Post War - 3 Flashcards
1
Q
Who took over the presidency after Roosevelt’s death in April 1945?
A
Harry S Truman
Truman was Roosevelt’s vice-president.
2
Q
What were the two main presidencies discussed in the context of post-war America?
A
Harry S Truman and Dwight ‘Ike’ Eisenhower
3
Q
What significant economic phenomenon occurred in America after World War II?
A
A post-war economic boom
4
Q
What was the impact of consumerism in the late 1940s and 1950s?
A
Increased production of consumer goods like refrigerators, cars, and televisions
5
Q
What advertising strategies contributed to the consumer boom in the 1950s?
A
‘Buy now, pay later’ schemes and a huge advertising industry
6
Q
By 1956, how many vehicles were on America’s roads?
A
75 million vehicles
7
Q
What percentage of US households had a TV, car, and washing machine by the end of the 1950s?
A
- 90% had a TV
- 80% had a car
- 70% had a washing machine
8
Q
What was the purpose of the GI Bill passed towards the end of World War II?
A
To help veterans with hospitals, cheap home loans, and education grants
9
Q
What was Truman’s ‘Fair Deal’ aimed at addressing?
A
- Poverty
- Rights of African-Americans
10
Q
What was the minimum hourly wage raised to under Truman’s Fair Deal?
A
75 cents
11
Q
What challenges did Truman face in implementing his Fair Deal policies?
A
Opposition from Republicans and Southern politicians
12
Q
Who became president in 1952 and focused on maintaining economic growth?
A
Dwight ‘Ike’ Eisenhower
13
Q
What does the term ‘American dream’ signify?
A
The idea that anyone in America can succeed through hard work
14
Q
What percentage of Americans were still living in poverty by the 1950s?
A
25 percent
15
Q
What was the average income for people over 65 in 1960?
A
Less than $1000
16
Q
What was the average age at which a woman got married by 1950?
A
20 years old
17
Q
What percentage of men’s wages did women’s wages in factories fall to during the 1950s?
A
53 percent
18
Q
Fill in the blank: The post-war boom in America was partly due to a _______ in the population.
A
baby boom
19
Q
True or False: The 1950s was a time of equal economic prosperity for all racial groups in America.
A
False
20
Q
List three industries that benefited from the continued production of weapons during the Korean War.
A
- Steel
- Chemical
- Electronics
21
Q
What is one way the US economy was strong in the 1950s despite having only 6% of the world’s population?
A
Supplying 65% of the world’s manufactured goods
22
Q
What societal role did many women return to after World War II?
A
Housewives
23
Q
What was a widespread belief about women’s roles in the 1950s?
A
‘A woman’s place was in the home’
24
Q
What was the general view of women pursuing high-level careers during the 1950s?
A
They faced discrimination and suspicion
25
What term describes the period between childhood and adulthood that became common in the 1950s?
Teenager
26
In which decade did the term 'teenager' become commonly used?
1950s
27
What was a common expectation for young men leaving school before the war?
Find a job or join the armed services
28
What traditional roles were expected of young women before the war?
Machine operator, secretary, or teacher before marriage
29
What percentage of students completed compulsory schooling in the 1950s?
Fewer than two out of three
30
What economic condition after the war allowed teenagers to have more leisure time?
Booming economy
31
What was one of the key ideas of the 'American Dream' related to the next generation?
The next generation is more successful than the previous one
32
How much did the average teenager spend weekly in 1957 compared to the early 1940s?
$10 to $15 in 1957 vs. $1-$2 in the early 1940s
33
What was the annual teenage spending power in 1950 and 1959?
$10 billion in 1950 to $25 billion in 1959
34
What behaviors characterized teenagers in the 1950s?
Independent, rebellious, secretive, and aggressive
35
Who became emblems of teenage rebellion in the 1950s?
James Dean and Marlon Brando
36
In the film 'The Wild One', what does Brando's character symbolize?
Rebellion against everything
37
What significant change occurred in American advertising targeting teenagers during the 1950s?
Advertising began targeting teenagers due to their growing purchasing power
38
What two music genres combined to form Rock and Roll?
