1. Post WWII and The Cold War Era
USII.8abcd

2. The United States & Soviet Union
Emerged as SUPERPOWERS after WWII

3. The United Nations
An international organization that debates world issues and tries to keep peace
Formed near the end of WWII to prevent future wars

4. After WWII Japan: Adopted a democratic form of government
Resumed self-government
Became a strong ally of the United States

5. After WWII
The U.S. felt it was in its best interest to rebuild Europe to prevent political and economic instablililty

6. Containment
The policy or process of preventing the expansion of a hostile powers; a policy of blocking communist expansion.

7. Marshall Plan
U.S. plan to provide massive economic aid to Western Europe after WWII and to stop the spread of communism
Named after George C. Marshall who made the announcement

8. Germany was partitioned into:
West Germany-
Became democratic
Resumed self-government
(after a few years of
American, French, and
British occupation) East Germany-
Remained under
domination of Soviet
Union & did not adopt
democratic institutions

9. Capitalism
An economic system based on private property and free enterprise
U.S.A. has this type of system

10. Converting from: Wartime to peacetime
Following WWII, Americans prospered due to an expanding economy stimulated by America’s involvement in the war

11. Reasons for rapid growth of American economy following WWII
With rationing over, business converted from production of war materials to consumer goods
Americans purchased goods on credit

12. Combat boots to tennis shoes Fighter jets to passenger airplanes
Examples of businesses converting from the production of war materials to consumer goods:
automobiles
Combat boots to tennis shoes
Fighter jets to passenger airplanes
Parachutes to nylon stockings
Production of war vehicles to family automobiles

13. More reasons for rapid growth of American economy following WWII:
Workforce went back to men
Women returned to family duties
Labor unions merged & became more powerful
Workers gained new benefits and higher salaries

14. A “Booming” economy:
As economic prosperity continued and technology boomed, the next generation of women re-entered the labor force in large numbers

15. The Cold War
Tension between the USA and the Soviet Union without actual fighting

16. Origins of Cold War The U.S. : The Soviet Union:
Differences in goals and ideologies between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
The U.S. :
Capitalist and Democratic
The Soviet Union:
Dictatorial and Communist

17. During the Cold War the Soviet Union controlled:
Eastern European countries

18. NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Stated that “an armed attack against one or more of (the member nation) shall be considered an attack against all”
Military alliance formed to guard against Soviet attack

19. Warsaw Pact Counterpart of NATO
Had military force that the Soviet Union controlled

20. The Korean War
ended in a STALEMATE

21. China
Aided North Korea during the Korean War

22. Domino Theory
If one country is taken over by communism then all surrounding countries fall to communism
Coined by President Eisenhower referring to the spread of communism into South Vietnam

23. The Vietnam War
Americans were divided over whether the U.S. should be involved in Vietnam.
The conflict ended in a cease-fire agreement in which U.S. troops withdrew

24. The Cuban Missile Crisis
An event during the Cold War that brought the USA and the Soviet Union close to a nuclear war
The Soviet Union placed missiles in Cuba
The USA responded by a naval blockade & the Soviet Union turned back

25. The collapse of the Soviet Union and Communism in Europe
The destruction of the Berlin Wall
The break up of the Soviet Union into independent countries

26. America’s New Challenges AFTER the Cold War
Role of U.S. military involvement
Environmental problems
Global trade and jobs
Diseases
Energy

27. Factors leading to changing patterns in U.S. Society:
Strong Economy
Greater investment in Education
The Baby Boom
Interstate Highway System
The evolving Role of Women
Role of Eleanor Roosevelt
African American’s aspirations for equal opportunities

28. Policies and programs expanding educational & employment opportunities:
G.I. Bill of Rights-
gave educational, housing &
employment benefits to WWII
Veterans.
Harry S. Truman-desegregated the armed forces.
Civil Rights legislation- led to increased educational, economic & political opportunities for women & minorities.

29. FINALLY!!! You’re finished!
Go home and STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!