Overview:

Question 1

What superpower status did the USA achieve after World War II?

Answer 1

The USA emerged as a global superpower after intervening in Europe and defeating Nazism and Japan.

Question 2

What was the American public’s sentiment after World War II regarding soldiers?

Answer 2

There was a great demand to ‘bring the boys home’.

Question 3

What was the US military strength by 1948 compared to the end of the war?

Answer 3

It dropped from 12 million to only 1.5 million.

Question 4

What problems did returning soldiers face after World War II?

Answer 4

Readjustment issues, soaring divorce rates, and drastic housing shortages.

Question 5

How did defense spending change from 1945 to 1946?

Answer 5

It plummeted from $76 billion to under $20 billion.

Question 6

What economic trend began in 1946 despite post-war issues?

Answer 6

An economic boom; US economic output increased from $200 billion to $318 billion by 1950.

Question 7

What was the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 also known as?

Answer 7

The ‘GI Bill of Rights’.

Question 8

How many veterans attended college under the GI Bill of Rights?

Answer 8

2.3 million veterans.

Question 9

What was a significant economic impact of the GI Bill of Rights?

Answer 9

It helped veterans return to education, buy homes, and finance new businesses.

Question 10

What was the role of the US president?

Answer 10

The US president was the executive whose policies needed Congress approval.

Question 11

Which political parties were prominent in the post-war era?

Answer 11

Democrats and Republicans.

Question 12

What characterized the Democrats during the post-war period?

Answer 12

They were more liberal and favored reform, especially civil rights.

Question 13

What was the stance of Southern Democrats?

Answer 13

They opposed civil rights and were a barrier to change.

Question 14

How did the North and South differ in terms of industry and civil rights?

Answer 14

The North was industrial and favored civil rights; the South was conservative and mostly agricultural.

Question 15

What significant action did Truman take regarding the armed forces?

Answer 15

He desegregated the armed forces in 1948.

Question 16

What was the significance of the Yalta Conference in February 1945?

Answer 16

It decided the fate of Germany post-war and included agreements on occupation.

Question 17

What was Truman’s approach to Stalin after Roosevelt’s death?

Answer 17

He adopted a much tougher line with Stalin.

Question 18

What was the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 18

An implicit warning to Stalin not to interfere in other European countries.

Question 19

What was the purpose of Marshall Aid?

Answer 19

To help European nations recover and to influence countries in the Soviet bloc.

Question 20

What was the Soviet response to Marshall Aid?

Answer 20

The Soviet attitude was negative and they set up COMINFORM and COMECON.

Question 21

What was Bizonia?

Answer 21

An economic union between the USA and Britain established in January 1947.

Question 22

What triggered the Berlin Blockade?

Answer 22

Stalin’s anger over the establishment of the Deutschmark and the creation of Trizonia.

Question 23

What was the Berlin Airlift?

Answer 23

An operation to supply West Berlin with food and fuel via air due to the blockade.

Question 24

What was NATO?

Answer 24

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, established in 1949.

Question 25

What was the significance of NATO's creation?

Answer 25

It marked a military alliance among Western countries against potential Eastern attacks.

Question 26

What led to the establishment of the German Democratic Republic?

Answer 26

The creation of the Federal Republic of Germany from the Western zones.

Question 27

What was the outcome of the Korean War's background?

Answer 27

Korea was divided into two zones along the 38th Parallel after Japanese occupation.

Question 28

Who became the president of South Korea in 1948?

Answer 28

Syngman Rhee.

Question 29

What event marked the start of the Korean War?

Answer 29

North Korean troops invaded South Korea in June 1950.

Question 30

What were the two historical perspectives on Kim II Sung's invasion?

Answer 30

* Encouraged by Stalin to spread communism * Cautious of escalating conflict with the USA

Question 31

What were the two schools of thought regarding Kim II Sung's invasion of South Korea?

Answer 31

1. Encouraged by Stalin to spread communism and test Truman's policy of containment. 2. Kim II Sung's own idea influenced by Dean Acheson's statement excluding Korea from US defense plans. ## Footnote Acheson's omission may have signaled a lack of US commitment to Korea, encouraging Kim's actions.

Question 32

What principle did the USA invoke to justify its intervention in Korea?

Answer 32

The principle of deterring aggression. ## Footnote The USA viewed North Korea's invasion as a breach of peace and acted through the UN Security Council to justify its military response.

Question 33

Why did Truman insist on using the UN for intervention in Korea?

Answer 33

To gain support from allies and avoid the mistakes of the League of Nations in the 1930s. ## Footnote Truman aimed to uphold democracy and peace against aggression despite the questionable democratic nature of Syngman Rhee's regime.

Question 34

What was the 'Domino Theory'?

Answer 34

The idea that if one Asian state became communist, others would follow. ## Footnote This theory was articulated by Truman, reflecting fears about the spread of communism in Asia.

Question 35

What significant economic act did Truman sign in 1944 to aid veterans?

Answer 35

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill of Rights. ## Footnote This Act provided financial support for education and housing for returning veterans, stimulating post-war economic growth.

Question 36

What was the main economic problem facing post-war America?

Answer 36

Inflation due to consumer demand outstripping supply. ## Footnote This led to price increases and worker strikes as wages failed to keep up with rising costs.

Question 37

What was the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947?

