Domestic affairs Flashcards
(9 cards)
What was the Scopes Trial?
The Scopes Trial (1925) What/When: Tennessee court case over the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Context: High school teacher John Scopes was prosecuted for violating a state ban on evolution; defended by Clarence Darrow, opposed by William Jennings Bryan.
Significance: Became a national spectacle symbolizing the clash between science and religion, modernity and tradition.
What was the Saturday Night Massacre?
The Saturday Night Massacre (1973) What/When: refers to a series of resignations and firings within the Justice Department during the Watergate scandal in 1973 specifically Nixon’s firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the Watergate investigation.
Context: Occurred when Cox subpoenaed White House tapes. Nixon ordered the Attorney General to fire him; multiple officials resigned instead.
Significance: Triggered a constitutional crisis and deepened the Watergate scandal. Major turning point leading toward Nixon’s resignation.
What were the Pentagon Papers ?
The Pentagon Papers (Published 1971) What/When: Classified government documents leaked by Daniel Ellsberg, revealing government deception in the Vietnam War.
Context: Showed that multiple administrations misled the public about U.S. progress and intentions in Vietnam.
Significance: Deepened distrust in government and fueled antiwar sentiment. A milestone in press freedom and whistleblower history.
What was the Bonus Army?
The Bonus Army (1932) What/When: WWI veterans who marched on Washington demanding early payment of promised bonuses.
Context: Occurred during the Great Depression under President Hoover. Protesters were forcibly removed by the U.S. Army.
Significance: Symbol of government indifference to suffering; deepened public anger at Hoover and helped elect FDR.
Who was Kenneth Star?
Kenneth Starr (1990s) What/When: Independent counsel who led the investigation into President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
Context: Initially investigated the Whitewater scandal but later focused on Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky, leading to impeachment.
Significance: Symbol of partisan legal battles and the rise of scandal-based politics. His investigation helped erode public trust in the presidency.
What was CREEP ?
The Committee to Re-Elect the President What/When: Nixon’s campaign organization involved in Watergate.
Context: Funded and carried out illegal activities, including the break-in at the Democratic headquarters.
Significance: Central to the Watergate scandal. Symbolized political corruption and helped bring down Nixon.
Who was Joseph McCarthy?
Joseph McCarthy (1950’s )
What/When: U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who led anti-Communist witch hunts in the early 1950s.
Context: Rose to fame during the Second Red Scare by claiming to have lists of communists in government.
Significance: His tactics created a climate of fear and repression. “McCarthyism” became a symbol of reckless, unsubstantiated accusations and attacks on civil liberties.
Who was Huey Long?
Huey Long (1934) What/When: Populist Louisiana governor and senator known for his “Share Our Wealth” program during the Great Depression.
Context: Criticized the New Deal as too moderate and called for wealth redistribution. Assassinated in 1935.
Significance: Represented radical alternatives to Roosevelt’s New Deal and reflected mass discontent with inequality.
