American History II Course Review

The Dust Bowl added to the hardships of midwestern farmers during the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl was a severe drought and dust storm that occurred in the 1930s, primarily in the Great Plains region of the United States. It caused widespread soil erosion, crop failure, and economic devastation for farmers in the area. The combination of the economic depression and the environmental disaster of the Dust Bowl created immense challenges for farmers, leading to further poverty and hardship.

President Richard Nixon's foreign policy of détente was an attempt to improve relations with the Soviet Union. Détente refers to a period of easing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Nixon believed that by engaging in diplomatic negotiations and establishing a more cooperative relationship with the Soviet Union, it would help to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote stability. This policy included arms control agreements, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges, all aimed at fostering a more peaceful coexistence between the two superpowers.

The major result of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill) was that millions of veterans received a college education. The GI Bill provided financial assistance for veterans to attend college, covering tuition, books, and living expenses. This allowed veterans to further their education and acquire skills that would help them reintegrate into civilian life and pursue successful careers. The GI Bill played a significant role in expanding access to higher education and contributed to the growth of the middle class in the post-war era.

This handbook provides information on a shelter that was specifically designed to help Americans survive nuclear war. It suggests that the shelter is not intended for other purposes such as global climate changes, pandemic diseases, or natural disasters. The focus on nuclear war indicates that the shelter is equipped with features and resources that are specifically tailored to protect individuals from the unique challenges and dangers associated with nuclear warfare.

The melting pot theory suggests that different cultures will blend together to form a uniquely American culture. This means that immigrants from various backgrounds will bring their own traditions, customs, and beliefs, which will eventually merge and influence American society as a whole. This concept emphasizes the idea of cultural diversity and the assimilation of different groups into a unified American identity.

President Richard Nixon's decision to resign from the presidency in 1974 was primarily based on the developments in the Watergate investigation. The Watergate scandal involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which was linked to Nixon's administration. As the investigation progressed, it became evident that Nixon had knowledge of and tried to cover up the illegal activities. With mounting evidence against him and facing the possibility of impeachment, Nixon chose to resign to avoid further political damage and potential removal from office.

During the Progressive Era, journalism played a crucial role in uncovering scandals and evoking people's emotions. This period was characterized by a push for social and political reforms, and journalism became a powerful tool in exposing corruption and wrongdoing. Through investigative reporting, journalists shed light on various scandals, such as political corruption, labor abuses, and unsanitary conditions in industries. By bringing these issues to the public's attention, journalism played a significant role in arousing public outrage and mobilizing support for reform movements.

Buying stocks on margin refers to the practice of borrowing money to purchase stocks. This economic factor contributed most directly to the start of the Great Depression because it led to an unsustainable increase in stock prices and speculative investment. Many individuals and institutions were heavily invested in the stock market, often using borrowed money. When the stock market crashed in 1929, these investors were unable to repay their loans, leading to widespread financial panic and the collapse of the stock market. This event triggered a chain reaction of economic downturn, bank failures, and widespread unemployment, ultimately leading to the Great Depression.

Poll taxes and literacy tests were tools used during the Jim Crow era to disenfranchise African Americans and prevent them from exercising their right to vote. Poll taxes required individuals to pay a fee in order to vote, which disproportionately affected African Americans who were often economically disadvantaged. Literacy tests were designed to be intentionally difficult and used as a means to exclude African Americans from voting. By implementing these measures, African Americans were effectively prevented from participating in the democratic process and having a voice in political decisions.

The event that best completes the graphic organizer is the Vietnam War. This is because the other events listed are all major conflicts or wars in history, and the Vietnam War is another significant event that can be added to the list. It is important to note that the given information does not provide any specific criteria for determining the best event, so this explanation is based on the assumption that the best event refers to another major conflict or war.

President Gerald Ford took the action of pardoning Richard Nixon in an attempt to end the national controversy over the Watergate affair. By pardoning Nixon, Ford hoped to bring closure to the scandal and allow the country to move forward. This decision was highly controversial and faced criticism, as some believed that Nixon should have faced legal consequences for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Nonetheless, Ford believed that a pardon would help heal the nation and avoid a prolonged and divisive legal battle.

The Pearl Harbor attack of December 7, 1941, and the attacks of September 11, 2001, both led to major changes in United States foreign policy. In both instances, the attacks were seen as significant threats to national security, which prompted the United States to reassess its approach to international relations. Following Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II and adopted a more interventionist foreign policy. Similarly, after the 9/11 attacks, the United States launched the War on Terror and implemented various policies and strategies to combat terrorism globally. These events marked pivotal moments in U.S. foreign policy and resulted in significant shifts in how the country engaged with the world.

President Harry Truman changed the United States military after World War II by banning racial segregation in the military. This decision was a significant step towards ending discrimination and promoting equality within the armed forces. It allowed African American soldiers to serve alongside their white counterparts and paved the way for further advancements in civil rights. Truman's action challenged the deeply entrenched racial prejudices of the time and demonstrated a commitment to creating a more inclusive and fair military.