Country and western music and rhythm and blues
39
What themes were commonly found in Rock and Roll lyrics that appealed to teenagers?
Sexual references and rebellious behavior
40
Why was Rock and Roll music considered 'dangerous' by older Americans?
It was linked to teenage crime and gang culture
41
What was the viewership percentage of Elvis Presley's performance in 1956?
82 percent of Americans
42
Fill in the blank: The average teenager's annual spending power climbed from $_______ in 1950 to $_______ in 1959.
$10 billion, $25 billion
43
True or False: Teenagers in the 1950s were known for their conformity and traditional values.
False
44
What did the relationship between parents and children suggest in advertising from the 1940s and 1950s?
A shift in focus towards the teenage market
45
What significant societal change allowed teenagers to develop a distinct identity in the 1950s?
Increased leisure time and spending power
46
What was McCarthyism?
A campaign against alleged communists in the US during the early 1950s led by Senator Joseph McCarthy
## Footnote
McCarthyism is characterized by making accusations without proper evidence.
47
What was the first Red Scare?
A nationwide fear of communism in America during the early 1920s, leading to arrests of suspected communists
## Footnote
Approximately 6000 people were arrested across 33 cities.
48
What triggered the second Red Scare?
The emergence of the Soviet Union as a nuclear superpower and fears of communism spreading to the USA
## Footnote
This period was part of the broader Cold War rivalry.
49
Define containment in the context of the Cold War.
Official American policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism
## Footnote
Containment was a response to the spread of communism in Eastern Europe and China.
50
Who were Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs?
Individuals accused of spying for the Soviet Union in the 1940s
## Footnote
Alger Hiss was a government official, while Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were executed for espionage.
51
What was the HUAC?
The House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee, which investigated alleged communists
## Footnote
HUAC targeted government employees, media, and the film industry.
52
What was the Loyalty Programme?
A program introduced by President Truman allowing the FBI to investigate government employees for potential security risks
## Footnote
Millions were investigated, leading to job loss due to unfounded suspicions.
53
What happened to Hollywood filmmakers investigated by HUAC in 1947?
Ten filmmakers were blacklisted after refusing to disclose their political affiliations
## Footnote
They faced job loss and were unable to work in the film industry again.
54
What accusations did Joseph McCarthy make in 1950?
He claimed to have a list of over 200 communists working for the government
## Footnote
His unverified claims gained significant media attention and public support.
55
True or False: McCarthy's popularity declined after he accused army officers of being communists.
True
## Footnote
His inability to provide evidence led to a loss of public support.
56
What does the term 'blacklist' refer to in the context of McCarthyism?
A list of individuals who were denied employment due to suspected communist affiliations
## Footnote
Being blacklisted often resulted in career ruin for those involved.
57
Fill in the blank: The period of rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union was known as the _______.
Cold War
## Footnote
This rivalry featured political tension, military competition, and ideological conflict.
58
What impact did the spy scandals of the 1940s and 1950s have on American society?
Increased fear and suspicion of communism, leading to widespread investigations and loss of employment
## Footnote
The scandals contributed to the culture of McCarthyism.
59
List the four factors that contributed to the second Red Scare.
* Emergence of the Soviet Union as a nuclear power
* Accusations of spying
* The rise of communism in China
* Spread of communism in Eastern Europe
## Footnote
Each factor heightened the fear of communism in the US.
60
What was the role of the HUAC during the second Red Scare?
To investigate and root out suspected communists in various sectors, including government and entertainment
## Footnote
Their actions often led to damaging consequences for the accused.
61
What was the Civil Rights Movement?
A campaign from the 1940s to the late 1960s for civil rights for African-Americans equal to those of white Americans.
## Footnote
It aimed for equal opportunity and access to employment, housing, education, voting rights, and freedom from racial discrimination.
62
What was the significance of the 'Brown v Board of Education of Topeka' case?
It declared that segregation in schools was unconstitutional, leading to the desegregation of schools across America.
## Footnote
The Supreme Court ruling in May 1954 mandated that education boards end segregation.
63
Who was Oliver Brown?
