Unit 5: Intro to the Cold War & 1950s America

Front

The political/economic rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union which lasted from 1945 to 1991 and resulted in anti-communist suspicions and international incidents after the end of World War II.

Back

Cold War

Front

Foreign policy initiative focused on limiting the spread of Communist influence abroad. Became the basis for the US intervening in conflicts such the Korean and Vietnam Wars

Back

Containment Policy

Front

U.S. Cold War program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II. It was mostly enacted to rebuild the economies of Europe but also limit communist influences from infiltrating the region.

Back

Marshall Plan

Front

Cold War policy that suggested a communist government in one nation would quickly lead to communist takeovers in surrounding nations as well. This, along with Containment policy, influenced a more interventionist foreign policy approach from the US during the Cold War.

Back

Domino Theory

Front

Law which helped returning World War II veterans integrate back into a peacetime economy by offering job training, college tuition, and money towards housing.

Back

GI Bill

Front

Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives which was tasked with investigating allegations of communist activity in the U.S. during the early years of the Cold War. Their work was a reflection of the strong anti-communist sentiment that was very strong in American culture at this time.

Back

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

Front

Media invention which greatly enhanced the spread of information and the entertainment industry. This also became a status symbol of the growing American middle class in this decade

Back

Television (impact on media and culture of the 1950s

Front

The establishment of a communist state in 1949 by Mao Zedong showed the spread of communism after the end of World War II. This also established an ongoing rivalry with the United States as well over political and economic disagreements.

Back

Communism in China

Front

Rock n Roll--style of popular music that originated in the United States in the mid-1950s. Its up-tempo and high energy sound mostly resonated with teenagers as it reflect their youth and rebellious nature.

Back

True

Front

Established the interstate highway system which greatly boosted the mobility of Americans and also sped up processes such as suburbanization.

Back

Interstate Highway Act (1956)