1950's Flashcards
(18 cards)
Who was President of the U.S. for most of the 1950s and what was his political affiliation?
Dwight D. Eisenhower; Republican.
What global conflict characterized U.S. foreign policy during the 1950s?
The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
What war occurred in the early 1950s as a result of Cold War tensions?
The Korean War (1950–1953).
How was Korea divided after World War II and still remains today?
North Korea (communist) and South Korea (democratic/capitalist)
What was the U.S. strategy for dealing with the spread of communism?
Containment—stopping the spread of communism around the world.
Who led a series of investigations accusing Americans of being communists in the 1950s?
Senator Joseph McCarthy (McCarthyism).
What is the 22nd Amendment
It limits the president to two terms
Who was Earl Warren and why is he significant?
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; known for civil rights decisions like Brown v. Board of Education.
Who was Orval Faubus and what role did he play in the civil rights movement?
Governor of Arkansas; resisted integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
Who became a cultural icon and helped popularize rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s?
Elvis Presley.
What genre of music emerged as a dominant force in 1950s youth culture?
Rock ‘n’ roll.
What was the significance of Sweatt v. Painter (1950)?
It challenged racial segregation in graduate schools and paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education.
What was Sputnik and why did it matter to Americans?
The first satellite launched into space by the USSR (1957); started the Space Race.
How did television impact American culture in the 1950s?
Became the main source of entertainment and news, influencing politics and lifestyle.
What was the Civil Rights Act of 1957?
The first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction; aimed to protect voting rights.
Who was Rosa Parks and what did she do in 1955?
Civil rights activist who refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, sparking the bus boycott.
What was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)?
A congressional committee that investigated alleged communist influence, especially in Hollywood.
Who were the Hollywood Ten?
A group of writers and directors who refused to testify before HUAC and were blacklisted.