The father of Linda Brown, who took the Topeka Board of Education to court over school segregation.
## Footnote
His case was pivotal in the 'Brown v Board of Education' ruling.
64
What role did the NAACP play in the 'Brown v Board of Education' case?
The NAACP assisted Oliver Brown in his legal battle against school segregation.
## Footnote
It aimed to eliminate segregation and racial discrimination.
65
What was the outcome of the Little Rock case in 1957?
Nine African-American students were initially prevented from entering Central High School but later gained the right to attend after a court ruling.
## Footnote
This incident highlighted the resistance to desegregation in Southern states.
66
What was the reaction of the Arkansas Governor during the Little Rock incident?
Governor Orville Faubus sent National Guard soldiers to prevent black students from entering Central High School.
## Footnote
His actions illustrated state-level opposition to federal desegregation mandates.
67
Fill in the blank: The Civil Rights Movement aimed for equal access to _______.
employment, housing, education, voting, and freedom from racial discrimination.
68
True or False: The 'Brown v Board of Education' ruling was immediately implemented in all Southern states.
False.
## Footnote
Many Southern states resisted desegregation, and some did not comply for years.
69
What did Elizabeth Eckford experience on her first day at Central High School?
She faced hostility and was prevented from entering the school by armed guards.
## Footnote
This incident reflected the intense racial tension and violence of the era.
70
What was the impact of the 'Brown v Board of Education' ruling on school desegregation?
It led to many cities beginning to desegregate schools, although some states resisted.
## Footnote
The ruling was a catalyst for further civil rights activism.
71
What was the significance of the Supreme Court ruling against segregation in schools?
It was an important victory for the Civil Rights Movement and the NAACP.
72
What event in 1955 marked a key moment in the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama?
The Montgomery Bus Boycott.
73
Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do on December 1, 1955?
A 42-year-old African-American woman who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.
74
What was the immediate consequence of Rosa Parks' refusal to move on the bus?
She was arrested and jailed.
75
What role did Martin Luther King play in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
He was chosen to lead the boycott.
76
What was the primary outcome of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
The Supreme Court ruled that segregated buses were illegal.
77
What percentage of the bus company's business did African-Americans provide?
75 percent.
78
What term describes Martin Luther King's approach to achieving equal rights?
Non-violent protest.
79
Fill in the blank: Martin Luther King believed that _______ was the best way to achieve equal rights.
non-violent protest
80
What did Martin Luther King call his method of non-violent activism?
'Direct action.'
81
What happened to King's house during the boycott?
A bomb exploded at his house.
82
What was the public reaction to the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
It received widespread attention across America and the world.
83
What notable speech did Martin Luther King deliver during the 1963 March on Washington?
'I have a dream.'
84
True or False: Rosa Parks was the first African-American to refuse to give up her bus seat.
False.
85
Who co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development?
Rosa Parks.
86
What award did Martin Luther King receive in 1964?
Nobel Peace Prize.
87
What was the role of the NAACP in the Civil Rights Movement?
To organize and advocate for civil rights for African-Americans.
88
What was the date when the Montgomery Bus Boycott officially started?
December 3, 1955.
89
Fill in the blank: After the Supreme Court ruling, King and Reverend Ralph Abernathy boarded a city bus and sat at the _______.
front
90
Define 'direct action'.
A form of protest that includes non-violent methods such as sit-ins and boycotts.
91
What were some of the threats faced by protesters during the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
* Threatening phone calls
* Vandalism of homes
92
What is the importance of Rosa Parks in the context of the Civil Rights Movement?
Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and highlighted racial injustices.
93
What did the Civil Rights Act of 1957 aim to ensure for African-Americans?
It aimed to ensure that all African-Americans could exercise their right to vote.
94
What were the main provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1957?
* Banned interference with a person's right to vote
* Made discrimination illegal
* Created the Civil Rights Commission to prosecute violations.
95
How did the Civil Rights Act of 1957 impact the Southern states?
It showed that the government was no longer willing to accept that Southern states could ignore federal laws regarding African-American rights.
