrous accusations that individuals - General George C. marshall for example belonged to secret Communist conspiracies to undermine the government. He asserted that communists within our borders were more responsible for the success of communism abroad than the Soviets The term became synonymous with the anti-communist crusade

Why were Americans "isolationist" in the 1930's?

Most American's were isolationists because they were more concerned with climbing out of the nation's economic abyss than with international policy. he wanted to make the world "safe for democracy" Roosevelt believed that energetic involvement in foreign affairs diverted resources and political support from domestic recovery foreign policy encouraged free trade and disarmament foreign markets must be regained if america's producers are to rebuild a full and domestic prosperity free trade required international peace, the goal of disarmament Roosevelt worried that the league's inability to curb German and Japanese violations of league sanctions and the Versailles settlement threatened world peace

Why did the African American civil rights movement make major gains in the 1950's?

Over 3 million African Americans moved from the South into areas where they could vote posed the most dramatic challenge to the status quo of the 1950s as they sought to overcome the political and social barriers that had replaced the literal bonds of slavery every southern state mandated rigid segregation in public settings voting laws and practices disfranchised the vast majority of African Americans in that region; employment discrimination kept them at the bottom of the economic ladder throughout the country 1950s a grassroots movement arose that attracted national attention and the support of white liberals Challenge the Supreme Court and the President Between 1940 and 1960, more than 3 million African Americans moved from the South into areas where they could vote and exert political pressures Black leaders made sure that foreign policy officials realized how racist practices at home handicapped the United States in its competition with the soviet union for allies among newly independent nations National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

What domestic policies did President John Kennedy pursue during his brief time in office?

NEW FRONTIER Many of Kennedy's idealist promises were left unanswered, such as expanding the welfare state, federal aid for education, and health care for the elderly. Major concern was the rising rate of poverty, initiating "War on Poverty". He won support of a $2 billion urban renewal program, localization of businesses to provide jobs, and training programs for the unemployed. Proposed tax cuts caused enormous economic boom; unemployment sank and national product increased. Called for a comprehensive civil rights bill, which was turning point in domestic policy. He only acted on racial inequality when the political support of civil rights activists was in jeopardy. What domestic policies did President John Kennedy pursue during his brief time in office? Announced "a New Frontier" at the DNC to confront "unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus" Much was not accomplished - failed to expand welfare state (fed aid for edu. And the elderly got nowhere) Did win support for $2billion in aid for an urban renewal program Offered incentives for businesses to locate in economically depressed areas Training program for the unemployed Promised to make economic growth a key objective - economic growth could eradicate poverty, solve social problems, increase competitivity with the soviet Union Tax Cut in 1963 proposed - fiscal policy to stimulate the economy in a non-depression era was called new economics Was passed after his death - contributed to the largest boom in the economy since WWII: uemployment 4.4 and GDP up to 9%

What other ethnic movements followed in the wake of the civil rights movement?

Native American: termination and relocation programs ignited Native American activism caused them to identify with each other across tribal lines and a determination to preserve traditional culture National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) frustrated with government and their older Indians called for "red power" and separation from the larger white society; sought to control their own circumstances Fish-ins American Indian Movement Latino or Hispanic American: comprised of a varied ethnic group and also rejected traditional politics in favor of direct action United Farm Workers (UFW) formed and run by Chavez an Huerta organized a nationwide boycott of California grapes Native Americans grew more militant in their demands for recognition. The National Indian Youth Council and American Indian Movement cried for "red power" and claimed land Indians had owned before European occupation. They failed at reclaiming land but earned more rights and recognition. Latinos (the fastest growing minority group) demanded rights as well, especially for poor migrant agricultural workers. The most famous organization was United Farm Workers created by Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.

Why were New Deal reforms cut back during the war?

New Deal reforms were cut back because military services overseas kept many Democratic voters from casting ballots in the 1942 congressional elections; low turnout helped Republicans make gains in Congress therefore they seized the opportunity to roll back New Deal reforms. conservative coalition of republicans and southern democrats succeeded in abolishing several new deal agencies in 1942 and 43 Congress guaranteed absentee ballots for service members, strenghthening deomcrats at the polls in 1944

How did the Roosevelt Administration attempt to promote agricultural recovery?

