Unit 8- 20th century and the rise of the United States as a superpower. Flashcards
What does Churchill warn the world about in Missouri in 1946? How is it received in the USSR?
There was still a tyrant left in Europe, the soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. They received it as an act of war.
What was the situation for American GI’s after WWII?
The men coming home from war saw that there were few available jobs
What is Levittown? Why was it important for America’s middle class?
It was old potato fields that were converted into neighborhoods and communities with houses in new ways of living. A moving society of the middle class. Now people were living in comfortable homes that were spacious and satisfying.
What was the GI Bill?
Passed by Congress, It guaranteed veterans low cost mortgages and higher education.
How do women’s roles change again in the 50s?
There was change in the norms for women, now seen as breeders to white males. Raising kids was what replaced women’s careers.
What was the “baby boom?” Give three facts about it.
The sense of limitless optimism that led to a dramatic demographic change in the US. Between the years 1946 1942. FAmilies added 25 million children to the population. There was change in the norms for women, now seen as breeders to white males. Raising kids was what replaced women’s careers.
What situation did Black veterans confront after WWII? How does President Truman respond?
When they came back from war, they were still discriminated against. Still segregated publicly. The pres was angry and demanded changes. He decided to order the ban of desegregation of the armed focus and of the federal government.
Who is Jackie Robinson? Why was he significant for baseball and America itself?
He was the first black man to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in baseball. It was important because the national sport of the time changed, and baseball meant a lot to many. He showed determination by staying in playing even when disrespected.
How was Russia affected by the war? Germany? The rest of Europe?
They suffered in the tragedy of the deaths caused in war. Germany was defeated and split in two. The people suffered in surviving for food, jobs, and homes. The whole of Europe was very vulnerable. It was complete anarchy, there was deprivation and devastation.
How did Americans feel about themselves after the war? Why?
They felt good and reborn from the developments. They felt good and all high in pride when stuff outside was still a threat. They felt secure in being American when other nations suffered in war.
What does Stalin do to try and get the U.S. out of West Berlin? How does the U.S. respond?
He presented his image of the countries on the other side of the iron curtain. He wanted the US out of the west, he cut all supply lines of allied sectors. The US responded by staying in Berlin risking the start of another war against russia. The US decided to deliver supply through air instead.
What is the Marshall Plan? Why did the U.S. think this plan was vitally necessary?
The plan to help Europe get back on its feet. The US thought the plan to be necessary bc they were rich and confident in leadership and they wanted to help.
What happens in China in 1949 that shocks America? Why?
Mong’s communists had defeated the American backed nationalist forces in China. It felt very personal.
Why does the U.S. send troops to Korea in 1950? What other nations also had troops there?
North Korea and the soviet union attacked the south. China had troops there.
How did the American people view the Korean War?
They viewed it as unaffecting to their lives and families. They didn’t see how important it was compared to WW1.
