A-Level History (AQA) > 2Q The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980 > Flashcards

2Q The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980 Flashcards

Evaluate social, economic and political developments shaping modern American society. (135 cards)

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1
Q

What was one major source of American strength in 1945?

A

The USA emerged from the Second World War richer and less physically damaged than other major powers.

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2
Q

What was the position of the US presidency in 1945?

A

The presidency had gained prestige and influence through wartime leadership and federal expansion.

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3
Q

Which two parties dominated American politics after 1945?

A

Democrats and Republicans

The two-party system remained central, though both parties contained ideological divisions.

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4
Q

What was one important legacy of the Second World War for the US economy?

A

Post-war prosperity - industrial strength, consumer demand and technological growth supported expansion.

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5
Q

What major divisions still existed in the United States after 1945?

A

Regional, ethnic and social inequalities

Prosperity was real, but it was unevenly shared across different groups and regions.

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6
Q

How was the USA different from much of Europe in 1945?

A

The continental USA had avoided the devastation suffered by many wartime allies and enemies.

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7
Q

Why could the USA claim superpower status after 1945?

A

It possessed unmatched industrial capacity and a leading role in world affairs.

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8
Q

What was one key feature of Truman’s character as President?

A

Blunt decisiveness

Truman projected directness and a willingness to take responsibility for difficult decisions.

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9
Q

Which President led the USA from 1945 to 1953?

A

Truman

Harry S Truman took office after Roosevelt’s death in April 1945.

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10
Q

What was the main aim of US containment policy?

A

Containment sought to limit Soviet and communist expansion rather than roll it back directly.

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11
Q

How did the Cold War shape American foreign policy after 1945?

A

The USA increasingly judged crises in terms of communist threat and strategic rivalry.

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12
Q

True or False:

Containment meant the USA would avoid involvement in Asia.

A

False

The policy was applied in both Europe and Asia as Cold War tensions spread globally.

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13
Q

What was Truman’s broad approach to post-war peace making?

A

The USA took a leading role in shaping the post-war order and resisting Soviet influence.

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14
Q

Why did the rise of Communism in Asia alarm the USA?

A

American leaders worried that one communist victory might encourage others.

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15
Q

What was one major domestic challenge for Truman after the war?

A

The government had to manage the shift from wartime production to civilian output.

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16
Q

What does reconversion mean in the post-war US context?

A

Wartime controls and production priorities had to be adapted for civilian needs.

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17
Q

What happened to the American economy in the early post-war years overall?

A

Although there were tensions and strikes, long-term prosperity continued.

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18
Q

What sort of political difficulties did Truman face at home?

A

He faced opposition from Republicans and tensions within American domestic politics.

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19
Q

What was McCarthyism?

A

It involved exaggerated accusations and investigations into alleged communist influence.

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20
Q

Why did McCarthyism gain support in the late 1940s and early 1950s?

A

Cold War tension and anxiety about loyalty made accusations politically powerful.

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21
Q

How did the Second World War affect African-Americans?

A

Raised expectations of change

Wartime service and migration strengthened demands for fuller citizenship and equality.

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22
Q

What happened to many African-Americans during the Second World War in terms of location?

A

Migration increased

Many moved to northern and western cities in search of work and opportunity.

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23
Q

What broad goal did post-war Civil Rights campaigns seek?

A

Legal and social equality

Activists challenged segregation, discrimination and exclusion from full citizenship.

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24
Q

How did federal authorities sometimes respond to African-American demands under Truman?

A

Limited support for reform

The federal government became somewhat more willing to address civil rights issues.