New Dealers thought the problem with agriculture was overproduction. Authorized the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act), which paid farmers not to grow crops. The Commodity Credit Corporation let farmers hold their harvested crops off the market and wait for a higher price. Farm Credit Act (FCA) provided long-term credit on mortgaged farm property, which kept them from foreclosure. agricultural recovery farmers' plight as a classic case of overproducation and underconsumption new dealers sought to cut agricultural production raising crop prices and farmers income Agricultral Adjustment Act: authorized the domestic allotment plan which paid farmers not to grow crops Commodity Credi Corporation: allowed farmers to hold their harvested crops off the market and wait for a higher price Farm Credit Act: provide long-term credit on mortgaged farm property allowing debt ridden farmers to avaid foreclosures that were driving thousands off their lands crop allotments, commodity loans and mortgage credit made farmers major beneficiaries of the new deal

In what ways did President Johnson expand the New Deal tradition through his War on Poverty?

Quickly took major legislative steps: signing of Kennedy's tax cut bill and the Economic Opportunity Act. Reminiscent of the New Deal since act instituted several programs that spent a lot of money quickly. Provisions targeted youth and long-term unemployed. Also provided legal services program to poor. Tried to get poor involved in politics/social reform through Community Action Program. his measures took on the unfulfilled agendas of the New Deal and Fair Deal, responded to new demands for rights form african americans and other groups and addressed new concerns growing out of the maturation of a consumer society and rapid economic growth democratic administrations of the 1960s won legislation on civil rights, poverty, education, medical care, housing, consumer protection and environmental protection ncreased federal support for public education; Johnson added a fifth freedom to FDR's list "freedom from ignorance" Increased federal government's responsibility for Healthcare Added civil rights rights legislation

What was the consumer culture of the 1950's?

The 1950's were marked by increasing ability of people to consume products that made class differences less visible. People with modest incomes could still afford televisions, cars, etc. The only people who still suffered were those who lived in poverty. consumer society that changed the way americans lived and converted the traditional work ethic into an ethic of consumption rising incomes enabled people to marry earlier, the birthrate soared, and dominant values celebrated family life and traditional gender roles consumption became vital for economic prosperity and essential to individuals' identity and status encouraged satisfaction and happiness through the purchase and use of products between 1950 and 1960, the gross national product(value of all goods and services produced during a year) and median family income grew by 25 percent in constant dollars Americans bought on credit and enjoyed their possessions while they paid for them married women's employment rate rose the most in the 1950s

What were the Administrations major relief and conservation programs?

Released funds to bolster banks assets' from the RFC (Reconstruction Finance Corporation) to banks that the secretary of the treasury said should be re-opened. Set-up the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), which guaranteed that the government would reimburse customers if the banks failed. Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA): provided $500 mil o feed the hungry and create jobs Civil Works Administration (CWA): put paycheck worth more than $800 million into the hands of previously jobless workers; generated temporary labor Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): offered unemployed young men a chance to earn wages while working to conserve natural resources (reforested timberlands, fought forest fires, built public roads, and maintained public parks) women excluded until eleanor roosevelt demanded a token number of women be hired Completed the Hoover Dam across the Colorado River in nevada Tennessee Valley Authority supplied impoverished rural communities with cheap electricity, built dams along the tennessee river planned model twons for power station worker and new homes for the farmers who would benefit from electricity and flood control Rural Electrification Administration (REA): made low cost loans available to local cooperatives for power plants and transmission lines to serve rural communities

What criticisms did conservatives make of the New Deal?

Republicans felt the new deal programs were too radical, undermining private property, eoconomic stability and democracy Republicans thought the programs were too radical, undermined private property, economic stability and democracy

What sort of assistance did it apply to South Vietnam?

Sent military advisers and weapons to South Vietnam. Also provided $800 million to the South Vietnam army.

What was the Little Rock crisis?

September 1957: Local officials dutifully prepared for the integration of Central High School Governor Orval Faubus sent Arkansas National Guard troop to block the enrollment of nine black students claiming their presence would cause public disorder allowed them to enter, but withdrew the national guard leaving the students leaving them to face an angry mob Eisenhower forced to send regular army troops to Little Rock, the first federal military intervention in the South since Reconstructio southern leaders outraged even though he acted to preserve the law not promote integration black students stayed in school and eisenhower withdrew the army in november other southern cities avoided integration by closing public schools and using tax dolllars to support private white only schools 7 years after Brown only 6.4 percent of southern black students attended integrated schools Civil Rights Act of 1957 and 1960 lacked effective enforcement mechanisms, a compromise to avoid a filibuster by southern senators, leaving southern blacks still unprotected in their basic rights E. Fredierick Morrow: first black professional appointed to the white house staff The Little Rock Crisis was when local officials in Arkansas prepared to integrate Central High School until the Governor sent the National Guard to block the enrollment of nine black students, claiming that their presence would cause public disorder. He later withdrew the National Guard leaving the black students to face white mobs. Eisenhower then sent regular army troops to intervene for the first time since Reconstruction

What was SNCC?