The situation described in the song, including the dust storms and the impact on wheat fields and farms, is characteristic of the Dust Bowl, a severe ecological and agricultural disaster that occurred in the 1930s in the Great Plains region of the United States. The Great Plains region, which includes states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado, was most directly affected by the dust storms and their devastating consequences.

Assembly line production during the early twentieth century had a significant impact on the US economy by helping to expand modern consumerism. This method of production, pioneered by Henry Ford, allowed for the mass production of goods at a faster and more efficient rate. As a result, products became more affordable and accessible to a larger portion of the population. This led to an increase in consumer spending and a boost in economic growth. The assembly line production system played a crucial role in shaping the consumer-driven economy that emerged during this time period.

The Scopes trial of the 1920s was a legal case that revolved around the conflict between science and religion. It specifically focused on the teaching of evolution in public schools, which was seen as contradictory to religious beliefs, particularly the concept of creationism. The trial became a national debate on the role of science and religion in education and society, with proponents of both sides arguing their viewpoints. In the end, the trial highlighted the tension between scientific advancements and traditional religious beliefs in America during that time.

President Kennedy took the action of ordering a naval quarantine of Cuba following his statement. This was done in response to the discovery of offensive missile sites being prepared on the island, which posed a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere. The naval quarantine was a strategic move to prevent further weapons from being delivered to Cuba and to exert pressure on the Soviet Union to remove their weapons from the island.

The correct answer is the removal of Japanese Americans to internment camps. The instructions mentioned in the public notice led to the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This policy was based on the belief that Japanese Americans posed a security threat to the United States. As a result, thousands of Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes and businesses and were placed in internment camps for the duration of the war. This was a violation of their civil rights and has been widely condemned as a discriminatory and unjust action.

The correct answer is passage of the Meat Inspection Act. Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social issues during the Progressive Era. They often wrote about the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, which led to public outrage. As a result, the government passed the Meat Inspection Act in 1906, which aimed to regulate the industry and ensure the safety of food products. This action was closely associated with the efforts of muckrakers to expose the problems in society and bring about reform.

Germany invading Poland was the event that triggered the start of World War II. This was followed by Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States entering the war. The Allies then planned and executed the invasion of Europe on D-Day. Finally, MacArthur dictating a democratic constitution to Japan occurred after the war had ended. Therefore, the correct chronological order is B → A → D → C.

The contributions of Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington highlight the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in the realm of the creative arts. Both Hughes and Ellington were prominent figures during this cultural movement in Harlem, New York, which emphasized African American artistic expression and cultural pride. Hughes, as a poet and writer, captured the experiences and struggles of African Americans through his powerful and influential works. Ellington, as a composer and musician, revolutionized jazz music and brought it to the forefront of American culture. Their contributions exemplify how the Harlem Renaissance fostered creativity and artistic innovation among African Americans.

The "clear and present danger" doctrine established in Schenck v. United States (1919) concerned the issue of freedom of speech. This doctrine states that speech can be restricted if it presents a clear and present danger to the public or if it is likely to lead to illegal actions. In this case, Schenck was convicted for distributing pamphlets that encouraged resistance to the military draft during World War I. The Supreme Court upheld his conviction, stating that his speech posed a clear and present danger to the country's war effort. This case set a precedent for limiting free speech rights in certain circumstances.

This political cartoon from 1919 best illustrates the American fear of communism. The cartoon likely portrays the negative perception and fear of the spread of communist ideology in the United States during that time period. It reflects the concerns and anxieties of Americans regarding the potential threat of communism and its perceived impact on the country's political and social order. The imagery and symbolism in the cartoon may highlight the perceived dangers and consequences associated with communism, such as loss of individual freedoms and the potential for a totalitarian regime.

After World War II ended, many American women who had worked in defense industries during the war lost their jobs as returning servicemen took over those positions. The men who had served in the war were given priority in employment, leading to the displacement of women in the workforce. This was a significant setback for women who had contributed to the war effort and had gained independence and financial stability through their work in defense industries.

The primary cause of the trends shown on the graph is industrialization in the North and the Midwest. This is because industrialization led to significant economic growth and development in these regions, resulting in an increase in population, urbanization, and overall prosperity. The graph likely shows data reflecting these trends, such as population growth, urbanization rates, or economic indicators.

The "new immigrants" who arrived in the United States after the Civil War were different from the "old immigrants" because they spoke different languages and had different customs than most Americans, making it difficult for them to assimilate into American society. Unlike the old immigrants who mostly came from Europe and shared similar cultural backgrounds with Americans, the new immigrants came from various parts of the world, such as Latin American countries and Asia, bringing with them their own languages and customs. This cultural diversity posed challenges for their integration into American society.