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25
How did many southern state authorities respond to **Civil Rights** demands after **1945**?
Resistance ## Footnote Southern governments often defended segregation and racial hierarchy.
26
# True or False: **African-Americans** enjoyed equal treatment across North and South by **1952**.
False ## Footnote Discrimination remained severe, especially in the South but also in northern cities.
27
Which **Republican** won the presidency in **1952**?
Eisenhower ## Footnote Dwight D Eisenhower brought personal popularity and wartime prestige to office.
28
What phrase described **Eisenhower's** domestic political **outlook**?
He combined **moderation** with support for **business** and limited reform.
29
What was one key feature of **Eisenhower's** **personality** as President?
Reassuring moderation ## Footnote He appeared calm, steady and above partisan conflict.
30
Who served as **Eisenhower's** **Vice-President**?
Nixon ## Footnote Richard Nixon became an important national Republican figure in the 1950s.
31
What happened to **McCarthyism** during **Eisenhower's** presidency?
**McCarthy** lost influence and credibility as opposition to his methods grew.
32
Why did **McCarthyism** weaken by the mid-**1950s**?
Public backlash ## Footnote McCarthy's aggressive methods increasingly alarmed politicians, institutions and viewers.
33
What happened to the American **economy** in the **1950s**?
Sustained growth ## Footnote Expansion in output, wages and consumer spending defined much of the decade.
34
What is meant by the **consumer society** of the **1950s**?
Mass buying of goods ## Footnote More Americans could afford cars, televisions and household appliances.
35
# Fill in the blank: The prosperity of the **1950s** helped create a mass _\_\_\_\_ society.
consumer ## Footnote Spending on homes, leisure and domestic goods became a defining feature of the period.
36
What effect did **prosperity** have on many American families in the **1950s**?
Suburban **housing**, consumer goods and **leisure** expanded for many, though not all.
37
Did all Americans benefit equally from **1950s prosperity**?
No ## Footnote Poverty and inequality persisted, especially across racial and regional lines.
38
How did the **Cold War** continue under **Eisenhower**?
Ongoing **superpower rivalry** ## Footnote Competition with the USSR shaped foreign policy in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
39
How did the **USA** react to developments in **Eastern Europe** under **Eisenhower**?
Cautious opposition ## Footnote It condemned communist control but avoided direct military confrontation with the USSR.
40
Why did events in **Asia** remain important to US foreign policy in the **1950s**?
Fear of **communist expansion** ## Footnote American leaders saw Asian conflicts as part of the wider Cold War struggle.
41
Why did the **Middle East** matter to the **USA** in the **Eisenhower** years?
Strategic and **anti-communist concerns** ## Footnote The region mattered for influence, security and limiting Soviet reach.
42
What happened to the **Civil Rights Movement** in the **1950s**?
**Activism** became more organised, visible and nationally significant.
43
How did the main political **parties** approach civil rights in the **1950s**?
Both parties contained **supporters** and **opponents**, making national action difficult.
44
How did state authorities in the South often respond to **civil rights activism**?
Obstruction ## Footnote Southern states used legal, political and sometimes violent means to resist change.
45
How did federal authorities increasingly respond to **civil rights** in the **1950s**?
* **Supreme Court** ended school segregation (Brown v. Board, 1954) * Federal **troops** enforced integration orders (Little Rock crisis, 1957) * **Presidents** backed limited desegregation measures (e.g., federal facilities, military bases) ## Footnote The federal government became more willing to challenge segregation in some cases.
46
# True or False: **Eisenhower's** years saw the complete end of racial segregation in the South.
False ## Footnote Segregation remained deeply entrenched despite important federal actions and activism.
47
Which **election** brought **John F Kennedy** to the presidency?
1960 election ## Footnote Kennedy narrowly defeated Nixon in a closely fought contest.
48
What was one reason for **Kennedy's** **victory** in **1960**?
Strong public image ## Footnote Kennedy projected youth, energy and confidence in contrast to the Republicans.
49
What was the **New Frontier**?
**Kennedy's** reform vision ## Footnote It expressed ambitions for domestic reform and renewed American purpose.
50
# Fill in the blank: **Kennedy** described his programme and outlook as the 'New _\_\_\_\_'.
Frontier ## Footnote The phrase suggested energy, modernity and national renewal.
51
What was one characteristic of the **Kennedy administration**?