Student non-violent coordinating committee When Ella Baker from the SCLC organized a meeting with student activists in April 1960 they agreed on the creation of SNCC Supported civil disobedience and King's nonviolence tacitcs at first Decentralized system of organization which supported decision-making and development of leadership at the grassroots level - participatory democracy Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. A younger organization stemming from the Southern Christian Leadership Committee that focused on civil disobedience and nonviolent protests. As a result, they faced a large amount of violent feedback from angry whites and the police.

What was SDS?

Students for a Democratic Society. This was the main organization of white student protest whose goal was "participatory democra Central organization of white student protest: formed in 1960 from an older socialist organization with the goal of participatory democracy UC Berkely and the free speech movement

What did the Supreme Court rule about early New Deal measures to promote industrial and agricultural recovery?

Supreme Court said the NRA was unconstitutional, showing business leaders stubbornness to yield to governmental reform. Supreme Court ruled that the AAA taxed processors and distributors and enriched the farmers. The AAA responded by eliminating offending tax and funding allotment payments from general governmental revenues. Proved to enrich large farmers and impoverish small farmers. Migrant laborers seldom found steady or secure work. supreme court: in may 1935 the supreme court declared the nra unconstitutionally conferred powers reserved to congress on an administrative agency staffed by gov appointees 1936: agreed with their contention that they were victims of an illegal attempt to tax one group (processors and distributors) to enrich another (farmers).

Why did relations between the United States and the Soviet Union deteriorate in 1945 and 1946?

Suspicions on the part of the Soviet Union had already arisen during the war. When the United States failed to open a second front more quickly to deter the fighting form Soviet territory The Soviet Union had made major sacrifices for the war effort losing 20 million citizens and much of its agricultural and industrial power; contrast this with the United States who emerged more powerful than ever never having seen conflict on American shores, a vastly expanded economy, and a monopoly on nuclear power. Conflicting beliefs about what the world should look like: The Soviet Union wanted friendly nations at its borders, especially Poland through whom Germany had invaded twice in 25 years, Stalin intended to expand Soviet influence into Eastern Europe and eventually the world Stalin argued that the Soviet Union had the right to govern what occurred in those nations that were liberated by the Red Army, just as the United States was unilaterally reconstructing both Japan and Italy Eventually set up a communist puppet government in Poland and also forcibly installed communist governments elsewhere in Eastern Europe The United States believed that the prosperity following World War II was a mandate of sorts proving that their way of life (capitalism and democracy) was superior. Furthermore, leaders recognized that in order for the United States to continue to grow it needed countries (raw materials, markets for their goods, securities for their investments) whose systems would work well with the United States system - this did not include countries where government controls interfered with the free flow of products and dollars. Stalin considered U.S. officials hypocritical in demanding democratic elections when they supported dictatorships friendly to US interests in Latin America - it was displeased that Americans clung to their sphere of influence while denying the Soviet Union the right to create their own Conflicting ideas about what to do with Germany The Soviet Union wanted a weak Germany militarily and economically. They also wanted Germany to pay reparations in order to facilitate the rebuilding of the Soviet Union's economy The United States wanted to demilitarize Germany, but at the same time they wanted Germany to have rapid industrial revival to foster European economic recovery and thus America's own long-term prosperity Unable to settle differences they divided Germany in half A puppet communist government was installed in Eastern Germany France, Britain, and the US. Combined their territories to create the Federal Republic of Germany in West Germany War of Words escalated early 1946 Stalin told Moscow that capitalism will always produce war while boasting of the Soviet system Winston Churchill declared that an Iron Curtain had descended across the continent - Truman's presence indicated an implied agreement Stalin regarded this as a "call to war against the USSR" Relations between U.S. and Soviet Union deteriorated because the U.S. wanted to demilitarize Germany, but also sought rapid industrial revival to foster European economic recovery and thus U.S.'s own long term prosperity. The Soviet Union wanted Germany weak militarily and economically, Stalin also demanded heavy reparations to help rebuild devastated Soviet economy Truman realized that the soviet union posed a major threat on the U.S. truman shaped a policy ddesigned to contain and thwart soviet power wherever it threatened to spread cold war: described the rivalry between the superpowers

How did the Eisenhower Administration respond to the civil rights movement?

