American History Final
What is "supply side economics"? What do its proponents and opponents say about this economic approach?
"Reaganonmics" (1980) -lower taxes & deregulation will increase supply of capitol money, jobs, labor, & goods or services -all areas of economy will benefit -lower taxes= less money for federal government -less money for programs (medicare & medicaid) so they become more expensive
What was the Truman Doctrine?
(1947) President Harry S. Truman established that the United States would provide political, military, and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external or internal authoritarian forces.
What led to the creation of Israel as a nation? What was the Suez Crisis?
(1947) the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a Partition Plan that created the State of Israel. The British reliquished their mandate over Palestine in 1948. War broke out between the Arabs and Jews soon after. The Suez Crisis was an invasion of Egypt in late 1956 by Israel. The goal was to regain Western control of the Suez Canal and to remove Egyptian President from power. Political pressure from the US, USSR, & United Nations led to a withdrawal. Israel then invaded the Egyptian Sinai.
What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?
(1961) 1400 Cuban exiles launched an invasion at the Bay of Pigs on the south coast of Cuba. US soldiers train Cuban resistors to invade Cuba and get rid of Castro. On the night they landed on the island's coast nothing went right- air strike failed and exiles were killed or imprisoned.
What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?
(1962) Soviets shipping in missiles to Cuba which is a threat to US. JFK orders naval blockade on island letting no one in and no one out. Soviets then remove missiles. 13-day political and military standoff over Soviet missiles on Cuba, just 90 miles from U.S. shores. JFK notified Americans about the presence of the missiles and decided to enact a naval blockade around Cuba and he was prepared to use military force if necessary. Many people feared the world was on the brink of nuclear war. Ended when the U.S. agreed to Khrushchev's offer to remove the Cuban missiles in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Incident?
(1964) Off the coast of North Vietnam--> Gulf of Tonkin 2 US Navy warships (U.S.S. Maddox & U.S.S. Turner Joy) engaged in surveillance mission. These two warships were attacked by North Vietnam patrol boats. This incident served as a starting point in American involvement in Vietnam.
Describe the presidency of Ronald Reagan. What is "Reagan Conservatism?"
-political realignment in favor of conservative domestic and foreign policies -anti-communist stance towards the Soviet Union -in favor of reducing government programs -introduced several tax cuts -strong economic growth in the 1980s (recession in beginning) -massive buildup of the military in case of another war -increase and fascination with emerging technology -illegal arms deal in Iran-Contra Affair -served 2 terms Reagan solidified conservative Republican strength with tax cuts, a greatly increased military budget, continued deregulation, a policy of rollback of Communism (rather than just containing it), and appeals to family values and conservative morality
Why was 1968 a pivotal year?
1) Culmination of years of racial unrest 2)Peak of student protests against an 'unjust society' at home and an unjust war abroad 3)US peak of troops in Vietnam 4)End of LBJ political agenda 5)Murder of MLK and Robert F. Kennedy 6)Nixon elected as president
What factors led to the end of the Cold War? Who is Mikhail Gorbachev?
1)America's economy grew faster and stronger than the Soviet's 2)Protest over tearing down the Berlin Wall; East & West Germany unified Mikhail Gorbachev: Soviet political leader, general secretary of the Communist Party 1985-91, president of the Soviet Union 1988-91. His foreign policy brought an end to the Cold War.
Why, after years of resistance, did Congress pass the great civil rights acts of 1964 and 1965?
1)Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. 2)Leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson 3)legacy of President John F. Kennedy -Civil Rights Movement had created a climate where it was easier to support these laws. It grew in prominence from Bus Boycott and peaked with the March on Washington of 1963 in which Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The movement helped make many Americans more sympathetic to the idea of civil rights for African Americans. As people came to support the idea of black rights, it became easier for Congress to want to pass laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. -Pres. Johnson passed laws easier and faster because members of Congress felt bad about Kennedy's death and were more inclined to pass laws that they felt he would have supported.
Why did the United States enter an energy crisis in the 1970s?