Youthful dynamism ## Footnote Kennedy surrounded himself with advisers who projected energy and expertise.
52
What continuing European **problem** challenged **Kennedy** early in office?
Berlin crisis ## Footnote Tensions with Khrushchev over Berlin remained a serious Cold War issue.
53
Which Soviet **leader** was **Kennedy's** main rival during early **1960s** superpower tensions?
Khrushchev ## Footnote Their relationship was central to Cold War diplomacy and crisis.
54
Which Caribbean **state** posed a major **Cold War** challenge to the **USA** under **Kennedy**?
Cuba ## Footnote Castro's revolution created a communist-aligned state close to the US mainland.
55
Why was **Castro's Cuba** such a serious concern for the **USA**?
Communist presence nearby ## Footnote It symbolised a strategic and ideological challenge in the Western Hemisphere.
56
What happened to US involvement in **Vietnam** under **Kennedy**?
It deepened ## Footnote The USA increased support and commitment without launching full-scale war yet.
57
# True or False: **Kennedy** completely withdrew the **USA** from **Vietnam**.
False ## Footnote American involvement increased during his presidency.
58
What happened to the **Civil Rights Movement** between **1960** and **1963**?
Pressure for **change** intensified ## Footnote Protest, media attention and grassroots activism made civil rights a central national issue.
59
Who were some of the opponents of **Civil Rights** during **Kennedy's** presidency?
Segregationists ## Footnote Resistance came especially from southern whites, including some Democrats.
60
Why was the **Democratic Party** divided over civil rights in the early **1960s**?
Many southern **Democrats** resisted federal **civil rights** action.
61
How did **Kennedy** initially respond to **civil rights pressure**?
Cautious approach ## Footnote He moved carefully at first, balancing reform against political risks.
62
How did **Kennedy's** response to **civil rights** change by **1963**?
Became more supportive ## Footnote Mounting protest and violence pushed the administration towards stronger action.
63
What was one sign of **America's** **world power** by **1963**?
Global **Cold War leadership** ## Footnote The USA remained the leading Western power with worldwide commitments and influence.
64
What was one domestic **strength** of the **United States** by **1963**?
Economic **growth** remained a major feature of post-war **America**.
65
Which groups increasingly pressed for **social change** by **1963** besides **African-Americans**?
Women and youth ## Footnote New expectations and activism were beginning to challenge older assumptions.
66
What was one growing source of pressure from **women** by **1963**?
Expectations around **work**, education and **social roles** were beginning to shift more visibly.
67
Why were **young people** becoming a more important force in **America** by **1963**?
Expanding **activism** and **culture** ## Footnote Rising education levels and generational change helped create new pressures for reform.
68
Who became **President** after **Kennedy's assassination** in **1963**?
Johnson ## Footnote Lyndon B Johnson inherited the presidency and quickly sought to push through major reform.
69
What was one key feature of **Johnson's** **personality** as President?
Forceful persuasion ## Footnote Johnson was famous for his personal pressure, political skill and commanding style.
70
What name was given to **Johnson's** ambitious domestic reform **programme**?
Great Society ## Footnote It aimed to reduce poverty, improve opportunity and expand welfare provision.
71
# Fill in the blank: **Johnson's** broad domestic reform vision was called the Great _\_\_\_\_.
Society ## Footnote It built on liberal reform and sought to tackle poverty, inequality and social need.
72
What did the **Kennedy legacy** mean for **Johnson** politically?
**Johnson** used sympathy after **Kennedy's death** to help advance legislation.
73
What was one major domestic aim of the **Great Society**?
**Johnson** wanted the federal government to play a larger role in improving **social conditions**.
74
What happened to the US **economy** during much of **Johnson's** presidency?
Continued growth ## Footnote Prosperity persisted, though the costs of war and reform later created strains.
75
What major **foreign policy** decision shaped **Johnson's** presidency most strongly?
**Johnson** greatly increased American military involvement in the **war**.
76
Why did **Johnson** escalate the war in **Vietnam**?
Contain communism ## Footnote He feared the political consequences of seeming weak in the Cold War.
77
# True or False: **Johnson** reduced American involvement in **Vietnam** from the start of his presidency.
False ## Footnote He widened the war substantially and committed many more US troops.
78
How did the **Vietnam War** affect relations with some **Western allies**?
Not all **allies** supported American policy, and the war damaged **US prestige**.