During the Progressive Era in the early 1900s, reformers aimed to enhance citizen involvement in government. One of the ways they sought to achieve this was by advocating for the direct election of senators. Prior to this, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which limited the influence of the general public. By pushing for direct election, reformers believed that citizens would have a more direct say in the selection of their representatives, thereby increasing their participation in the political process. This reform was eventually realized with the passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913.

In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, the United States Supreme Court ruled that segregated public facilities were constitutional. This decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed for racial segregation as long as the separate facilities were deemed equal in quality. This ruling had a significant impact on racial segregation in the United States and was later overturned by the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.

Truman was referring to the USSR as one of the "totalitarian regimes." The term "totalitarian regime" refers to a government system where a single party or ruler has complete control over all aspects of society and restricts individual freedoms. The USSR, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, was known for its authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and extensive state control over the economy and society. Truman's reference to the USSR as a totalitarian regime suggests his recognition of the oppressive nature of the Soviet government.

The correct answer is the sinking of the USS Maine. This event was a major factor that led to the outbreak of war between the United States and Spain in 1898. The USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded and sank in Havana harbor in February 1898. The incident was widely believed to be the result of a Spanish attack, although the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. The sinking of the USS Maine heightened tensions between the two countries and ultimately led to the United States declaring war on Spain.

Yellow journalism played a significant role in the United States' decision to declare war on Spain in 1898. Yellow journalism refers to the sensationalized and exaggerated reporting by newspapers to attract readership. During that time, newspapers like the New York Journal and the New York World used this tactic to increase their circulation and profit. They published stories about the sinking of the USS Maine, blaming Spain for the incident without concrete evidence. This sensationalized reporting fueled public outrage and created a war frenzy, ultimately influencing the government's decision to declare war on Spain.

The correct answer is set goals for achieving peace after World War I. President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points were a set of principles that he believed would lead to a lasting peace after the end of World War I. These points included ideas such as open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, and self-determination for nations. Wilson hoped that by outlining these goals, he could help shape the terms of the peace negotiations and create a more just and stable international order.

During the Great Depression, many Americans lost their jobs due to the economic downturn. This led to a significant increase in poverty and homelessness. "Hoovervilles" were makeshift shantytowns that emerged during this time, named after President Herbert Hoover who was blamed for the economic crisis. The photograph shown in the question is likely depicting one of these Hoovervilles. Therefore, the main reason for the emergence of Hoovervilles like the one shown in the photograph was the high unemployment rate and subsequent poverty caused by the Great Depression.

Many United States farmers failed to benefit from the economic prosperity of the 1920s because agricultural goods were overproduced. This led to a surplus of agricultural products, causing prices to plummet. As a result, farmers were unable to sell their goods at profitable prices, leading to financial struggles and even bankruptcy for many farmers. Despite the overall economic growth during this period, the agricultural sector suffered due to the imbalance between supply and demand in the market.

The United States entered World War I to maintain freedom of the seas. This was a major reason because Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare was threatening the freedom of navigation for American ships. The sinking of the Lusitania, a British passenger ship with American citizens on board, by a German U-boat was a significant factor that led to the U.S. joining the war. By entering the war, the United States aimed to protect its interests and ensure the freedom of navigation for its ships on the high seas.

Marcus Garvey was the leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association during the 1920s. He advocated for a return to Africa for African Americans through his "Back to Africa" movement. Garvey believed that African Americans would never be treated fairly in the United States and that they should establish their own independent nation in Africa. He promoted black pride, economic empowerment, and self-reliance among African Americans. Garvey's ideas and activism had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement and continue to inspire black nationalist movements today.

The main connection between Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream Speech" in 1963 is equality. Both Lincoln's proclamation and King's speech were influential in the fight for equal rights and the end of racial discrimination. Lincoln's proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free, while King's speech advocated for racial equality and an end to segregation and discrimination. Both historical events played a significant role in the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights in the United States.

The 1960s program causing the poverty decline best reflects the New Deal period. The New Deal was a series of economic programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. These programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy. The poverty decline during the 1960s can be attributed to the continuation and expansion of some of the New Deal policies, such as the establishment of social welfare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the implementation of civil rights legislation that aimed to address systemic inequality and poverty.

The driving reason behind the execution of the Marshall Plan was to prevent the expansion of Communist influence. After the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain the spread of communism, the Marshall Plan was implemented as a strategy to provide economic assistance to war-torn European countries. By providing aid and rebuilding these nations, it was believed that they would be less susceptible to communist influence and more likely to align with democratic values. This was seen as a crucial step in preventing the further expansion of communism in Europe.

The Teapot Dome Scandal would represent a peak in the Red Scare in the United States in the 1920s because it involved corruption within the government and highlighted the fear of communism infiltrating the country. The scandal involved the illegal leasing of federal oil reserves to private oil companies, which exposed the corruption and bribery of government officials. This event intensified the public's fear and suspicion of communism, as it revealed the potential for corruption and betrayal within the government itself.