Key Terms of Mid-20th Century U.S. History

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Truman Doctrine

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U.S. policy to support countries resisting communism.

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Marshall Plan

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U.S. initiative to aid Europe’s economic recovery post-WWII.

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McCarthyism

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Campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. during the 1950s.

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Brinkmanship

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Policy of pushing dangerous situations to the edge of conflict.

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Consumerism

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Preoccupation with purchasing goods and services.

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Space Race

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Competition between the U.S. and USSR for space exploration dominance.

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Eisenhower Doctrine

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U.S. commitment to defend Middle Eastern countries against communism.

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Baby Boom

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Significant increase in birth rates following WWII.

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White Flight

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Migration of white residents from urban areas to suburbs.

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New Frontier

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Kennedy’s domestic program focusing on social reforms and civil rights.