American oil consumption was rising as US oil production was declining. This leads to a dependence on oil imported from abroad. Assumption that Arab oil exporters couldn't afford to lose the revenue from the U.S. market proved to be false. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) led to fuel shortages and sky-high prices throughout much of the 1970s. This led to US gas rationing system.
How do you explain the preeminence of civil rights in the politics of the 1960s?
As soon as LBJ took over Kennedy's term he started pushing racial injustice as his most important issue. He introduced the civil right act, and he signed it in 1964. After he was elected he addressed congress on the need for equal voting rights and in 1965 they passed that.
How do you account for the Black Power movement? Who was Malcolm X? Stokely Carmichael? How does the approach of the Black Panters differ from that of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Black Power movement: -take pride in race & not be ashamed; emphasizes AA heritage; violent approach to Civil Rights Malcolm X: -critic of MLK; practiced aggressiveness & violence; face of Black Power movement Stockily Carmichael: -critic of MLK and nonviolence -founder of Black Panthers Black Panthers: -militant group which had the same beliefs as Malcolm X and openly called for the use of violence
What was the domestic impact of the Red Scare and anti-Communism crusade of the late 1940s and 1950s? What was HUAC?
Caused many divided thoughts about Communism. The fear of communism led to a national witch hunt for suspected communist supporters. (HUAC= House UnAmerican Activities Committee) -created in 1938 to investigate into communist activities on the part of private citizens, public employees, and those organizations suspected of having Communist ties.
Describe the presidency of Jimmy Carter.
Divide in Republican Party between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan opened the door for Jimmy Carter to win the election. -39th president of the United States -struggled to respond to major energy crisis, high inflation, and unemployment -reopened U.S. relations with China -hostage crisis in Iran does not turn out in his favor -defeated at reelection by Ronald Reagan
What was détente? What was the Nixon Doctrine?
Détente (release from tension) was a period of improved relations between the US and the Soviet Union. Began in 1971 and took form when Pres. Nixon visited the secretary-general of the Soviet Communist party. Nixon Doctrine: The US agreed to "participate in the defense & development of allies and friends" in the developing world, while leaving the "basic responsibility" for their future to those nations themselves. -The goal was to avoid American involvement in future Vietnam-type conflicts
What led to the division of Germany? What was the Berlin Airlift?
End of WWII US, British, & Soviet forces divided & split Berlin, Germany. Allies had West Berlin & Soviets had East Berlin leading to Berlin crisis of the Cold War. Crisis started in 1948 when Soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to Allied-controlled areas of Berlin. US and UK respond by airlifting food and fuel to Berlin from Allied airbases in western Germany. The crisis ended on May 12, 1949 when Soviet forces lifted the blockade.
What impact did World War II have on everyday life for the majority of Americans?
Everyone was focused on the war effort and industrial power gets put in use. The war made many consumer goods unavailable & created a rationing system. -Almost all young men and late teens went to fight the war; Black and white military separated -Women expected to fill empty factory jobs left by men since women could not fight in the war -Hispanics worked manufacturing jobs
Why did Jimmy Carter have so much trouble managing the economy?
Failed to control inflation and unemployment. Failed to renew America's trust in government and reassert America's leading role within global affairs Was not an 'insider' or Washington elite, so he was essentially behind in the game.
In what ways did World War II contribute to the growth of the federal government? How did it foster what Eisenhower would later call the "military-industrial complex"?
Federal government began partnering with big businesses in order to help send materials as aid to other countries as well as strengthen our own. Federal government's "hand" was all in corporate America and essentially controlled production rate, price, etc. Eisenhower asked congress to cut military budget and told Americans to be weary of the MIC (a potential threat) and warned of corporate America becoming too powerful.
What is the significance of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956? Of the U-2 Spy Plane incident?
Hungarians under Soviet rule. Revolt against the government and demand for free rule. Soviets send army in to contain & halt protest. Students and workers protest in Budapest (the capital) and demanded personal freedom, more food, the removal of the secret police, the removal of Russian control etc. Many killed as a result of protest. Why does America do nothing? -prevent second Cold War, risks too high with involvement -Suez Crisis going on at the same time U2 Spy Plane incident: Soviets shoot down American spy plane and place "spy" on trial Significance: -happens right before Peace Summit; Khrushchev cancels -US captive traded for Soviet captive
According to some, World War II was a "good war." Do you agree with this assessment?
