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8.1 Context: U.S. as a Global Leader

8 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Period 8 (1945-1980) is a MASSIVE unit, making up 10-17% of the exam. So while it’s getting towards the end of the school year and you’ve just been about APUSHed off a cliff, don’t give up now! 

The Cold War

Origins

The was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the that lasted from the end of World War II in 1945 until the collapse of the in 1991. It was called the because the two sides never directly engaged in military conflict, but rather engaged in a number of and arms races as they sought to spread their respective ideologies and gain allies around the world.

The origins of the can be traced back to the end of World War II, when the United States and the emerged as the dominant global powers. The two sides had been allies during the war, but they had very different ideologies and visions for the post-war world. The United States promoted democracy and capitalism as the ideal forms of government and economic systems, while the promoted communism as the ideal form of government and economic system.

Wars Fought but Never Won

As the two sides competed for global influence and control, they engaged in a number of and arms races, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and developed large in an effort to deter each other from direct military conflict. The also had a significant impact on domestic politics in the United States, as the fear of communism and the threat of a nuclear attack from the led to the proliferation of and the development of a number of government programs designed to protect the country from external threats.

The world’s two sole superpowers (and nuclear powers), the United States and the USSR, faced off over and over again between 1945 and 1992. Dangerous nuclear threats in Cuba and Latin America popped up due to tensions between communist leaders and the United States. Both nations continued to amp up arms production and entered a race for both arms and space. 

Social Changes within the United States

Inside the country, the US was going through massive changes as well. as a mass population boom occured dubbed the "". The baby boomer generation contained a massive number of young people in the population, leading to a surge in demand for educational resources and an increase in the number of young people entering the workforce. The also had a profound effect on the housing market, as the large number of young families created a need for new homes and outside of urban cities, where at the time a majority of the population lived.

The generation was also known for its rebellious and countercultural tendencies. Many young people in the generation rejected traditional values and authority, leading to a number of significant social and cultural changes, including the , the , the anti-war momvement, and the .

Civil Rights Movement

The was a social movement in the 1950s and 1960s that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and other minority groups. It aimed to fulfill Reconstruction-era promises of equality and freedom for all Americans, not just those who were white. The movement began in the late 1940s and early 1950s with various small protests and legal challenges, but it gained significant momentum in 1954 after the Supreme Court decision in , which declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. This decision, along with other factors such as the emergence of charismatic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and the growing frustration of African Americans with the slow pace of change, led to a wave of protests and civil unrest that became known as the . The movement achieved many notable victories, including the and the , which banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and ensured voting rights for African Americans and other minorities.

Feminist Movement

This time period sparked the second wave of feminism. It was a continuation of the earlier women's suffrage movement, which had secured the right to vote for women in the United States in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

During this time period, feminists in the United States worked to address a wide range of issues, including , domestic violence, , and . The movement also sought to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, such as women being relegated to housewives and homemakers instead of in the workforce and leadership positions in society, and challenges conservatives norms regarding sex and sexuality (i.e. the sexual revolution).

A portion of the movement aimed to shed light to the ways in which women's oppression intersected with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, and classism, otherwise known as . This portion of the movement clashed with white, feminists that had no interest in challenging other forms of minoritization due to wanting to hold on to what little privilege they held in society.

Some of the key events and milestones of the during this time period included the publication of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" in 1963, which is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism, the writings of , who is regarded as the mother of , the passage of the , which included provisions banning sex discrimination in the workplace, the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, and the massive in 1970, which marked the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage and was organized by NOW.

Anti-War Movement

The was a social and political movement that opposed the U.S. government's military actions and policies for the Vietnam War, Korean War, and other world-wide conflicts the US engaged in. It emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s in opposition to the Korean War, and continued through the Vietnam War and beyond.

The was diverse and included people from a variety of political and social backgrounds. It included pacifists, who opposed all forms of violence and war, civil rights activists, who saw the wars as a distraction from the fight for racial justice, and students and youth, who were often drafted to fight in the wars and saw them as a waste of lives and resources.

The took many forms, including protests, sit-ins, and civil disobedience. Some of the most notable events of the movement include the in 1969, which saw hundreds of thousands of people across the country participate in protests, the in 1971, in which the U.S. government's classified documents on the Vietnam War were leaked to the press; and the in 1970, which prompted widespread protests on college campuses across the country.

The ultimately played a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy related to the wars in Vietnam and other conflicts. It contributed to the U.S. government's decision to end its involvement in the Vietnam War and to adopt a more cautious approach to military intervention in the future.