The Eisenhower administration did order integration of public facilities and he supported the first federal civil rights legislation, yet they didn't go a good job of enforcing it.

How did the Korean War affect US foreign and defense policies?

The Korean War had a great effect on defense policy and spending. Military/defense spending went up greatly. Size of armed forces tripled. Military expansion allowed for US to act as a global power. Tied the US up in French interests in Indochina Vastly increased military and defense spending Committed troops to NATO Rearmed West Germany Military spending shot up from $14billion in 1950 to $50billion in 1953 and remained above $40billion thereafter - increasing US capacity to act as a global power

Which groups did not fare so well?

There was little done to help the lowest class that was in poverty. Small farmers also suffered with the technological advances in farming. smaller producers lacked capital to invest in the machinery necessary to compete small farmers who hung on rural property often overlooked in the celebration of affluence southern landowners replaced sharecroppers with machines forcing them off the land Mississippi woman whose family had worked on a plantation since slavery reported that most of her relatives headed for chicago when they heard it was going to be machines now that harvest the crops african americans joined an exodus to cities, where racial discrimination and a lack of jobs for which they could qualify mired many in urban poverty

In what ways did the Roosevelt Administration seek to help Britain and France while accommodating isolationist opinion?

The Roosevelt administration repealed the neutrality act that made it illegal to sell arms to countries involved in war (France and Britain) and sold arms and supplies to the two countries, all while technically still remaining neutral and pledging no forces. roosevelt feared that if congress did not repeal the arms embargo mandated by the neutrality acts, france and britain would soon succumb to the nazi onslaught Lend-Lease Act: March 1941, allowed the british to obtain arms from the United States without paying cash but with the promise to reimburse the United States when the war ended purpose of act was to defend democracy and human rights throughout the world Neutrality Act of 1937: attempted to reconcile the nation's desire for both peace and foreign trade with a "cash and carry" policy that required warring nations to pay cash for nonmilitary goods and to transport them in their own ships roosevelt persuaded americans to fund a way to support the victims of fascist aggression propose that the US quarantine aggressor nations and stop the spread of war's contagion Sept 1, 1939: hitler unleashed attack on Poland; attach triggered soviet attacks on eastern poland and declarations of war from france and britain

What was the "Truman Doctrine?"

The Truman Doctrine was a policy set forth by U.S. President Harry S Truman on March 12, 1947 stating that the U.S. would support Greece and Turkey with economic and military aid to prevent their falling into the Soviet sphere. Truman's efforts failed to expand the New Deal because of anti-Communist hysteria sweeping the country. Americans were concerned about Communist subversion because of a 2nd Red Scare, born of partisan political maneuvering, collapse of the Soviet-American alliance, setbacks in U.S. foreign policy, and disclosures of Soviet espionage. Gov. combated subversive activities by "Red Baiting" and official retaliation against leftist critics. McCarthyism is a term used to describe the making of accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence. It caused fear of internal communism. He advanced the "domino theory" stating that if Greece and Turkey were allowed to fall then it would mean chaos for the entire Middle East and that failure to act could endanger the peace of the world This established a precedent that came to be known as the Truman Doctrine which stipulated that the US would "support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures"

What did the US do to help European Jews during the war?

The U.S. helped European Jews during the war by allowing a small percentage of them into the U.S. along with small number of immigrants from other countries. It wasn't much help and some Americans wanted to make exceptions for the quotas for fleeing Jews, but many Americans resisted. Roosevelt wanted to do more, but didn't want to jeopardize his foreign policy or offend American voters.

What was the "Great Society?"