Answer 37

A law that barred 'the closed shop' and allowed the President to intervene in strikes threatening national security. ## Footnote This Act aimed to limit the power of labor unions and was controversial among workers and labor leaders.

Question 38

What was the purpose of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)?

Answer 38

To investigate and expose Communist influence in American life. ## Footnote HUAC conducted hearings that targeted various sectors, including government, entertainment, and labor unions.

Question 39

What did Executive Order 9835 establish?

Answer 39

Loyalty checks for all government workers. ## Footnote This order allowed for investigations into employees' associations and beliefs, often without due process.

Question 40

Who was Alger Hiss and why was he significant?

Answer 40

A former State Department official accused of espionage and convicted of perjury. ## Footnote His case heightened fears of Communist infiltration in the US government during the Red Scare.

Question 41

What was McCarthyism?

Answer 41

A campaign led by Senator Joseph McCarthy accusing individuals of being Communists without substantial evidence. ## Footnote McCarthy's tactics created a climate of fear and suspicion during the Cold War, impacting many lives and careers.

Question 42

What was the outcome of the Rosenberg trial?

Answer 42

Ethel and John Rosenberg were convicted of espionage and executed. ## Footnote Their trial and execution were controversial and seen by some as politically motivated, highlighting anti-Communist hysteria.

Question 43

What event led to the belief that the US was losing the Cold War?

Answer 43

The Soviet Union's successful atomic bomb test in 1949. ## Footnote This event shocked the US and contributed to fears of Soviet expansion and the effectiveness of US containment policies.

Question 44

Fill in the blank: The _______ Act of 1950 required organizations deemed Communist to register with the Department of Justice.

Answer 44

McCarran Internal Security ## Footnote This Act was part of the broader anti-Communist legislation during the Red Scare.

Question 45

What was Truman's approach to civil rights during his presidency?

Answer 45

He recognized the need for civil rights and established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights in 1946. ## Footnote Truman's commitment to civil rights was significant during a time of racial segregation and discrimination in the US.

Question 46

True or False: Truman was re-elected in 1952.

Answer 46

False. ## Footnote Truman chose not to seek re-election in 1952 after serving from 1945 to 1953.

Question 47

What did the Employment Act of 1946 aim to achieve?

Answer 47

To assure economic growth and established The President’s Council of Economic Advisers. ## Footnote While it aimed for economic stability, Congress removed the goal of full employment from the Bill.

Question 48

What did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 maintain?

Answer 48

Discriminatory quotas based on national origins ## Footnote This act was passed despite a presidential veto.

Question 49

What was a significant public sentiment during the 1952 presidential election?

Answer 49

Apprehension about the loyalty of government employees and frustration over the Korean War stalemate ## Footnote This contributed to the low support for the Democratic Party.

Question 50

What impact did Truman's wage and price freeze have during the 1952 election?

Answer 50

Resentment against Truman grew ## Footnote This was a consequence of the ongoing Korean War.

Question 51

What was the outcome of the 1952 presidential election?

Answer 51

Republicans gained a major victory, and Democratic hopes sank to their lowest level since the 1920s ## Footnote This election was marked by significant public dissatisfaction.

Question 52

How did Eisenhower feel about McCarthy?

Answer 52

Eisenhower disliked McCarthy intensely but was reluctant to confront him ## Footnote He was wary of McCarthy's influence.

Question 53

What strategy did Richard Nixon use during the 1952 campaign?

Answer 53

Portrayed Democrats as liberals and pro-Communist ## Footnote Nixon utilized McCarthy's ideas in his campaign.

Question 54

What accusation did McCarthy make against the army in 1954?

Answer 54

Harbouring Communist spies ## Footnote This led to significant public hearings.

Question 55

What was the outcome of the Army-McCarthy Senate hearings?

Answer 55

McCarthy conveyed a poor impression to the American people ## Footnote His demeanor and behavior during the hearings were negatively received.

Question 56

What did the Committee Chairman officially do to McCarthy in December 1954?

Answer 56

Officially rebuked him for endless interruptions and contempt ## Footnote This marked a significant fall from grace for McCarthy.

Question 57

What environment did McCarthy and his allies help create in post-war America?

Answer 57

An environment where liberals and those with perceived Communist sympathies were seen as a threat ## Footnote This atmosphere led to widespread suspicion and fear.

Question 58

How did African-Americans initially respond to the outbreak of World War II?

Answer 58

Many were supportive of the war ## Footnote They recognized the hypocrisy of fighting for liberty while facing discrimination.

Question 59

What change occurred regarding African-American enlistment during World War II?

Answer 59

Blacks were allowed to enlist in the Navy and Air Force for the first time ## Footnote This marked progress compared to World War I.

Question 60

What was the status of battalions by the end of World War II?

Answer 60

Mixed battalions existed due to difficulties maintaining segregation ## Footnote However, these mixed units did not survive into peacetime.

Question 61

What significant event did A. Philip Randolph call for in 1941?

Answer 61

A March on Washington ## Footnote This aimed to publicize discrimination experienced by black Americans.

Question 62

What was Roosevelt's response to Randolph's call for a March on Washington?

Answer 62

Issued Executive Order 8802 ## Footnote This order prohibited discrimination in defense and federal employment.

Question 63

What was the purpose of the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC)?

Answer 63

To enforce Executive Order 8802 ## Footnote Its practical impact was limited, but it was significant as the first presidential directive on race since Reconstruction.