I agree that it was a "good war" in a sense that it was good vs. evil, and the "good" side, or Allies, conquered the "evil" side (Axis Powers). However, I do believe that the war was hostile and reckless concerning foreign policy. "Good war" controversial because it brought mass destruction, death to many, and suffering to many more.
Describe the Iran-Contra Affair.
Iran-contra affair, in U.S. history, secret arrangement in the 1980s to provide funds to the Contra rebels from profits gained by selling arms to Iran. The Iran-contra affair was the product of two separate initiatives during the administration of President Ronald Reagan.
Why did the United States intervene in the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait? What were American goals in this case?
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of neighboring Kuwait in early August 1990. Fellow Arab powers such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt called on the United States and other Western nations to intervene. US goal was to drive out Hussein from Kuwait, demolish Iraq soldiers, and free Kuwait entirely.
Why did civil rights become a big issue during the Kennedy years?
Kennedy supported Civil Rights in his campaign and made promises regarding Civil Rights action. When Kennedy died Johnson forced the 1964 Civil Rights legislation through Congress and signed the bill.
What are the differences between Kennedy's New Frontier and Johnson's Great Society?
Kennedy's "New Frontier" -intentions revolved mainly around building up the U.S. in order to control conflict with the Soviet Union such as the Space Program and the Manpower Development and Training Act. -he challenged the U.S. into becoming an even stronger nation by setting quotas for specific programs Johnson's "Great Society" -intentions were focused on those who were in poverty by providing health insurance and financial aid through the use of the Medicare Act and Economic Opportunities Act. -Johnson's method involved more force so that the nation could transcend without the negative views against Civil Rights on blacks or immigrants
What was the "Johnson Treatment"?
LBJ was famous for his powers of persuasion, dispensing them with what became known as "the Johnson Treatment." He used his imposing physical size and intimidating personality to emphasize his point.
What was the My Lai Massacre? The Tet Offensive? Why do they matter?
My Lai Massacre: a group of US soldiers go looking for enemies and end up loosing control and killing civilians; made headlines as "baby killers" and killing the innocent Tet Offensive: was one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War. Launched by forces of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam against the forces of the South Vietnamese Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the United States, and their allies. Turning point in the Vietnam War; Causes more soldiers to be sent into Vietnam.
What was NSC-68? The National Security Act? How do they reflect America's Cold War stance toward the USSR?
NSC-68: National Security Council Report 68 was a 58 page top secret policy paper by the United States National Security Council presented to Pres. Truman in 1950 that distinguished "vital interest" parties from those considered less important to the US's foreign policy. National Security Act: (1947) major restructuring of the US government's military and intelligence agencies following WWII. -Joint Chiefs of Staff made permanent -CIA established -set up National Security Council
Was Nixon a failure? If so, why? If not, why not?
No, Nixon was not a failure. However, his accomplishments were overshadowed by the weight of the Watergate Scandal and how he handled the situation. Great politician, but a crook and a liar. Achievements: -Improved relationship with China -Ending the war in Vietnam -Apollo II Mission putting 2 people on the moon -The Nixon Doctrine Failures: -Vietnamization -Moving into Cambodia & violating neutral borders -Watergate scandal -Recordings of conversations held within the office
What difficulties did the United States face in fighting a war against North Vietnam and the Vietcong in South Vietnam?
North Vietnam: -"Jungle War" dangerous, high heat index, insects, malaria Vietcong in South Vietnam: -radicals dressed as civilians; served purpose of sabotaging US troops and the South Vietnamese. Frequented in places soldiers were intending to kill them. Practiced suicide bombing and often used children.
How do you explain the decision to intern Americans of Japanese birth or ancestry?
Over 100,000 US citizens were imprisoned during WW II because of their Japanese ancestry. Japanese Americans were suspected of remaining loyal to their ancestral land and caused paranoia among other Americans. If a Japanese invasion of the American mainland occured, Japanese Americans were feared as a security risk. FDR signed an executive order in 1942 for the relocation of all Japanese Americans to concentration camps within the US.
