Nicolae Ceausescu and Romania's History

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Questions and Answers

In 1965, who became the communist dictator of Romania?

Nicolae Ceausescu

What did Nicolae Ceausescu make illegal?

abortion

What was Nicolae Ceausescu's master plan?

to create a nation worthy of the New Socialist Man

Ceausescu's ban on abortion helped his plan how?

It would strengthen Romania by boosting its population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Menstrual police?

A group of agents who rounded up women and administered pregnancy tests regularly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the punishment to women who repeatedly failed to conceive?

she would have to pay a steep 'celibacy tax' Signup and view all the answers

What happened on December 16, 1989?

Thousands of people took the streets of Timisoara to protest Nicolae's corrosive regime. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Nicolae and his wife Elena?

They tried to escape the country with 1 billion but were captured and executed by a firing squad on Christmas Day. Signup and view all the answers

On the same day Nicolae and Elena were executed, what was the crime rate like in the United States?

Crime was at its peak. Signup and view all the answers

In 15 years, the crime rate had risen by how much?

80% Signup and view all the answers

When did the crime rate start to fall?

In the early 1990's Signup and view all the answers

Who was the criminologist mentioned who was criticized for saying that there would be a 'bloodbath'?

James Alan Fox Signup and view all the answers

Studies show what correlation between unemployment rates and crime rates?

1% decline in unemployment accounts for a 1% drop in nonviolent crime Signup and view all the answers

During the 1990's, what were the rate of unemployment and crime rates?

2% decline in unemployment and 40% drop in crime Signup and view all the answers

What economist said, 'for fear of sounding racist...since African-Americans and Hispanics commit a disproportionate share of felonies'?

Gary Becker Signup and view all the answers

What study noted that crime rates tend to be high when imprisonment rates are high?

a 1977 study called, 'On behalf of a Moratorium on Prison Construction' Signup and view all the answers

What economist put forth an estimate that executing 1 criminal translates into 7 fewer homicides that the criminal might have committed?

Isaac Ehrlich Signup and view all the answers

List each of the explanations of the drop in the crime that occurred in the 1990's that are evaluated by Levitt and Dubner.

The three major explanations are the legalization of abortion, reliance on prisons, and increased numbers in the police force. Signup and view all the answers

Of the three explanations for the drop in the crime rate evaluated by Levitt and Dubner, which ones do not appear to be valid?

Increased gun laws were unsuccessful because it only increased gun sales in the black market. Signup and view all the answers

What does the data say about the viability of the argument linking the drop in crime to the robust economy in the 1990s?

Data shows that a strong economy only makes nonviolent crime seem less attractive. Signup and view all the answers

What does the available evidence say about whether increased reliance on capital punishment is a viable explanation for the drop in crime in the 1990s?

The use of capital punishment is not a good explanation for the crime drop in the 90's. Signup and view all the answers

How could an increase in the number of police officers cause the crime rate to decline?

If there's more police, there's less crime. Signup and view all the answers

What do the data tell us about the viability of the assertion that tougher gun laws contributed to the drop in crime in the 1990s?

Data shows that only 1/5 of criminals buy their guns from licensed dealers. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the findings of economist John R. Lott Jr. regarding the relationship between 'Right-to-carry' gun laws and crime.

Places where people can conceal carry are safer than those without. Signup and view all the answers

Is there evidence to suggest that the 'Bursting of the crack bubble' contributed to the crime drop in the 1990s?

Yes, but it only fixed the crime problem it had already started. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nicolae Ceausescu's Regime in Romania

Nicolae Ceausescu became the communist dictator of Romania in 1965.
Ceausescu outlawed abortion as part of his social policies aiming to increase population growth.
His master plan aimed at creating a nation embodying the "New Socialist Man."
The ban on abortion was intended to strengthen Romania by boosting its population.

Menstrual Police and Women's Rights

Women were subjected to surveillance by a group known as the "Menstrual Police," who conducted regular pregnancy tests.
Women who could not conceive faced punitive measures, including steep "celibacy taxes."

Protests and Downfall

On December 16, 1989, protests erupted in Timisoara against Ceausescu's authoritarian regime.
Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were captured while attempting to flee with substantial wealth and were executed on Christmas Day.

Crime Trends in the U.S.

In the late 1980s, the U.S. experienced a peak in crime, which rose 80% over 15 years.
Crime rates began to decline in the early 1990s.
Criminologist James Alan Fox faced criticism for predicting a "bloodbath" due to rising crime rates.

Correlation Between Economy, Unemployment, and Crime

A 1% decline in unemployment correlates with a 1% drop in nonviolent crimes.
During the 1990s, unemployment decreased by 2%, while crime rates dropped by 40%.

Perspectives on Crime and Racial Dynamics

Economist Gary Becker controversially noted racial demographics in discussions of crime rates.
A 1977 study highlighted that high imprisonment rates often coincide with high crime rates.

Capital Punishment and Crime Rate Decline

Isaac Ehrlich estimated that executing one criminal might prevent seven future homicides.
However, the actual effectiveness of capital punishment in decreasing crime was disputed during the 1990s.

Explanations for the 1990s Crime Drop

Levitt and Dubner identified three explanations: legalization of abortion, reliance on prisons, and increase in police numbers.
Evidence showed that increased gun laws paradoxically led to an uptick in black market gun sales.

Impact of the Economy on Crime Rates

A robust economy made nonviolent crime less appealing, but did not necessarily correlate with reduced violent crime.
Causation shifts: during economic booms in the 60s, violent crime rates surged.

Increased Police Presence

An increased number of police officers is associated with lower crime rates.
Crime typically decreases even when police numbers are already high, demonstrating a negative correlation.

Innovative Policing Strategies

New York City's crime drop was partially attributed to innovative policing strategies, notably the "Broken Window Strategy."
This approach focused on enforcing minor infractions to prevent more serious crimes.

Gun Violence and Access

Approximately two-thirds of homicides involve firearms, with more guns than adult population in the U.S.
Criminals predominantly acquire guns from the black market, rendering background checks less effective.

Gun Laws and Crime Rate Analysis

Only 20% of criminals purchase firearms from licensed dealers, suggesting tougher gun laws had limited impact on crime rates.
The relationship between gun laws and crime trends remains tenuous.

John R. Lott Jr. on Gun Laws

Lott's "More Guns, Less Crime" posited that conceal carry laws contribute to safer environments.
Other scholars failed to replicate Lott's findings, raising questions about the reliability of his conclusions.

Crack Epidemic's Influence on Crime

The "bursting of the crack bubble" temporarily raised crime rates by 15%, followed by a subsequent decline, indicating its complex impact on crime dynamics.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Nicolae Ceausescu, the communist dictator of Romania. This quiz covers his policies, including the ban on abortion and his master plan to create a new socialist nation. Engage with key historical points that shaped Romania during his regime.