79
What happened to the **Civil Rights Movement** under **Johnson**?
It advanced rapidly ## Footnote Major legal change occurred, though protest and racial tension also intensified.
80
What was **Johnson's** role in **civil rights reform**?
Key legislative support ## Footnote He used presidential influence and political skill to help pass major laws.
81
What was one major effect of civil rights change in the later **1960s**?
Legal **gains** did not end poverty, discrimination or anger in many **cities**.
82
Why did **urban riots** occur in the **1960s**?
Frustration and inequality ## Footnote Many African-Americans faced poor housing, discrimination and police tension despite reform.
83
# Fill in the blank: Civil rights gains in law were followed in some cities by urban _\_\_\_\_.
riots ## Footnote These disturbances reflected anger at continuing inequality and exclusion.
84
How did the **Civil Rights Movement** change between the early and later **1960s**?
Became more diverse ## Footnote Alongside non-violent protest, more militant and radical voices gained influence.
85
What broader issue helped fuel **protest** among students and young people in the **1960s**?
Dissatisfaction with authority ## Footnote Education, war and social values all became flashpoints for protest.
86
What was **second-wave feminism**?
It challenged **inequality** in work, education, law and everyday life.
87
What does the **radicalisation** of **African-Americans** mean in the later **1960s**?
Shift towards militancy ## Footnote Some activists moved beyond integrationism towards black power and self-defence.
88
# True or False: All **African-American** activists in the late **1960s** supported identical **aims and methods**.
False ## Footnote The movement included moderate, non-violent, nationalist and revolutionary strands.
89
Why did **anti-war movements** grow under **Johnson**?
Vietnam opposition ## Footnote Casualties, conscription and media coverage increased public criticism.
90
How did the **media** shape protest movements in the **1960s**?
**Television** brought war, racism and unrest directly into American homes.
91
Which **party** won the presidency in **1968**?
Republican Party ## Footnote Richard Nixon won after a deeply divided and turbulent election year.
92
What was one major reason for **Nixon's** **victory** in **1968**?
Democratic divisions ## Footnote The Democrats were split by Vietnam, protest and internal conflict.
93
What was one central theme of **Nixon's** political **appeal**?
Law and order ## Footnote He appealed to voters anxious about unrest, crime and protest.
94
# Fill in the blank: **Nixon** appealed to many voters by promising 'law and _\_\_\_\_'.
order ## Footnote The slogan reflected conservative reaction against protest and social disorder.
95
What was one key feature of **Nixon's presidency**?
Conservative reaction ## Footnote He responded to social unrest with a more traditional and disciplined political message.
96
How did **Nixon** react to **protest movements** and social change?
Sought to contain them ## Footnote He appealed to the so-called silent majority against radical activism.
97
What happened to the American **economy** in the **Nixon** years?
Post-war **boom** weakened ## Footnote Inflation, slower growth and instability challenged earlier confidence.
98
What does the end of the **post-war boom** mean?
Slowing prosperity ## Footnote The long era of easy growth gave way to inflation and economic uncertainty.
99
Did **Nixon** end the **Vietnam War** quickly?
No ## Footnote He pursued negotiations but also continued and widened the conflict for a time.
100
# True or False: **Nixon** immediately brought full **peace** to **Vietnam** in **1969**.
False ## Footnote The war continued, including expansion into Cambodia, before final withdrawal.
101
Which neighbouring **country** was drawn more deeply into conflict under **Nixon**?
Cambodia ## Footnote American policy widened the war and increased controversy at home and abroad.
102
Which **adviser** became highly influential in **Nixon's** foreign policy?
Kissinger ## Footnote Henry Kissinger shaped policy towards Vietnam, the USSR, China and beyond.
103
How did **Kissinger** influence US policy towards the **USSR**?
He supported a less confrontational **approach** while still pursuing **US advantage**.
104
How did **Nixon** and **Kissinger** change relations with **China**?
Improved relations ## Footnote The USA moved towards rapprochement with Communist China for strategic reasons.
105
How did the **Nixon administration** act towards **Latin America**?
Interventionist realism ## Footnote Policy remained shaped by anti-communism and strategic calculation.
106
What was **Watergate**?
Political scandal ## Footnote It began with a break-in and developed into a major abuse-of-power crisis.
107
# Fill in the blank: The scandal that destroyed **Nixon's** presidency was _\_\_\_\_.
Watergate ## Footnote It revealed criminality, cover-up and abuse inside the administration.