Why did President Johnson suffer a "credibility gap" over Vietnam?
Pres. LBJ suffered a credibility gap over Vietnam because the American people came to disbelieve what his administration said about the way the war was going. The public came to believe that Johnson was overstating the progress that was being made towards winning the war. There was no overall strategy for the war so it was a losing effort and because US troops were not there by choice, there was a lower moral.
In what ways were President Truman's and Eisenhower's foreign policies similar? How did they differ?
Pres. Truman & Pres. Eisenhower both had plans for dealing with communism. Actions differed, but goal was the same. Both wanted to keep communism from spreading & believed that if communism spread it would be a chain reaction. Truman: -helped keep West Berlin free by using the Berlin Airlift to overcome blockade -helped South Korea fight to remain free when North Korea invaded Eisenhower: -helped when war broke out between Israel and Egypt. -threatened to use nuclear weapons on USSR if they attacked Britain or France
What comparisons can you make between the Iran-Contra scandal of Ronald Reagan's administration and the impeachment crisis of Bill Clinton's?
Reagan The Iran-Contra scandal severely damaged Reagan's popularity. Reagan contributed to a breach of law but there was no evidence he was involved. Impeachment not pursued for Reagan. Pres. Reagan did not stonewall the investigation like Clinton (had no hand in the investigation process). Clinton Clinton's sex and economy scandal causes popularity to rise. Clinton to be impeached for lying under oath (never convicted & continues presidency). Clinton denied all charges even though they were true. Obstruction of justice by hiding evidence Both -rationalized their actions (illegal trade & lies) -first instinct is to deny -none of their actions brought the positive change they wanted -played the blame game (press/political enemies)
What was Roe v. Wade? Who was Betty Friedan?
Roe v. Wade, (1973), decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. -ruled of right to privacy regarding women's lives & bodies -woman's decision to have an abortion Involved young woman in TX who was single & sued the state to have an abortion which was illegal at the time. Betty Friedan: -An American writer, activist, and feminist. -Leading figure in the women's movement in the US -Wrote The Feminine Mystique -Co-founded & elected the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW)
Who was Rosa Parks? The Freedom Riders? What was the Greensboro Lunch Counter sit-in? Who were the key figures in the early civil rights movement and what did they accomplish?
Rosa Parks -seamstress from Montgomery, AL -rode bus every day to work (law in AL said that AA's must sit in the back and give up seat if requested by white person) -boycotts bus system and gets arrested Freedom Riders -civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern US to challenge the non-enforcement of mixed public buses Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-In -Woolworth's Lunch Counter (Greensboro, NC) -4 African American college students sat down at a lunch counter at and politely asked for service; request was refused and when asked to leave, they remained. Key figures in Civil Rights Movement: 1) MLK 2) Malcolm X 3) Stokely Carmichael
What was "separate but equal"? What is the significance of the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision?
Separate but equal was a legal doctrine in US constitutional law where racial segregation did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment. -It is okay for separation as long as the quality of both races' facilities are equal Brown vs. Education (Topeka, Kansas) -Supreme Court removes 'separate but equal' --> starts in schools -NAACP Thurgood Marshall (lawyer & 1st AA appointed on Supreme Court) argues for removal of segregation in schools
Describe the significance of the 9-11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror.
September 11, 2001 planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers & Pentagon. This resulted in the US declaring and waging a war on "terror". 1)Ongoing wars 2)Immigration & deportation 3)Stricter security checks in airports 4)More surveillance
What was SDI ("Star Wars")? What role did it play in the Cold War?
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was a top secret proposal to establish a defense network around the US by using orbiting satellites and space shuttle with lasers. Played an important role in diminishing Russian threats because SDI had the Soviets convinced Americans would win the Cold War if plans implemented.
What was Operation Rolling Thunder?
Strategic bombing campaign where U.S. military aircraft attacked targets throughout North Vietnam from March 1965 to October 1968. This massive bombardment was intended to put military pressure on North Vietnam's Communist leaders and reduce their capacity to wage war against the U.S. Operation Rolling Thunder marked the first sustained American assault on North Vietnamese territory and thus represented a major expansion of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
In what ways does the growth of the Sun Belt reflect the suburban explosion?