96
What were sit-ins in the context of the Civil Rights Movement?
Sit-ins were protests where African-American students occupied 'whites only' areas in cafés and restaurants, refusing to leave.
97
When and where did the first sit-in protest occur?
The first sit-in occurred in 1960 at a Woolworth's food counter.
98
What was the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
It marked the beginning of organized, non-violent resistance against racial segregation.
99
What were Freedom Rides?
Freedom Rides were organized by black and white civil rights campaigners who traveled on segregated buses to challenge local segregation laws.
100
What were the consequences faced by Freedom Riders?
They faced threats and violence but attracted significant publicity.
101
What event took place in Birmingham, Alabama in May 1963?
A non-violent protest march organized by Martin Luther King was violently suppressed by police.
102
What was the outcome of the Birmingham march in May 1963?
The march led to national attention on the Civil Rights Movement and prompted federal intervention.
103
What was the content of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech?
He spoke about his vision for a racially integrated and harmonious America.
104
What role did President John F. Kennedy play in the Civil Rights Movement?
He was a strong supporter and sought to introduce new Civil Rights legislation.
105
What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 achieve?
It outlawed racial discrimination in employment and segregation in public places.
106
What tragic event occurred on the day President Kennedy was assassinated?
He was due to give a speech advocating for equal rights and social justice.
107
What was 'Bloody Sunday'?
It refers to the brutal attack on peaceful protesters by police during a march from Selma to Montgomery in March 1965.
108
What was the Voting Rights Bill introduced by President Johnson aimed at?
It aimed to remove legal barriers preventing African-Americans from voting.
109
Define 'freedom rides'.
Freedom rides were bus trips taken by civil rights activists to challenge segregation in the South.
110
True or False: The Civil Rights Movement was marked by violent protests.
False. The movement primarily employed non-violent protests.
111
Fill in the blank: Martin Luther King was awarded the _______ Peace Prize in recognition of his non-violent approach.
Nobel
112
What is the Black Power Movement?
A movement advocating for the rights and empowerment of African-Americans, emphasizing racial pride and self-defense.
113
What was the stance of the Nation of Islam regarding race?
It argued for separatism and rejected Christianity as a white man's religion.
114
Who is Malcolm X?
A prominent figure in the Black Power Movement, originally named Malcolm Little, who advocated for African-American rights.
115
What was the Black Panther Party's primary belief?
African-Americans needed to protect themselves from white racists, including the police, and were willing to use violence if necessary.
116
Fill in the blank: The Black Panther Party was formed in ______.
[California in 1966]
117
What was a significant criticism of non-violent direct action protests by 1965?
While progress was made, many African-Americans remained frustrated due to ongoing poverty and inadequate living conditions.
118
Who assassinated Martin Luther King Jr.?
James Earl Ray.
119
True or False: Malcolm X supported non-violent protest throughout his life.
False.
120
What significant event occurred on April 4, 1968?
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
121
What was the main criticism of Martin Luther King's non-violent tactics by 1965?
Many felt that change was not happening quickly enough.
122
What did Malcolm X promote towards the end of his life?
Closer ties between Africans and African Americans through the Organization of Afro-American Unity.
123
Fill in the blank: The Black Panther Party had around ______ members by 1968.
[5,000]
124
What did the Black Power Movement emphasize?
* Racial pride
* Self-defense
* Economic empowerment
125
In what way did the civil rights campaign by 1965 fail to address the needs of African-Americans?
It did little to tackle day-to-day issues like poverty, low wages, and inadequate housing.
126
What was a common reaction among African-Americans following King's assassination?
Riots broke out across the country.
127
Fill in the blank: The Voting Rights Act gave all Americans the right to ______.
[vote]
128
What was the main objective of the Black Panther Party?
To protect African-Americans from racial violence and injustice.
129
What was Malcolm X's original name?
Malcolm Little.
130
What did investigations reveal as key causes of riots between 1965 and 1968?
* Frustration over living conditions
* Feelings of police not protecting rights
131
What is the term 'New Frontier' associated with?
A vision of new leadership and solutions for America's social issues, including poverty and inequality.