The bettered society that was the goal of Johnson's second term. Succeeded in creating this "political miracle" by persuading Congress to act on things such as racial discrimination, poverty, environmental protection, education, medical care, etc. great society rests on abundance and liberty for all and demands an end to poverty and racial injustice Lyndon B Johnson's domestic agenda; focused on discrimination, poverty, education, medical care, housing, and environmental protection Discrimination: Civil Rights Act of 1964: strongest piece of civil rights legislation since reconstruction Discrimination in employment, education, and public accomodations illegal Voting Rights Act of 1965: banned literacy tests Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: abolished quotas that restricted immigration from lands that were not in N or W Europe Maintained caps on the total number of immigrants Favored immediate relatives of Americans and those with desirable skills; limited immigration from W Europe for 1st time Led to a surge of immigration at the end of the century Civil Rights Act 1968: banned discrimination in housing and jury selection Poverty: Economic Opportunity Act of 1964: ten new programs under the new Office of Economic Opportunity and gave $800million (1% of the National Budget) for the first year Head Start: youths in kindergarten Work study grants for college kids Job Corps Loans to businesses willing to hire long-term unemployed Aid to small farmers VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America): provide small wages to volunteers working with the disadvantaged Legal services program provided lawyers to the poor -> leading to lawsuits that enforced their rights to welfare CAP (Community Action Program) required "maximum feasible participation" of the poor in antipoverty programs Poor formed coalitions and action groups that petitioned school boards, police departments, and housing authorities to pay attention to their needs Mayors complained and Johnson backed off Food stamp programs Rent supplements: enabled poor families to avoid public housing projects Aid to Families with Dependent Children relaxed restrictions on welfare recipients Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965: involved government in K-12 education (unprecedented) Sent money to local school districts based on the number of poor children Provided equipment and supplies to private and parochial schools to be used on poor children Higher Education Act: federal assistance to colleges for buildings, programs, and low interest student loans Medical Care Medicaid: healthcare for the elderly funded largely by Social Security taxes Medicare: healthcare for the poor through federal grants Environment First President to send Congress a message on the environment First lady Johnson made the beautification of the environment her public project Housing Model Cities Act of 1964: $1billion to improve the condition in the nation's slums National Housing Act of 1968: enormous increase in the construction of low-income housing

How did consumer culture relate to the revival of domesticity and religiosity in the 1950's?

The dominant ideology in the 50's was that of traditional family life and conventional gender roles. There was also a religious resurgence. At the same time, this ideology was challenged by the growth of women's employment. Critics also claim that the revival of organized religion was just the product of a desire for conformity and a way to calm the public's anxiety over the Cold War. religious observance expanded even as americans sought satisfaction in material possession both popular culture and public figures defined the ideal family as a male bread winner, a full time homemaker and three or four children in a new suburban home Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique criticized advertisers, social scientis, educators, women's magazines and public officials for pressuring women to seek fulfillment in serving others ideal woman kept a spotless house, raised perfect children, served her husband's career, and provided him with emotional and sexual satisfaction postwar prosperity enabled people to marry earlier and to have more children produced the "baby boom" generation spurred interest in religion 63% belonged to a church or a synagogue 95% believed in God Fulton J. Sheen Roman Catholic archbishop that won an Emmy for Most Outstanding Tv Personality Billy Graham moved mass audiences to accept Christ congress added under God to the pledge of allegiance and In God We Trust was printed on all Currency

Which groups benefited from economic growth?

The middle class really benefited with the plethora of consumer goods on the market. The West and Southwest especially boomed in production, commerce, and population. larger farmers could afford technological improvements labor unions production workers earnings shot up 40 percent 1955: merger in 1955 of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations improved labor's bargaining position west and southwest especially boomed in production, commerce and population

How did the military treat African Americans who served in World War II?

The military treated African-Americans who served very poorly (segregation, discrimination, ect,) and they were mostly used in manual labor jobs until late 1944. had to fight two wars: prejudice and those Japs "why fight for america when you aren't treated as an American?" racial insults and discrimination only black Americans trained in segregated camps, confined in segregated barracks and assigned to segregated units most blacks consigned to manual labor and relatively few served in combat until late 1944 when the need for military manpower in Europe intensified

What was the "New Look?"

The new look was Eisenhower's new foreign policy. Instead of spending huge amounts for large ground forces, the US would give friendly nations American weapons and back them with nuclear power. new look in foreign policy proposed the use of nuclear weapons and new technology rather than ground troops and conventional bombs Eisenhower wanted to control military expenditures in order to meet goals of balancing the budget and cutting taxes wanted to roll back the advances of communism abroad defense strategy concentrated in nuclear weapons along with the planes and missiles to deliver them instead of spending money on large ground forces for its own, the us would give friendly nations american weapons and back them up with an ominous nuclear arsenal airpower and nuclear weapons provided biger bang for the buck defense secretary charles wilson John Foster Dulles Secretary of state who believed that america's willingness to go to the brink of war with its intimidating nuclear weapons would block any soviet efforts to expand brinksmanship massive retaliation: nuclear weapons could not stop a soviet nuclear attack, but could inflict enormous destruction in response to one meant to deter the soviets from launching an attack MAD: Mutually assured destruction "mutual balance of terror"- Winston Churchill iron curtain: divided east from west in europe

In what ways did television affect American society in the 1950's?