Counterculture of the 1960s

"Counterculture" refers to the social and cultural movement characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and a desire for social and political change.was fueled by a number of factors, including the , the , and the sexual revolution. Norms regarding gender, sexuality, and race were challenged through a critical lens, advocating for equity and an end to societal oppression.. It was also associated with the , which consisted of people who embraced a countercultural lifestyle that rejected materialism, traditional norms, and anything mainstream.

The counterculture movement was also closely tied to the music of the time, with bands like becoming symbols of the movement. The counterculture also had a significant impact on fashion, with tie-dye and other bright colors, frayed denim, and other unconventional styles becoming popular.

Economic Changes within the United States

There were a number of significant economic changes in the United States from 1945-1980. Some of the most notable include:

  1. : After World War II, the United States experienced an unprecedented period of economic growth and prosperity, which became known as the post-war economic boom. This was due in part to the fact that the United States emerged from the war as the world's dominant economic power, with a strong industrial base and a stable political system.

  2. Rise of the : During this time period, the of the economy grew significantly, with more and more people working in service industries such as healthcare, education, and finance.

  3. Rise of the : The post-war economic boom and the growth of the helped to create a large and prosperous in the United States. This was characterized by high levels of education, relatively high incomes, and a high standard of living.

  4. Growth of : In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of large , such as IBM and General Electric, emerged and began to dominate the global economy. These corporations were able to expand their operations and influence through the use of new technologies.

  5. Increasing role of the federal government: The federal government played an increasingly active role in the economy during this time period, implementing a number of policies and programs to promote economic growth and stability. These included the , which provided economic aid to Western Europe after World War II, and the creation of the , which facilitated the movement of goods and people across the country.

Key Terms to Review (35)

Anti-Communist Sentiment

: Anti-communist sentiment refers to opposition towards communism, communist political parties, or communist states. This was particularly prevalent during the Cold War era when tensions were high between capitalist western countries and communist eastern bloc countries.

Anti-War Movement

: The Anti-War Movement refers to a group of people who are opposed to a particular war, its conduct or the military in general. It is usually characterized by protests, demonstrations and other forms of public opposition.

Audre Lorde

: Audre Lorde was a prominent African-American poet, feminist, and civil rights activist in the 20th century. She used her writing to address issues of race, gender, and sexuality.

Baby Boom

: The baby boom refers to a significant increase in birth rates following World War II from 1946 to 1964. This generation has had a significant impact on society due to its size.

Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique"

: "The Feminine Mystique" is a book written by Betty Friedan in 1963 that is often credited with sparking the second wave of American feminism. In it, Friedan challenged the widely shared belief in 1950s America that "fulfillment as a woman had only one definition for American women after 1949 - the housewife-mother."

Brown v. Board of Education

: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional, effectively ending racial segregation in public schools.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public.

Civil Rights Movement

: The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for Black Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States.

Cold War

: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.

Counterculture of the 1960s

: The counterculture movement was a social and cultural phenomenon that developed first in the United States before spreading throughout much of western society. It rejected mainstream values, norms, and behaviors, embracing instead alternative lifestyles and political activism.

Equal Pay

: Equal pay refers to the concept that individuals should receive the same amount of pay for performing the same job, regardless of their gender or other demographic characteristics.

Feminist Movement

: The feminist movement, also known as the women's liberation movement, refers to a series of political campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Hippie Movement

: The hippie movement was an anti-establishment cultural phenomenon that developed in the United States and spread throughout much of the western world between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s. It was characterized by communal living, free love, interest in Eastern spirituality, and widespread use of drugs to achieve higher consciousness.

IBM & General Electric

: IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is an American multinational technology company, while General Electric (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate involved in various sectors like aviation, power, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Intersectional Feminism

: Intersectional feminism is the understanding of how women's overlapping identities — including race, class, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation — impact the way they experience oppression and discrimination.

Interstate Highway System

: A network of controlled-access highways that forms part of the National Highway System in the United States. Initiated by Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was designed for both defense and to connect major cities.

Invasion of Cambodia

: The Invasion of Cambodia was a series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia during 1970 by the United States and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) during the Vietnam War.

Marshall Plan

: A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, it aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and make Europe prosperous again.

Martin Luther King Jr.

: A prominent leader of the American civil rights movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial discrimination during the mid-20th century.

Middle Class

: The middle class refers to individuals who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class within a societal hierarchy, typically characterized by moderate to high income levels, personal and professional jobs, home ownership, and higher education.

Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam

: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam was one of largest demonstrations against U.S. involvement in Vietnam held on October 15th, 1969. It involved hundreds of thousands of people participating nationwide through marches, rallies and vigils.

Multinational Corporations

: Multinational corporations are large companies that operate in several countries around the world. They have offices or production facilities in multiple nations and conduct business on a global scale.

National Organization for Women (NOW)

: NOW is an American feminist organization founded in 1966. Its goal is to promote equal rights for all women.

Nuclear Arsenals

: Nuclear arsenals refer to the collection of nuclear weapons that a country possesses. These are weapons of mass destruction that use nuclear reactions to cause an explosion.

Pentagon Papers Case

: The Pentagon Papers Case refers to a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on First Amendment rights. In 1971, The New York Times published classified documents (Pentagon Papers) revealing government deception about the Vietnam War. The government tried to prevent further publication, but the court ruled in favor of press freedom.

Post-World War II Economic Boom

: This refers to a period of strong economic growth experienced by many industrialized countries after World War II until about 1973. It was characterized by increased consumer spending, technological innovation, suburbanization among other factors.

Proxy Wars

: Proxy wars are conflicts instigated by major powers that do not themselves become involved. They were common during the Cold War, where both superpowers would support different sides in regional conflicts to gain influence.

Reproductive Rights

: Reproductive rights are legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health. These include the decision to have children (or not), access to birth control methods and safe abortion services.

Service Sector

: The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes industries that provide services rather than producing goods. Examples include healthcare, education, retail, finance etc.

Sexual Harassment

: Sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive environment.

Soviet Union

: The Soviet Union was a federal socialist state in Northern Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was nominally a union of multiple national Soviet republics; in practice its government and economy were highly centralized.

Suburban Development

: Suburban development refers to the growth and expansion of areas on the outskirts of cities, primarily residential, that occurred after World War II in the United States.

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead

: These are iconic rock bands that emerged in the 1960s and had a significant influence on popular culture and music. They were part of the British Invasion (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones) and American counterculture (The Grateful Dead).

Voting Rights Act of 1965

: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Women's Strike for Equality

: This was a nationwide demonstration held on August 26th, 1970 by NOW. The strike demanded equal opportunities in employment and education, as well as social equality.

8.1 Context: U.S. as a Global Leader

8 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Robby May

Period 8 (1945-1980) is a MASSIVE unit, making up 10-17% of the exam. So while it’s getting towards the end of the school year and you’ve just been about APUSHed off a cliff, don’t give up now! 

The Cold War

Origins

The was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the that lasted from the end of World War II in 1945 until the collapse of the in 1991. It was called the because the two sides never directly engaged in military conflict, but rather engaged in a number of and arms races as they sought to spread their respective ideologies and gain allies around the world.

The origins of the can be traced back to the end of World War II, when the United States and the emerged as the dominant global powers. The two sides had been allies during the war, but they had very different ideologies and visions for the post-war world. The United States promoted democracy and capitalism as the ideal forms of government and economic systems, while the promoted communism as the ideal form of government and economic system.

Wars Fought but Never Won

As the two sides competed for global influence and control, they engaged in a number of and arms races, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and developed large in an effort to deter each other from direct military conflict. The also had a significant impact on domestic politics in the United States, as the fear of communism and the threat of a nuclear attack from the led to the proliferation of and the development of a number of government programs designed to protect the country from external threats.

The world’s two sole superpowers (and nuclear powers), the United States and the USSR, faced off over and over again between 1945 and 1992. Dangerous nuclear threats in Cuba and Latin America popped up due to tensions between communist leaders and the United States. Both nations continued to amp up arms production and entered a race for both arms and space. 

Social Changes within the United States

Inside the country, the US was going through massive changes as well. as a mass population boom occured dubbed the "". The baby boomer generation contained a massive number of young people in the population, leading to a surge in demand for educational resources and an increase in the number of young people entering the workforce. The also had a profound effect on the housing market, as the large number of young families created a need for new homes and outside of urban cities, where at the time a majority of the population lived.

The generation was also known for its rebellious and countercultural tendencies. Many young people in the generation rejected traditional values and authority, leading to a number of significant social and cultural changes, including the , the , the anti-war momvement, and the .