132
Who was elected as the youngest U.S. president in 1960?
John F. Kennedy (JFK)
133
What did JFK famously say during his inauguration speech in January 1961?
'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'
134
What did JFK aim to improve through his New Frontier initiatives?
Civil rights, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
135
List one success of JFK's New Frontier related to civil rights.
* Increased government jobs for African-Americans
* Created the Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity (CEEO)
* Sent soldiers to protect civil rights activists
136
List one failure of JFK's New Frontier related to civil rights.
He did not do enough to support civil rights protests and did not actively find jobs for unemployed African-Americans.
137
What economic actions did JFK take to stimulate job creation?
* Cut taxes
* Made $900 million available to businesses
* Increased government spending on armed forces
138
What was one success of JFK's initiatives in healthcare and decreasing poverty?
Increased the minimum hourly wage from $1 to $1.25.
139
What was one failure of JFK's initiatives in healthcare?
Congress defeated his proposals for Medicare.
140
What organization did JFK establish to send volunteers abroad to help poorer countries?
The Peace Corps.
141
Fill in the blank: JFK's New Frontier aimed to eliminate _______ and _______.
[poverty], [inequality]
142
True or False: JFK's New Frontier was universally considered a complete success.
False
143
What challenges did JFK face in introducing his New Frontier ideas?
Resistance from Southern politicians and Congress.
144
List two areas where JFK's New Frontier had successes.
* Civil rights
* Economic initiatives
145
List two failures of JFK's New Frontier.
* Inability to pass Medicare
* Unemployment rates remained high, particularly for African-Americans
146
What was the unemployment rate for African-Americans compared to white Americans during JFK's presidency?
Twice that of white Americans.
147
What did JFK's Social Security Act achieve?
Increased benefits for the elderly and unemployed.
148
What event marked the beginning of Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency?
He became President on 22 November 1963 after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
## Footnote
Johnson was sworn in on an aircraft carrying JFK's body, alongside Jacqueline Kennedy.
149
What was the 'Great Society' that Johnson promoted?
A vision for America aimed at ending poverty and racial injustice, and providing education for all children.
## Footnote
Johnson wanted to use America's wealth and wisdom to improve the quality of American civilization.
150
How did Johnson's political approach differ from Kennedy's?
Johnson was an intimidating, tough-talking veteran politician, while Kennedy was a smooth, polished politician.
## Footnote
Johnson's Southern roots helped him relate to Southern politicians.
151
What significant legislation did Johnson pass regarding civil rights?
The Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
## Footnote
The Civil Rights Act banned discrimination based on race and gender; the Voting Rights Act removed barriers for African-American voters.
152
What was 'Operation Headstart'?
A program that provided funding to schools in cities to improve education for poor children.
## Footnote
It aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
153
What was the outcome of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
Over 400,000 newly registered black voters within a year, effectively ending Jim Crow Laws.
## Footnote
The Act banned literacy tests and other obstacles to voter registration for African-Americans.
154
What increase did Johnson implement regarding the minimum wage?
The minimum wage increased from $1.25 to $1.40.
## Footnote
This was part of his initiatives to improve living standards for low-income workers.
155
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act provided major funding for schools.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
156
What was the purpose of the Model Cities Act?
To clear up inner-city slums.
## Footnote
It aimed to improve urban living conditions through redevelopment.
157
What was the significance of the Immigration Act during Johnson's presidency?
It ended racial quotas for people entering the USA.
## Footnote
This reform aimed to make immigration policies more equitable.
158
What did the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities do?
Provided grants to fund artists and galleries.
## Footnote
It was part of Johnson's efforts to support cultural development.
159
True or False: Johnson's reforms led to a significant reduction in poverty among African-Americans.
True.
## Footnote
Poverty among African-Americans decreased from 56% in 1959 to around 30% by 1970.
160
What was one criticism of Johnson's presidency regarding his reforms?
He spent too much on his reforms while unemployment increased.
## Footnote
Critics argue that despite his efforts, economic issues persisted.
161
What was one reason Johnson chose not to run for president again?
He faced widespread opposition due to the Vietnam War.