The number of families that owned televisions increased by 77% from 1950 to 1960. The TV also calmed cold war anxieties through comedy shows, etc. It also provided a new way of advertisement and played a large role in politics. It contributed to the declining strength of political parties and the growing power of money in elections. by 1960 87% of households owned a television set spent more than five hours in front of tv I Love Lucy had a child and moved from an apartment in the city to a house in suburbia Ricky wouldn't let Lucy get a job Joseph McCarthy's reckless attacks televised money played a much larger role in elections because candidates needed to pay for expensive tv spots entered the homes of most americans and reflected and helped promote a consumer culture

How did the Cold War affect US racial conditions for African Americans and Mexican Americans?

The racism against African Americans and Mexican Americans were considered problematic because the US and the Soviet Union were in hot competition for the allegiance of newly liberated nations with non-white populations. The Soviet Union also used American racism in their propaganda. Race relations were viewed as the US's "Achilles heel." This in combination with pressure from Civil Rights Leaders and liberals enabled progress: Truman acted more boldly in favor of civil rights than any other president before him. Desegregated the military, although this was not formally accomplished until the Korean War Formed the Committee on Civil Rights in 1946, and asked congress to enact the committee's recommendations in February 1948 Congress didn't enact the committee's recommendations, but eleven states outlawed discrimination in employment and eighteen outlawed discrimination in public accommodations Committee set an agenda for years to come Asserted that all Americans should have equal access to education, housing, employment and the ballot Support of supreme court cases also contributed to change Mexican Americans formed the League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC) to combat discrimination in the Southwest Group of Mexican Americans in Corpus Christi, TX, when denied veterans' benefits formed the American GI forum that went on to become a key national organization battling discrimination against latino American and electing sympathetic officials African Americans gained political power after the war, as there was a slight increase in their voting numbers in the South (though they were still very low) and 2mil moved to the West and North. Armed services desegregated in Korean War. Mexican American veterans felt they deserved to be treated as citizens and experienced gains.

What did the US do to stimulate economic production for the war

They produced wartime goods at incredible levels and boosted employment levels through government spending -rushed to produce military supplies factories converted from making cars to assembling tanks and airplanes -tidal wave of military production

What were the differences between President Truman and General MacArthur?

Truman was open to negotiated settlement whereas general McArthur viewed this as defeat (which to him was unacceptable) Truman had hoped to avoid involvement of China by instructing troops not to approach the Chinese Korean border, when the troops did anyway they invited 30,000 troops to enter the conflict causing another military setback as they struggled to fight their way back to the 38th parallel Truman Opposed a wider war in Asia and when McCarthy took his cause to the American public Truman fired him for his insubordination Truman only wanted containment, meaning holding communists above the 38th parallel. MacArthur wanted to cross over the Korean-Chinese border. American citizens agreed with MacArthur's more aggressive approach to rid communism rather than just contain it like Truman.

Why did Truman's efforts to expand the New Deal fail even after he was reelected in 1948?

Truman's Fair Deal, an expansion of the New Deal, failed after his reelection because of his own focus on foreign policy and his lack of support in Congress, which either overrode him or revised the policies to suit them. Put MORE EFFORT into foreign policy than in his domestic agenda as well as the Korean War embroiling the Truman in controversy

Why did the US drop atomic weapons on Japan?

U.S. dropped atomic weapons on Japan because it would speed up the war process and would save more American and Japanese lives.

In what ways did Supreme Court decisions affect American society in the 1960's?

Unlike the Supreme Court of the New Deal age, the SC supported reform and the activist government. It provided expanded Constitutional rights to disadvantaged groups and accused criminals. Some of the rulings included the integration of schools, legality of interracial marriage, and redrawing of the electoral districts. Supported an activist government in protecting the rights of individuals against social injustices often stepping ahead of public opinion and Congress Provided new protections for disadvantaged groups and accused criminals Important cases: Loving v. Virginia Banned laws against interracial marriage Baker v. Carr "one man, one vote" principle Gideon v. Wainwright Right to an attorney regardless of means Miranda v. Arizona Criminals had to be read their rights on arrest Abington School District v. Schempp No requirements for prayer

What was the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Voting Rights Act of 1965: empowered federal government to intervene directly to enable African Americans to both register and vote launched major transformation of southern politics: went from a handful of black representatives to a thousand by 1970 It enabled federal government to intervene/protect the registration and voting of African Americans. It was made in response to black voter drives in South.