Civil Rights Movement

The was a social movement in the 1950s and 1960s that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and other minority groups. It aimed to fulfill Reconstruction-era promises of equality and freedom for all Americans, not just those who were white. The movement began in the late 1940s and early 1950s with various small protests and legal challenges, but it gained significant momentum in 1954 after the Supreme Court decision in , which declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. This decision, along with other factors such as the emergence of charismatic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and the growing frustration of African Americans with the slow pace of change, led to a wave of protests and civil unrest that became known as the . The movement achieved many notable victories, including the and the , which banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and ensured voting rights for African Americans and other minorities.

Feminist Movement

This time period sparked the second wave of feminism. It was a continuation of the earlier women's suffrage movement, which had secured the right to vote for women in the United States in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

During this time period, feminists in the United States worked to address a wide range of issues, including , domestic violence, , and . The movement also sought to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, such as women being relegated to housewives and homemakers instead of in the workforce and leadership positions in society, and challenges conservatives norms regarding sex and sexuality (i.e. the sexual revolution).

A portion of the movement aimed to shed light to the ways in which women's oppression intersected with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, and classism, otherwise known as . This portion of the movement clashed with white, feminists that had no interest in challenging other forms of minoritization due to wanting to hold on to what little privilege they held in society.

Some of the key events and milestones of the during this time period included the publication of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" in 1963, which is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism, the writings of , who is regarded as the mother of , the passage of the , which included provisions banning sex discrimination in the workplace, the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, and the massive in 1970, which marked the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage and was organized by NOW.

Anti-War Movement

The was a social and political movement that opposed the U.S. government's military actions and policies for the Vietnam War, Korean War, and other world-wide conflicts the US engaged in. It emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s in opposition to the Korean War, and continued through the Vietnam War and beyond.

The was diverse and included people from a variety of political and social backgrounds. It included pacifists, who opposed all forms of violence and war, civil rights activists, who saw the wars as a distraction from the fight for racial justice, and students and youth, who were often drafted to fight in the wars and saw them as a waste of lives and resources.

The took many forms, including protests, sit-ins, and civil disobedience. Some of the most notable events of the movement include the in 1969, which saw hundreds of thousands of people across the country participate in protests, the in 1971, in which the U.S. government's classified documents on the Vietnam War were leaked to the press; and the in 1970, which prompted widespread protests on college campuses across the country.

The ultimately played a significant role in shaping public opinion and policy related to the wars in Vietnam and other conflicts. It contributed to the U.S. government's decision to end its involvement in the Vietnam War and to adopt a more cautious approach to military intervention in the future.

Counterculture of the 1960s

"Counterculture" refers to the social and cultural movement characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and a desire for social and political change.was fueled by a number of factors, including the , the , and the sexual revolution. Norms regarding gender, sexuality, and race were challenged through a critical lens, advocating for equity and an end to societal oppression.. It was also associated with the , which consisted of people who embraced a countercultural lifestyle that rejected materialism, traditional norms, and anything mainstream.

The counterculture movement was also closely tied to the music of the time, with bands like becoming symbols of the movement. The counterculture also had a significant impact on fashion, with tie-dye and other bright colors, frayed denim, and other unconventional styles becoming popular.

Economic Changes within the United States

There were a number of significant economic changes in the United States from 1945-1980. Some of the most notable include:

  1. : After World War II, the United States experienced an unprecedented period of economic growth and prosperity, which became known as the post-war economic boom. This was due in part to the fact that the United States emerged from the war as the world's dominant economic power, with a strong industrial base and a stable political system.

  2. Rise of the : During this time period, the of the economy grew significantly, with more and more people working in service industries such as healthcare, education, and finance.

  3. Rise of the : The post-war economic boom and the growth of the helped to create a large and prosperous in the United States. This was characterized by high levels of education, relatively high incomes, and a high standard of living.

  4. Growth of : In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of large , such as IBM and General Electric, emerged and began to dominate the global economy. These corporations were able to expand their operations and influence through the use of new technologies.

  5. Increasing role of the federal government: The federal government played an increasingly active role in the economy during this time period, implementing a number of policies and programs to promote economic growth and stability. These included the , which provided economic aid to Western Europe after World War II, and the creation of the , which facilitated the movement of goods and people across the country.

Key Terms to Review (35)

Anti-Communist Sentiment

: Anti-communist sentiment refers to opposition towards communism, communist political parties, or communist states. This was particularly prevalent during the Cold War era when tensions were high between capitalist western countries and communist eastern bloc countries.

Anti-War Movement

: The Anti-War Movement refers to a group of people who are opposed to a particular war, its conduct or the military in general. It is usually characterized by protests, demonstrations and other forms of public opposition.

Audre Lorde

: Audre Lorde was a prominent African-American poet, feminist, and civil rights activist in the 20th century. She used her writing to address issues of race, gender, and sexuality.

