Period 8 1945-1952 3/26-27/2025

Question 1

What followed the brief period of economic uncertainty in postwar America?

Answer 1

Unprecedented prosperity

This prosperity was characterized by higher incomes and a significantly improved standard of living.

Question 2

What was the impact of higher incomes in postwar America?

Answer 2

Increased savings accounts and the highest standard of living

The economic growth allowed many families to save more and improve their quality of life.

Question 3

What legislation provided help for veterans after WWII?

Answer 3

G.I. Bill

Officially known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944.

Question 4

How many servicemen returned from war after WWII?

Answer 4

15 million

This significant number of veterans required support for readjustment to civilian life.

Question 5

What was one of the main benefits of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (1944)?

Answer 5

Education and low-interest loans

The act aimed to facilitate the reintegration of veterans into society.

Question 6

How much money was allocated in low-interest, government-backed loans through the G.I. Bill?

Answer 6

Over $16 billion

These loans were primarily used to buy homes and farms.

Question 7

How many veterans attended college as a result of the G.I. Bill?

Answer 7

2 million

This educational opportunity significantly increased the level of education among veterans.

Question 8

What period is known as the Baby Boom?

Answer 8

1945-1960

Approximately 50 million babies were born during this time.

Question 9

What was significant about Levittown, NY?

Answer 9

17,000 mass produced low priced family homes

It symbolizes suburban growth during the post-war era.

Question 10

What social phenomenon is referred to as ‘white flight’?

Answer 10

Middle Class movement to the suburbs

Reflects demographic shifts in urban areas.

Question 11

How did cities change during the post-war period?

Answer 11

Increased poverty and racial division

Urban areas faced significant social challenges.

Question 12

What does the term ‘Sunbelt’ refer to?

Answer 12

States from Florida to California

Known for warmer climates and air conditioning.

Question 13

What was a contributing factor to increased crime in urban areas?

Answer 13

Racial division

This social issue exacerbated challenges in cities.

Question 14

Neat map of post war migration

Answer 14

Question 15

What was the aim of the political change from FDR to Truman?

Answer 15

Attempt to continue New Deal tradition

The shift in political strategy aimed to uphold the principles established during the New Deal era.

Question 16

What economic programs were part of Truman’s agenda?

Answer 16

Œmployment Act of 1946, national health insurance, increase in minimum wage, bill to maintain full employment

These programs were designed to enhance economic stability and improve living standards.

Question 17

What is the role of the Council of Economic Advisors?

Answer 17

Counsel President & Congress on promoting economic welfare nationally

This council was established to provide expert advice on economic policy.

Question 18

What coalition hindered domestic programs set forth by Truman?

Answer 18

Coalition between Republicans and conservative Southern Democrats

This coalition often opposed progressive domestic policies.

Question 19

What was a major civil rights challenge during Truman’s presidency?

Answer 19

Challenge of racial discrimination

Addressing racial discrimination was a significant issue in the post-war era.

Question 20

What was the purpose of the Committee on Civil Rights established in 1946?

Answer 20

To address issues of racial discrimination

This committee aimed to investigate and propose solutions to civil rights violations.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The report ‘To Secure These Rights’ was issued in _______.

Answer 21

October 1947

This report outlined the need for civil rights reforms in the United States.

Question 22

What did Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 achieve?

Answer 22

Desegregated federal gov’t & armed forces

These orders were pivotal in promoting racial equality in government and military.

Question 23

What was the function of the Fair Employment Practices Commission?

Answer 23

To prevent discrimination in employment

This commission aimed to ensure fair hiring practices across the nation.

Question 24

What was the impact of the Election of 1946?

Answer 24

Republican majority in Congress

This election marked a significant shift in political power.

Question 25

What does the 22nd Amendment (1951) establish?

Answer 25

Two-Term Limit ## Footnote This amendment limits the President to two elected terms.

Question 26

What is the Taft-Hartley Act (1947)?

Answer 26

A law that outlawed closed shops and secondary boycotts ## Footnote It also established a presidential 80-day 'cooling off period' before strikes.

Question 27

What are closed shops?

Answer 27

Contracts requiring workers to join a union before being hired ## Footnote Closed shops were outlawed by the Taft-Hartley Act.

Question 28

What are 'right to work' laws?

Answer 28

Laws outlawing union shops which required workers to join a union after being hired ## Footnote These laws were also part of the Taft-Hartley Act.

Question 29

What is a secondary boycott?

Answer 29

Several unions joining a boycott of a striking union ## Footnote The Taft-Hartley Act outlawed secondary boycotts.

Question 30

What is the presidential 'cooling off period' established by the Taft-Hartley Act?

Answer 30

An 80-day waiting period before striking ## Footnote This period is meant to allow for negotiations before a strike occurs.

Question 31

How did Congress respond to the Taft-Hartley Act?

Answer 31

Congress overrode the presidential veto ## Footnote This action demonstrated the division between Republicans and Democrats in the 1950s.

Question 32

What characterized the divide between Republicans and Democrats in the 1950s?