Substantial population growth from an influx of people seeking a warm and sunny climate, a surge in retiring baby boomers, and growing economic opportunities. The invention of air conditioning made it easier for people to deal with the summertime heat.
What was Vietnamization?
Term used by President Richard Nixon that was aimed at ending American involvement in the Vietnam War by transferring all military responsibilities to South Vietnam. Nixon believed this strategy, which involved building up South Vietnam's military strength in order to facilitate a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops, would prepare the South Vietnamese to take responsibility for their own defense against a Communist takeover and allow the U.S. to leave the conflict with its honor intact. 1973 US withdrawal--> 1975 South Vietnam falls to Communist forces
In what ways is the prosperity of the 1950s explained by the Cold War?
The 1950s was a period of economic growth, permanent mobilization, increased national security. Science and research (funded by federal $) in aviation and space experienced a significant development which creating a lot of jobs. Technology advances with computers, high definition television, audio-video players, etc. The United States' GPD more than doubled during the 1950s.
What are the elements in the counterculture of the 1960s? What was Woodstock? The Kent State shootings?
The 1960s was a period when long‐held values and norms of behavior seemed to break down, particularly among the young. Many college‐age men and women became political activists and were the driving force behind the civil rights and antiwar movements. Woodstock was a music festival attracting an audience of over 400,000 people on a dairy farm in New York state. The Kent State shootings (1970) happened at a university in Ohio where there was a protest among college students regarding US entrance into Cambodia. The OH National Guard was called in and several college students were shot with real bullets.
Why was the presidential election of 2000 so important?
The 2000 Presidential Election was a contentious race between George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore. As the results came in, Florida showed a close margin of victory for Bush, with the then Texas Governor leading by 900 votes when the counting of military ballots began, which triggered a mandatory recount.
Why was there tension among the Allies during the war, and what long-term impact did it have?
The Grand Alliance was an alliance made during World War II, which joined the United States, Soviet Union, and Great Britain ("The Big Three"). All three needed to join together in order to defeat the threat of Nazi Germany. Tensions: -Soviets remembering US's intervention in the Russian Civil War & the US's long refusal to recognize the Soviet Union's existence as a state -Tensions increased when FDR died and the new president Truman didn't accept Stalins demands
Describe the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
The Iran hostage crisis was a crisis between Iran and the United States. Many American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for over a year after a group of Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Carter tried negotiating a deal for the release of the hostages and failed. Hostages were not released until after Ronald Reagan becomes President.
Why was the Korean War fought? What was its significance?
The Korean War was fought because North Korea was planning on attacking South Korea. US and South Korea were allies so US mobilized military forces in order to save South Korea. (North Korea= communists; South Korea= democracy) Truman appoint MacArthur and MacArthur plans to attack & drive North Koreans up to the Chinese border.War did not end (ceasefire), remains divided with a demilitarized zone. Significances: -first armed conflict in the Cold War -created a stale mate between South and North Korea -prevented North Korea from taking over all of Korea -showed that America was willing to send troops to contain communism
What is OPEC? What was the Yom Kippur War of 1973?
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a group consisting of 12 of the world's major oil-exporting nations. The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, or Arab-Israeli War of 1973, was a war fought by the coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel from October 6 to 25, 1973.
Why did the United States join the fight in World War II? What are the key events leading to America's involvement?
The United States joined World War II as a response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii by the Japanese on Dec 7, 1941. US remained isolated from the global war until the attack and then declared war on Japan on Dec. 8, 1941. Key events leading to involvement: -Nazi expanse and punishment of the Jews -Japanese expanse & increasingly powerful military -Japanese invasion of China & Rape of Nanking -FDR Neutrality Act (Cash & Carry, travel at own risk, loans) -Hitler moves across Europe, many countries taken over, and Hitler fights Russia -Japanese dependence of US oil--> US cuts the off to stop fueling powerful army -Japanese see US as a threat & bombs Pearl Harbor
What factors limited the success of the War on Poverty?