Baby Boom

: The baby boom refers to a significant increase in birth rates following World War II from 1946 to 1964. This generation has had a significant impact on society due to its size.

Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique"

: "The Feminine Mystique" is a book written by Betty Friedan in 1963 that is often credited with sparking the second wave of American feminism. In it, Friedan challenged the widely shared belief in 1950s America that "fulfillment as a woman had only one definition for American women after 1949 - the housewife-mother."

Brown v. Board of Education

: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional, effectively ending racial segregation in public schools.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public.

Civil Rights Movement

: The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for Black Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States.

Cold War

: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.

Counterculture of the 1960s

: The counterculture movement was a social and cultural phenomenon that developed first in the United States before spreading throughout much of western society. It rejected mainstream values, norms, and behaviors, embracing instead alternative lifestyles and political activism.

Equal Pay

: Equal pay refers to the concept that individuals should receive the same amount of pay for performing the same job, regardless of their gender or other demographic characteristics.

Feminist Movement

: The feminist movement, also known as the women's liberation movement, refers to a series of political campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Hippie Movement

: The hippie movement was an anti-establishment cultural phenomenon that developed in the United States and spread throughout much of the western world between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s. It was characterized by communal living, free love, interest in Eastern spirituality, and widespread use of drugs to achieve higher consciousness.

IBM & General Electric

: IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is an American multinational technology company, while General Electric (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate involved in various sectors like aviation, power, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Intersectional Feminism

: Intersectional feminism is the understanding of how women's overlapping identities — including race, class, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation — impact the way they experience oppression and discrimination.

Interstate Highway System

: A network of controlled-access highways that forms part of the National Highway System in the United States. Initiated by Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was designed for both defense and to connect major cities.

Invasion of Cambodia

: The Invasion of Cambodia was a series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia during 1970 by the United States and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) during the Vietnam War.

Marshall Plan

: A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, it aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and make Europe prosperous again.

Martin Luther King Jr.

: A prominent leader of the American civil rights movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial discrimination during the mid-20th century.

Middle Class

: The middle class refers to individuals who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class within a societal hierarchy, typically characterized by moderate to high income levels, personal and professional jobs, home ownership, and higher education.

Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam

: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam was one of largest demonstrations against U.S. involvement in Vietnam held on October 15th, 1969. It involved hundreds of thousands of people participating nationwide through marches, rallies and vigils.

Multinational Corporations

: Multinational corporations are large companies that operate in several countries around the world. They have offices or production facilities in multiple nations and conduct business on a global scale.

National Organization for Women (NOW)

: NOW is an American feminist organization founded in 1966. Its goal is to promote equal rights for all women.

Nuclear Arsenals

: Nuclear arsenals refer to the collection of nuclear weapons that a country possesses. These are weapons of mass destruction that use nuclear reactions to cause an explosion.

Pentagon Papers Case

: The Pentagon Papers Case refers to a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on First Amendment rights. In 1971, The New York Times published classified documents (Pentagon Papers) revealing government deception about the Vietnam War. The government tried to prevent further publication, but the court ruled in favor of press freedom.

Post-World War II Economic Boom

: This refers to a period of strong economic growth experienced by many industrialized countries after World War II until about 1973. It was characterized by increased consumer spending, technological innovation, suburbanization among other factors.

Proxy Wars

: Proxy wars are conflicts instigated by major powers that do not themselves become involved. They were common during the Cold War, where both superpowers would support different sides in regional conflicts to gain influence.

Reproductive Rights

: Reproductive rights are legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health. These include the decision to have children (or not), access to birth control methods and safe abortion services.

Service Sector

: The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes industries that provide services rather than producing goods. Examples include healthcare, education, retail, finance etc.

Sexual Harassment

: Sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive environment.

Soviet Union

: The Soviet Union was a federal socialist state in Northern Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was nominally a union of multiple national Soviet republics; in practice its government and economy were highly centralized.

Suburban Development

: Suburban development refers to the growth and expansion of areas on the outskirts of cities, primarily residential, that occurred after World War II in the United States.

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead

: These are iconic rock bands that emerged in the 1960s and had a significant influence on popular culture and music. They were part of the British Invasion (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones) and American counterculture (The Grateful Dead).

Voting Rights Act of 1965

: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Women's Strike for Equality

: This was a nationwide demonstration held on August 26th, 1970 by NOW. The strike demanded equal opportunities in employment and education, as well as social equality.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.