## Footnote
The war had become increasingly unpopular and costly.
162
List three key areas that the Great Society aimed to improve.
* Civil rights
* Education
* Health care
163
What was the purpose of the Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) program?
To serve as a domestic version of the Peace Corps.
## Footnote
VISTA aimed to help alleviate poverty in the U.S.
164
What was the feminist movement?
A movement that developed in the late 1950s and 1960s to fight for women's equal rights and reject traditional roles as housewives and mothers.
165
What significant change occurred in women's workforce participation during the Second World War?
Around 5 million women worked in factories, gaining a sense of independence and financial autonomy.
166
By 1960, what percentage of the workforce did women make up?
About half of the workforce.
167
What did the Status Commission report in 1963 regarding women's earnings?
Women earned around 60 percent less than men for the same job.
168
What percentage of managers were women according to the 1963 Status Commission report?
Only 5 percent.
169
What was the significance of Betty Friedan's book 'The Feminine Mystique'?
It argued for women's equal rights and the pursuit of fulfilling careers, highlighting the discontent of educated women who felt undervalued.
170
What major legislation was passed by Congress in June 1963?
The Equal Pay Act, ensuring equal pay for women and men.
171
What was the Civil Rights Act of 1964 focused on?
It banned discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex.
172
What organization did Betty Friedan help establish in 1966?
The National Organization for Women (NOW).
173
What was one of the aims of NOW?
To demand complete equal rights for women in US law.
174
What were some actions taken by Women's Libbers during the feminist movement?
They disrupted events like the Miss World beauty contest and protested by burning bras and rejecting traditional beauty standards.
175
What term is used to refer to women who participated in the feminist protests?
Women's Libbers.
176
Fill in the blank: The feminist movement collectively included groups like the Women's Campaign Fund, North American Indian Women's Association, and _______.
National Black Feminist Organization.
177
True or False: The feminist movement only focused on legal rights for women.
False.
178
What was a common symbol of men's control over women that Women's Libbers protested against?
Bras.
179
What was the feminist movement?
A revolution focused on achieving equality for women in society, challenging traditional roles and advocating for rights and freedoms.
180
What did the feminist movement argue regarding sex and race?
They were primary ways of organizing human beings into superior and inferior groups.
181
Fill in the blank: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) stated that 'Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied by the United States or by any State on account of _______.'
[sex]
182
What were the main achievements of the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s?
* Legalization of contraceptives for married couples (1965)
* Ban on sexual discrimination in education (1972)
* Roe v. Wade ruling allowing legal abortion (1973)
183
What was the Stop ERA campaign?
A campaign led by Phyllis Schlafly opposing the Equal Rights Amendment, arguing it would lead to negative societal changes.
184
Who was Phyllis Schlafly?
A conservative activist who led the Stop ERA campaign in the 1970s.
185
What were some of the fears associated with the ERA according to Schlafly?
* Women in combat
* Greater abortion rates
* Unisex bathrooms
* Homosexual marriages
186
What was the outcome of the ERA?
Failed to become part of the US Constitution due to insufficient state votes.
187
What did the Roe v. Wade case establish?
The right for women to have a legal abortion, overriding many state anti-abortion laws.
188
Who was Jane Roe?
The pseudonym for Norma McCorvey, the woman at the center of the Roe v. Wade case.
189
What societal conditions did women face before the Women's Liberation Movement?
* Job rejection based on gender
* Limited access to education
* Denial of credit cards due to gender
* Discrimination for being pregnant
190
True or False: The feminist movement achieved full gender equality by the 1980s.
False
191
What persistent issues did women face even after the advancements of the feminist movement?
* Lower average pay compared to men
* Concentration in low-paying jobs
* Higher likelihood of poverty
192
What was the impact of the Women's Liberation Movement on women's lives?
It changed women's lives socially, economically, and politically.
193
Fill in the blank: The ERA was passed by Congress in _______.
[1972]
194
What was one of the key crusades of the feminist movement?
The campaign to legalize abortion.
195
What year did the Supreme Court rule in favor of Roe v. Wade?
[1973]