Answer 32

Significant political and legislative disagreements ## Footnote This divide was evident in various labor and economic policies.

Question 33

Who was the Democratic candidate for the Election of 1948?

Answer 33

Harry Truman ## Footnote Truman was seeking his 2nd term as President.

Question 34

What was J. Strom Thurmond's position regarding states' rights?

Answer 34

Wanted more states' rights ## Footnote Thurmond represented the Dixiecrat faction.

Question 35

What political faction did J. Strom Thurmond belong to?

Answer 35

Dixiecrat ## Footnote The Dixiecrats advocated for states' rights.

Question 36

Who was the Republican candidate in the Election of 1948?

Answer 36

Thomas E. Dewey ## Footnote Dewey was noted for being overly confident and unexciting.

Question 37

What was the slogan used by Truman during his campaign?

Answer 37

Give 'em hell, Harry ## Footnote This slogan was part of Truman's national tour.

Question 38

What percentage of the popular vote did Truman receive in the Election of 1948?

Answer 38

50% ## Footnote Truman won with 2 million more votes than his opponent.

Question 39

How many electoral votes did Truman secure in the Election of 1948?

Answer 39

303 Electoral ## Footnote This was a significant victory in the Electoral College.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: The Election of 1948 featured Truman and _______ as the Democratic candidates.

Answer 40

J. Strom Thurmond

Question 41

True or False: Thomas E. Dewey was a charismatic candidate in the Election of 1948.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote Dewey was described as overly confident and unexciting.

Question 42

What was the name of the set of proposals put forward by President Truman?

Answer 42

The Fair Deal ## Footnote The Fair Deal included various social and economic reforms aimed at improving the welfare of Americans.

Question 43

What was the outcome of most bills proposed in the Fair Deal?

Answer 43

Most bills defeated in Congress ## Footnote Only the minimum wage increase and Social Security expansion were successful.

Question 44

What were two reasons for the failure of the Fair Deal proposals?

Answer 44

* Truman's political conflict with Congress since congress was republican * Pressing foreign policy concerns with the Cold War ## Footnote These factors hindered Truman's ability to pass his domestic agenda.

Question 45

What was proposed in the fair deal

Answer 45

National health care, federal aid to education, civil rights legislation, public housing, farming programs, minimum wage increase (0.48 -> 0.75 cents per hour), expand social security

Question 46

What event is referred to as the Bolshevik Revolution?

Answer 46

Bolshevik Revolution (1919) ## Footnote A significant event that led to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Question 47

What was the first Red Scare?

Answer 47

A period of fear regarding the threat of communism and the Soviet Union to capitalism and liberty.

Question 48

When did the U.S. officially recognize the Soviet Union?

Answer 48

Official Recognition (1933) ## Footnote This recognition was made despite FDR's distrust of the Soviets.

Question 49

What was the Non-aggression Pact of 1939?

Answer 49

An agreement to split Europe with Germany.

Question 50

What was the nature of the alliance between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during World War II?

Answer 50

Alliance based on convenience not mutual trust.

Question 51

What was a significant postwar cooperation effort between the U.S. and the Soviet Union?

Answer 51

The establishment of the United Nations.

Question 52

What was the purpose of the Atomic Energy Commission?

Answer 52

To regulate nuclear energy.

Question 53

What was the Baruch Plan?

Answer 53

A proposal for the regulation of nuclear energy and elimination of atomic weapons.

Question 54

What was the USSR's response to the Baruch Plan?

Answer 54

Rejection of the Baruch Plan.

Question 55

What was the World Bank's goal as established at Bretton Woods in 1944?

Answer 55

To fund the rebuilding of war-torn Europe.

Question 56

How did the USSR view the World Bank?

Answer 56

As an instrument of capitalism.

Question 57

What was the significance of the Nuremberg Trials (1945-46)?

Answer 57

Cooperation in the trial of 22 Nazi leaders for war crimes and violations of human rights.

Question 58

What are the satellite states in Eastern Europe?

Answer 58

Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia ## Footnote These countries were established as satellite states under Soviet influence post-World War II.

Question 59

What was the need for buffer states after World War II?

Answer 59

To protect against a possible attack of a Hitler-like invasion from the West ## Footnote Buffer states were seen as a strategic defense against potential invasions.

Question 60

How did the West view the establishment of satellite states?

Answer 60

As a violation of self-determination and open markets ## Footnote The West believed that these actions undermined democratic principles.

Question 61

What were the occupation zones in Germany?

Answer 61

Soviet Sector and others divided among Allies ## Footnote Germany was divided into zones controlled by the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union.

Question 62

What was formed in the Soviet sector of Germany?

Answer 62

German Democratic Republic ## Footnote This was established as a socialist state under Soviet influence in 1949.

Question 63

What does the term 'Iron Curtain' refer to?

Answer 63

A call for stand against Communism ## Footnote This metaphor was famously used by Winston Churchill to describe the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries.

Question 64

Who called for a stand against Communism in 1946?

Answer 64

Winston Churchill ## Footnote Churchill's speech in Missouri is credited with popularizing the term 'Iron Curtain'.