The War on Poverty was an expansive social-welfare legislation introduced in the 1960s by the LBJ admin and intended to help end poverty in the United States. Limitations & resistance: -from the South on the issues of race -from conservatives who thought federal $ should not be used to help the poor and -from liberals who thought that the reforms did not go far enough The War on Poverty was ultimately limited in its effectiveness by the economic resources consumed by the country's increasing involvement in the Vietnam War.
What was the student role in the antiwar movement? Who were the SDS (Students for a Democratic Society?) How can we explain college students' willingness to protest the Vietnam War?
The draft was a source of resentment among college students. The average age of US soldier in VIetnam was 19. Students were willing to protest the war because they felt that is was 'wrong' that they were legally old enough to fight and die, but were not able to vote or drink alcohol. Students protested all across college campuses by burning their draft cards (illegal) and moving to other countries. Because draft deferments were granted to college students, the less educated and poor made up the majority of those fighting. Minorities believed draft was unfair because it let the privileged avoid war while the poor are punished. Students for a Democratic Society was a student activist movement in the United States that was one of the main representations of the New Left.
What were the results of Kennedy's foreign policy?
The foreign policy of the John F. Kennedy administration in 1961-1963 saw diplomatic and military initiatives in Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America and other regions amid considerable Cold War tensions.
Why is the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War so often called a "quagmire"?
The quagmire theory suggests that American leaders had unintentionally and mistakenly led the country into the Vietnam War. A quagmire is a situation where one can't go forward or retreat. Retreating from South Vietnam left the South Vietnamese to the mercy of the North Vietnamese and going forward meant taking control of North Vietnam, which was not what US was there to do.
Describe the migration of Americans during World War II. Who moved and why?
The war shuffled the population of the US to the North and West. Large numbers of African-Americans moved to major cities for war industries and better job opportunities along the coast. Population of California and New York grew.
Why did the United States decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan?
Truman afraid of kamikazes and faces decision on how to win war against Japan. 1st choice: regular invasion, costs several US deaths *2nd choice: hydrogen bomb Truman hopes nuclear bombs will cause Japanese forces to surrender; Japanese do not surrender until after 2nd bomb War ends in 1945 after Japan surrenders
What did Truman do to address civil rights?
Truman formed presidential committee to report on civil rights in order to receive recommendations to promote equality in American society. (1949) Truman declares military will no longer be separated by race
Describe the Fair Deal. Was it a success or a failure?
Truman's "Fair Deal" proposals: 1) a raise in minimum wage 2) additional citizens with social security 3) farm price supports 4) public housing, slum clearance, & rent controls 5) additional funding for the TVA (an FDR program) 6) the spreading of electricity Results: Congress raised minimum wage, extend Social Security coverage and raised benefits. Most of the proposals fell through because the Truman admin lacked the public support that FDR had during the New Deal. Truman admin also suffered from opposition in Congress. Final thoughts: Was more of a promise than a reality.
What factors gave rise to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union? Why was the United States unable to avoid entering a Cold War with the Soviet Union?
US differs in beliefs and governing practices compared to the Soviet Union and causes disagreement and tensions. -FDR dies and Stalin remains in power (great concern) -Fear of communism spreading throughout Western Europe & Soviet Union creating world empire -Allies & Soviet Union fight over Berlin (divided into East & West); Soviet's build a wall Unable to avoid war because US and USSR used to be allies.
What was the attack on the USS Cole? Osama Bin Laden? Al Qaeda?
USS Cole Bombing Nearly one year before the attacks of 9/11, the U.S. Navy ship Cole, located off the coast of Yemen, was attacked by suicide bombers. The attack was later attributed to a cell within the al-Qaeda network; it had been supervised by Osama bin Laden. Osama Bin Laden Founder of al-Qaeda, the organization that claimed responsibility for the September 11 attacks on the United States, along with numerous other mass-casualty attacks worldwide. Al-Qaeda A militant Sunni Islamist organization founded by Osama Bin Laden and several other Arab volunteers who fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. It operates as a network made up of Islamic extremists and has been designated as a terrorist group.
What was 1950s consumer culture? Car culture? Why did they develop as they did?
