McCarthyism and Civil Rights in the 1950s

A period of intense fear and suspicion of communist influence in the United States after World War II.

A US Senator who led a campaign to expose suspected communists in government and society, creating mass hysteria and paranoia.

The House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a congressional committee formed in 1938 to investigate alleged subversive activities by communists. They investigated various sectors like the film industry, education, and the government, looking for communist influence.

A government initiative to provide financial assistance to European nations after WWII to help them rebuild their economies and prevent the spread of communism.

A policy outlining the US's commitment to supporting any nation threatened by communist takeover, often through financial or military aid.

The period of intense political repression, fueled by fear of communist infiltration, that targeted individuals suspected of communist sympathies. This involved investigations, blacklisting, and public accusations.

A major event where the Soviet Union blockaded access to West Berlin, attempting to force the West out of the city. It demonstrated the Soviet Union's willingness to engage in brinkmanship and increase tensions with the West.

The trial of Alger Hiss, a former US State Department official, who was accused of being a communist spy and providing classified information to the Soviet Union.

Joseph McCarthy, a US Senator, used fear of communism to gain power, accusing numerous people of being communists without evidence.

McCarthyism was a period of intense political repression driven by fear of communist influence in the US. It involved baseless accusations, blacklisting individuals, and stifling dissent.

McCarthy lost support due to his lack of evidence for his claims, his bullying behavior, and his accusation of Army officers as spies.

The effects of McCarthyism were severe. Many innocent people lost their jobs, were imprisoned, and faced social and political repercussions for being labeled as communists.

The Brown v. Board of Education case challenged the legality of racial segregation in schools.

The Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a successful protest against racial segregation on public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was illegal, affirming the Brown v. Board decision and contributing to the growing momentum of the Civil Rights Movement.

A boycott where African Americans refused to buy goods from businesses practicing segregation. This action was powerful because it showed their ability to organize and peacefully protest for change.

The first real test of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, where nine Black students attempted to attend an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Governor's use of troops and the ensuing violence highlighted the resistance to integration.

A peaceful protest where black students sat at 'whites only' cafes, challenging segregation in public spaces.

A group of activists who rode on interstate buses through the South to challenge segregation in bus terminals and facilities.

Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peaceful methods to fight segregation, using speeches, marches, and sit-ins to bring attention to the cause.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s effectiveness was due to his peaceful approach and skillful engagement with politicians, gaining support from Congress for the Civil Rights Movement.

The Little Rock incident highlighted President Eisenhower's role in supporting Black Americans by sending in federal troops to ensure the students' safety.

The Little Rock events drew international attention, generating sympathy for the Black students and highlighting the struggle for integration.

A group of black Muslims that advocated for a more militant approach to achieving civil rights, including a separate state for blacks in the USA.

A prominent figure in the Black Power Movement known for his eloquent speeches and encouragement for African Americans' self-reliance and pride.

A politically active party best known for their assertive stances on Black Power, including the use of armed patrols to protect their community from police brutality.

The phrase "Black Power" first gained prominence through this individual, highlighting a shift towards self-determination and empowerment within the Civil Rights Movement.

After the success of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Martin Luther King turned his focus towards advocating for economic and social equality.

The Civil Rights Movement achieved significant progress in ensuring equal rights for African Americans, such as access to public facilities and the right to vote.

Many in the northern states saw King's focus on ending segregation as irrelevant as there was no segregation in those areas. They also felt nonviolent campaigns were not effective enough.

King's opposition to the Vietnam War eroded some of his support, as many Americans believed it was more important to focus on the war rather than on domestic issues.

A student organization formed to provide students with influence in university decisions, advocate for the less fortunate, and oppose the Vietnam War.

The most significant protests by students, often involving large-scale gatherings and demonstrations against the Vietnam War.

Acts of defiance against the Vietnam War Draft, including destroying draft cards and the American flag.

A tragic event where National Guard forces opened fire on unarmed students at Kent State University during a peaceful protest, killing four students.

A violent student group that bombed government buildings and army recruitment centers during the late 1960s.

A countercultural movement that embraced peace, love, and alternative lifestyles, rejecting traditional societal norms.

The major impact of the student movement on society, resulting in a greater awareness of self-expression and individuality among young people.

Increased awareness of social injustices, like racism, as a result of student protests and activism.

A political scandal involving an illegal break-in at the Democrat National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Office Building, ultimately leading to President Richard Nixon's resignation.

The Committee to Re-elect the President (CREEP), a major player in the scandal, was linked to the break-in, attempting to sabotage the Democratic Party prior to the 1972 Presidential Election.

President Richard Nixon was accused of covering up the crime, eventually forced to resign in 1974 to avoid impeachment for his role in the Watergate cover-up.

The investigation revealed that the Nixon administration had attempted to obstruct justice, concealing its involvement in the break-in.

Nixon's actions, including taping conversations and attempting to prevent the investigation, eroded public trust in the presidency and exposed deep-seated corruption within his administration.

The Watergate Scandal significantly impacted the checks and balances of the US government, leading to changes in the law to limit presidential power.

The Watergate Scandal, along with the revelations about other presidents, had a lasting impact on American politics, increasing public scrutiny and distrust of the government.

The Watergate Scandal is a reminder that even the highest officials are not above the law and that accountability is crucial for a healthy democracy.