108
What role did **Congress** play in the **Watergate** affair?
Investigated the President ## Footnote Congressional scrutiny helped expose wrongdoing and defend constitutional checks.
109
What happened to **Nixon** in **1974**?
Resigned ## Footnote He stepped down before he could be removed from office.
110
# True or False: **Nixon** was removed from office by a successful **impeachment** vote in **Congress**.
False ## Footnote He resigned before impeachment and removal were completed.
111
What was one major effect of **Watergate** on American politics?
Distrust of government ## Footnote The scandal deepened cynicism about political leadership and honesty.
112
What was **Nixon's** political **legacy**?
Mixed and damaged ## Footnote He reshaped politics and diplomacy, but Watergate overshadowed his achievements.
113
Which **President** succeeded **Nixon** in **1974**?
Ford ## Footnote Gerald Ford inherited a divided country and a crisis of confidence.
114
What challenge did **Ford** face in **domestic politics**?
National disillusionment ## Footnote Watergate and Vietnam had badly damaged trust in leadership.
115
Which **Democrat** became President in **1977**?
Carter ## Footnote Jimmy Carter presented himself as an outsider promising honesty and renewal.
116
What was one theme of **Carter's** presidency at **home**?
Moral reform ## Footnote He tried to restore trust and ethical leadership after the Nixon years.
117
How did **Ford** and **Carter** respond to **social divisions**?
With limited success ## Footnote Deep tensions over race, economics and culture proved hard to resolve.
118
What happened to American national **self-confidence** in the **1970s**?
It declined ## Footnote Vietnam, Watergate and economic problems shook belief in American leadership.
119
# Fill in the blank: In the **1970s**, political scandal and defeat contributed to a loss of national _\_\_\_\_-\_\_\_\_\_.
self-confidence ## Footnote Many Americans felt their country was weaker and less certain than before.
120
What happened to US involvement in **Vietnam** after **Nixon**?
American **combat involvement** ended, marking a major blow to confidence and **prestige**.
121
How did relations with the **USSR** develop in the **1970s**?
Periods of **détente** ## Footnote There was some easing of tension, though rivalry never disappeared.
122
How did relations with **China** stand by the late **1970s**?
Improved significantly ## Footnote Rapprochement with China became one of the major diplomatic shifts of the period.
123
Why did the **Middle East** remain important to US foreign policy in the **1970s**?
Strategic instability ## Footnote Oil, regional conflict and superpower rivalry made the region highly significant.
124
Why was **Iran** a major issue for the **USA** at the end of the **1970s**?
**Revolution** in **Iran** badly damaged American influence and confidence.
125
Why did **Afghanistan** matter to the **USA** in **1979**?
Renewed **Cold War** tension ## Footnote Soviet intervention increased fears that détente was collapsing.
126
# True or False: By **1980** the **United States** faced no important **foreign policy crises**.
False ## Footnote Iran, Afghanistan and wider Cold War tensions made the international situation difficult.
127
What was one impact of **civil rights legislation** on **African-Americans** by the **1970s**?
Greater legal equality ## Footnote Formal segregation was broken down, though social and economic inequality remained.
128
What does continuity in the **New South** suggest?
Change was incomplete ## Footnote The South changed politically and legally, but many older inequalities survived.
129
How had the **South** changed by the **1970s** in racial politics?
Legal **segregation** ended ## Footnote Civil rights reform altered the formal basis of southern society.
130
How had the **South** not fully changed by the **1970s**?
Inequality persisted ## Footnote Poverty, discrimination and racial tension still shaped daily life.
131
What was one major feature of the **USA** by **1980** economically?
Substantial change ## Footnote Inflation, industrial strain and the weakening of earlier prosperity had altered the economy.
132
What was one major feature of the **USA** by **1980** socially?
Increased division ## Footnote Protest, rights movements and cultural conflict had transformed political life.
133
Did the **USA** remain a **superpower** by **1980**?
Yes ## Footnote Despite setbacks, it remained one of the two dominant world powers.
134
What was one reason for **Reagan's** **victory** in **1980**?
Dissatisfaction with Carter ## Footnote Economic problems, weak confidence and foreign policy frustrations hurt the Democrats.
135
What was another reason for **Reagan's** **victory** in **1980**?
Many voters wanted stronger **leadership**, traditional values and a more confident **America**.
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