What did the government do to combat subversive activities?

Washington conducted investigestions in both the executive and legislative branches Truman issued Executive Order No. 9835 establishing loyalty review boards throughout the government to investigate every government employee Violated the bill of rights by allowing anonymous informers to make accusations and putting the burden of proof on the accused Prosecuted the leaders of the Communist Party through the Smith Act which made it a crime to advocate the overthrow and destruction of the government of the United States by force and violence"

Which social groups drew fewer benefits from the New Deal?

Women, children, old folks, unorganized, unskilled, unemployed. And blacks

Who were the "Bonus Marchers?"

World War 1 Veterans who marched to Washington looking for immediate payment of the pension they were promised.

How did the US intervene in Latin America and the Middle East in the 1950's?

acted against governments that not only seemed too leftist but also threatened u.s. economic interests made the CIA an important arm of foreign policy in the 1950s Guatemala the CIA organized and supported an opposition army that overthrew the elected government and installed a military dictatorship in 1954 Cuba desire for political and economic autonomy cia warned eisenhower "communists and other extreme radicals appear to have penetrated the castro movement" american countries had long controlled major cuban resources U.S. denied Castro's requests for loansso he turned to the soviet union. anti-castro cubans fled to the united states and reported his atrocities, Middle East cia intervened to oust an elected government, support an unpopular dictatorship and help american corporations 1951: Mohammed Mossadegh, prime minister of Iran nationalized oil fields threatening Western oil interests Eisenhower noted how important it was to keep oil rich areas under the control of people who are friendly or suffer the most disastrous and doleful consequences eisenhower authorized cia agents to instigate a coup against Mossagdeh by bribing army officers and paying iranians to demonstrate against the government August 1953: Iranian army officers captured Mossadegh and reestablished the shah's power, whereupon Iran renegotiated its oil concessions, giving U.S. companies a 40 percent share. Heavily relied on the CIA. CIA organized and supported an opposition army that overthrew the government in Guatemala. CIA also worked against Castro in Cuba.

How did the war affect domestic race relations between African Americans and whites?

average income of black families rose during the war, but by the end of the conflict, it still stood at only half of what white families earned 1943: conflict over racially segregated housing ignited into race war whites with clubs smashed through black neighborhoods and blacks retaliated by destroying and looting white owned businesses

How did the Hoover Administration respond to the "Bonus March?"

congress decided to hand out promissory notes that veterans could not convert to cash until 1945; bonus marchers condemned this tombstone bonus which would not be paid until many of them were dead; hoover opposed the payment of an expensive bonus that would require the gov't to go into debt; hoover refused to meet with representatives of the bonus army; house of representatived voted to pay the promised 2.4 bil, but the senate dominated by hoover's republicans rejected the bonus; called general douglas macarthur to evict bonus marchers from the city in fear of riots and uprising;

What was the "Good Neighbor Policy?"

declared that no nation had the right to interfere with the internal or external affairs of other countries. This was specifically applied to Latin American countries for the US and although we retreat entirely from them, we did remove our military forces. signed new, friendlier treaties with several Latin American countries; pledged to avoid military intervention in Latin America; and shunned the (Theodore) Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine by withdrawing troops from several countries no nation had the right to intervene in the internal or external affairs of another

What did he argue about US policy towards the Soviet Union?

downplayed the influence of communist ideology in soviet policy by stressing the soviets' insecurity believed that since stalin wanted to maintain authority at home, stalin exaggerated threats from abroad and to expand soviet power predicted that the soviet union would retreat from its expansionist efforts in the face of superior forc and he recomended that the us respond with unalterable counterforce (containment)

What sorts of people supported the New Deal?

farmers, factory workers, immigrants, city folk, african americans, and progressive intellectuals supported the New Dea

How did the Roosevelt Administration attempt to promote industrial recovery?

industrial production fell more than 40% to balance low demand with low supply and thereby maintain prices National Industrial Recovery Act: fed gov first attempt to revive the economy as a National Recovery Administration: stimulate industrail production and improve competition by drafting codes of conduct to define fair working conditions to set prices and to minimize competition. Idea behind codes was to stabilize existing industries and maintain their workforces while avoiding what both industrialists and new dealers termed destructive competition (forced employers to cut wages and jobs). sought to limit production of consumer goods to drive up prices. National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) used the National Recovery Administration (NRA) to encourage industrialists to agree on codes that defined fair working condition, to set prices and to minimize competition. Recognized the right of collective bargaining. Did little to reduce unemployment, raise consumption or relieve the depression.

