Questions and Answers
What was the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 also known as?
What demographic trend was marked by early marriages after World War II?
Explosion of marriages at a younger age
How many babies were born during the baby boom between 1945 and 1960?
50 million
What facilitated suburban growth after World War II?
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What is Levittown known for?
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Match the following terms related to post-World War II America:
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What did the Employment Act of 1946 aim for?
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The Committee on Civil Rights was created by President Truman.
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What amendment limits a president to a maximum of two full terms?
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What is the main objective of the Truman Doctrine?
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What was the Marshall Plan?
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Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during World War II?
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What term describes the political divide between the Soviet Union and Western democracies?
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What was NSC-68?
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What was the key outcome of the Berlin airlift?
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What does NATO stand for?
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The Loyalty Review Board was established in 1947.
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What was the significance of the Rosenberg case?
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Who was Joseph McCarthy?
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Study Notes
Post World War II America
- The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill) provided veterans with education funds, unemployment insurance, and housing.
- An increase in early marriages and births marked a post-war societal confidence, leading to the baby boom of 50 million births from 1945 to 1960.
- Suburban expansion was driven by low-interest, government-insured mortgages, transforming the majority of middle-class Americans into suburbanites.
Key Figures and Policies
- Harry Truman, a moderate Democrat, succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt, known for his decisiveness and honesty.
- The Employment Act of 1946 aimed to maintain full employment and increase the minimum wage.
- The Council of Economic Advisers was created to advise on national economic welfare.
- Inflation surged approximately 25% post-war after the relaxation of price controls, sparking demands for wage increases by workers and unions.
Civil Rights Initiatives
- Truman established the Committee on Civil Rights in 1946 to combat racial discrimination.
- In 1948, he ended racial segregation in the military, impacting life on Southern military bases.
Legislative Developments
- The 22nd Amendment limited the presidency to two terms following Roosevelt's four elections.
- The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 restricted the power of labor unions, allowing "right to work" laws and enabling presidential intervention during striking situations.
- The Fair Deal, Truman’s extension of the New Deal, faced congressional resistance, focusing on civil rights, health insurance, and public housing.
Cold War Context
- Relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union soured into the Cold War, a conflict characterized by diplomatic tensions rather than direct military engagement.
- The Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin during WWII, aimed to expand communism, creating a divide with Western democracies.
- The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international security, featuring a 15-member Security Council with five permanent veto-holding members.
Germany and the Iron Curtain
- Post-war, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Soviets, U.S., Britain, and France.
- The term "Iron Curtain," coined by Winston Churchill, depicted Soviet control over Eastern European satellite states, reflecting growing tensions.
Cold War Policies and Strategies
- George Kennan introduced the containment policy, aimed at preventing Soviet expansion.
- The Truman Doctrine provided economic and military support to Greece and Turkey against communist threats.
- The Marshall Plan offered $12 billion in aid to rebuild European economies post-WWII, deepening the Eastern-Western divide.
Military Alliances and Conflicts
- NATO, formed in 1949, was a military alliance designed to counter Soviet influence in Western Europe.
- The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, resulting in a protracted conflict that saw significant U.S. military involvement.
Domestic Anti-Communist Measures
- The Loyalty Review Board and Smith Act were established to investigate government employees for communist affiliations.
- The House Un-American Activities Committee targeted perceived Communist influences in Hollywood and other sectors, resulting in blacklists and diminished freedom of expression.
- Joseph McCarthy's reckless allegations against government officials initiated the term "McCarthyism," highlighting the era's anti-Communist hysteria.
Notable Cases and Trials
- The Rosenbergs were executed for espionage in 1953, reflecting growing fears about Soviet infiltration.
- Alger Hiss, convicted of perjury, was believed to have provided secret documents to Communists, fueling public concern over espionage.
Legacy and Historical Perspectives
- Traditionalists argue the Cold War sparked from Soviet aggression, whereas revisionists assert U.S. policies contributed to tensions.
- The era was marked by increased fear and suspicion, ultimately shaping U.S. foreign and domestic policies throughout the Cold War.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 26 of AMSCO AP US History. This chapter covers significant post-World War II developments, including the GI Bill and social trends like early marriages. Use these flashcards to reinforce your understanding of the historical context and implications of these events.