Unlike previous Americans, those in the 1950s lived in a time when consumer values dominated the American economy and culture. The "good life" was defined in economic terms and the dynamic economy provided more leisure and income. The 1950's car culture is perhaps unparalleled by any other decade. There were many innovations in design and safety and the 50's gave birth to many highly prized classic cars. After World War II the American manufacturing industry changed from war-related items to consumer goods.
Describe the presidency of Gerald Ford. What accounts for his steep decline in popularity?
VP under Nixon and replaces him after Nixon's resignation. -Is not elected, just assumes role -Faces a huge 'mess' to clean up (Failing economy & South Vietnam collapse) -Has trouble with Congress & passing legislation Decline in popularity immediately when he pardons Nixon and makes the mistake of telling the American people that the disaster is over.
Who was Walter Cronkite? What was his role in the Vietnam War?
Walter Cronkite was an American broadcast journalist, best known as anchorman for the CBS Evening News. In 1968, while anchor of the "CBS Evening News," Cronkite journeyed to Vietnam to report on the aftermath of the Tet offensive. In a dramatic departure from the traditions of "objective" journalism, Cronkite concluded his reports with a personal commentary in which he voiced his strong belief that the war would end in stalemate. Cronkite's editorial would later be regarded as a critical indice of public opinion of the Vietnam War.
Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? What was his approach to civil rights?
Was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Used nonviolence & peaceful protests as his approach to civil rights.
How do you account for the Watergate scandal? What was its significance?
Watergate was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s, following a break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. in 1972 and President Richard Nixon's administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement. 2 reporters (Carl Bernstein & Bob Woodward) dug into case and found that the burglars were connected to the Committee to Reelect the President. Significance: At this time Nixon's popularity was at all time high. Nixon denies knowing of scandal which reveals his character as powerful & paranoid. Scandal along with recordings Nixon had resulted in resignation.
What was Whitewater? Who was Monica Lewinsky? Who was Hillary Clinton?
Whitewater Scandal: investigation into the real estate investments of Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton (criminal activity) Monica Lewinsky: former White House intern with whom President Bill Clinton admitted to having an "inappropriate relationship". Hillary Clinton: Wife of Bill Clinton; lawyer; Secretary of State; ran for Pres. 2X
What impact did war mobilization have on women, racial minorities, and American business as a whole?
Women became more assertive after having worked in the factories, realizing that they could leave the home and be successful. Minority soldiers who had been heroes returned to much the same lives that had lived before being drafted, but readjusting was difficult for them.
How was World War II fought? What were the major turning points of World War II in Europe? In the Pacific?
World War II was fought between Axis Powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) and the Allies (Great Britain, France, USSR, USA). Major turning points of the war: -The German invasion of Russia in June of 1941; Stalin genuinely surprised, thought him & Hitler had a deal -The attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 which got the US into the war -Midway Battle where much of the Japanese fleet was destroyed -Battle of Guadal Canal where Japanese are almost entirely wiped out
Is it correct to say that the 1950s was exclusively a time of cultural conformity? Describe how popular culture, art, and youth culture both discouraged and encouraged rebellion against tradition.
Yes, it was a time of conformity, everyone wanted to look the same. Artist: Jackson Pollock (abstract expression) Literature: J.D. Salinger "The Catcher in the Rye" Music & Poetry: The Beat Generation Musician: Elvis Presley Actors: James Dean & Marlin Brando Popular culture turned into icons for teenage rebellion. Many influential people encourage teens to not follow parents stereotypical lifestyle, but to follow sensation and experience.
Why was Kennedy an effective politician? What was his political agenda?
Yes. He demonstrated leadership qualities of charisma, energy, enthusiasm and confidence. Public Agenda: "New Frontier" -Optimistic approach to the future -Public Service & Peace Corps -NASA & Space exploration
What is stagflation?
persistent high inflation + high unemployment and stagnant demand in a country's economy
What is "brinksmanship"?
the practice of trying to achieve an advantageous outcome by pushing dangerous events to the brink of active conflict. -standing on edge about to start nuclear war -will never have peace if one side always threatens to drop nuclear bombs
