AMSCO AP US History Chapter 26

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Questions and Answers

What was the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 also known as?

Employment Act

Marshall Plan

GI Bill (correct)

Fair Deal

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?

Low interest rates on government-insured mortgages Signup and view all the answers

What is Levittown known for?

Mass production of inexpensive homes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to post-World War II America:

Sunbelt = Southern states attracting residents Harry Truman = President after Roosevelt Council of Economic Advisers = Advising the president on economic matters Taft-Hartley Act = Limits on labor unions Signup and view all the answers

What did the Employment Act of 1946 aim for?

Increased minimum wage and full employment Signup and view all the answers

The Committee on Civil Rights was created by President Truman.

True Signup and view all the answers

What amendment limits a president to a maximum of two full terms?

22nd Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Truman Doctrine?

To provide aid to countries resisting totalitarian regimes Signup and view all the answers

What was the Marshall Plan?

U.S. economic aid to revive European economies Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during World War II?

Joseph Stalin Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the political divide between the Soviet Union and Western democracies?

Cold War Signup and view all the answers

What was NSC-68?

A secret report advocating increased defense spending Signup and view all the answers

What was the key outcome of the Berlin airlift?

U.S. support for West Berlin residents Signup and view all the answers

What does NATO stand for?

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Signup and view all the answers

The Loyalty Review Board was established in 1947.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Rosenberg case?

Espionage and execution for treason Signup and view all the answers

Who was Joseph McCarthy?

A senator known for accusing officials of communism Signup and view all the answers

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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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.