In what ways did Eisenhower attempt to fashion a moderate Republican conservatism in the 1950's?

modern republicanism: resisting additional federal intervention in economic and social life, but it didn't mean turning the clock back to the 1920s democratic control of congress after the elections of 1954 contributed to the moderate approach wanted to distance himself from anti-communist fervor that plagued the truman administration eisenhower intensified turman's loyalty program allowing the head of any federal agecy to dismiss an employee on grounds of loyalty, security, or suitability joseph mccarthy: accused 200 federal employees of being communists hurled reckless charges of communism against military personnel during weeks of televised hearings and public opinion turned against him senate voted to condemn mccarthy in december 1954 and he didn't influence the population anymore army-mccarthy hearings welfare state grew somewhat during his administration and the federal government took on new project signed laws bringing ten million more workers into social security increasing minimum wage enlarged the government with new department of health, eduation, and welfare when the spread of polio almost became an epidemic, he obtained funds from congess to distrubute a vaccine conservatives preferred that states assume that responsibility Echoed the conservative republicans' conviction that government was best left in the hands of state officials and that economic decisions practice containment policy but relied more on nuclear weapons and on secret actions by the central intelligence agency(CIA) He resisted additional federal intervention in economic and social life, but did not take steps backwards. Believed government was best left to state officials and economic decisions best left to private business. He enlarged government with a new department of health, education, and welfare

How did Franklin Roosevelt's response to the depression while Governor of New York differ from that of conservatives?

voters rejected hoover who seemed unsympathethic to the suffering caused by the great depression; fdr's hospitality contrasted with hoover's hostility; fdr arranged for the veterans to be housed in abandoned military brracks and fed at government expense; invited a veterans to white house

How did the Roosevelt Administration respond to the banking crisis?

roosevelt declared a four day bank holiday in order to devise a plan to shore up banks and restore depositors' confidenc new dealers drafted the emergency banking act: gave the secretary of the treasury the power to decide which banks could be safely reopened and to release funds from the reconstruction finance corporation to bolster banks assets Glass-Steagall Banking Act: congress passed to secure the confidence of depositors created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation guaranteed bank customers that the fed gov would remimburse them for deposits if their banks failed roosevelt broadcast the "fireside chats" direct connection between roosevelt and americans banking legislation and fireside chat worked most of the nation's major banks reopened when within a few days

What was the "court packing" scandal?

roosevelt proposed that one new justice be added for each existing judge who had served for ten years and was over the age of seventy; law gave roosevelt the power to pack the court with up to six new dealers who could outvote the elderly, conservative, republican justices; bill intended to improve the efficiency of an overworked court, but it's real purpose was to make room for supporters of new deal initiatives

Why did the US economy grow in the 1950's?

stimulated in part by american military spending consumption became the order of the day technology farmers achieved nearly miraculous productivity through greater crop specialization, more intensive use of fertilizers and mechanization tractors, mechanical pickers, and other machines increasingly substituted for human and animal power mechanical cotton picker replaced 50 people and cut the cost of harvesting a bale of cotton from $40 to $5 agribusiness: decline of family farms and the growth of large commercial farming average farm size doubled between 1940 and 1964 and the number of farms fell by 40 percent new technology increased industrial production between 1945 and 60, automobile industry cut in half the number of labor hours needed to manufacture a car electronics, chemicals and air transportation and promoted the growth of television, plastics, computers, and other newer industries american business enjoyed access to cheap oil, ample markets abroad, and little foreign competition government spending reached $80 bil annually and created new jobs It was stimulated by American military spending.

Why did the US inter Americans of Japanese descent during World War II?

they feared that they would bring danger to the country since the japanese bombed pearl harbor wartime suspicions The US put Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II because popular public opinion thought they were a national security threat.

Why did inner cities decline?

they lost population, commerce and industry to the suburbs or to southern and western states blacks moved to cities in search for economic opportunit Cities lost population, commerce, and industry to the suburbs.