US History Final Exam Study Practice 5/31/11 (Part 1)

The increasing use of computers in the 1980s had a positive impact on business productivity. This suggests that the use of computers resulted in an improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations during this time period.

The Great Depression of the 1930s refers to a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in the United States and had a significant impact on various countries. It was characterized by high unemployment rates, a decline in production and trade, and a general decrease in economic activity. The Great Depression is considered the most serious economic trouble in U.S. history due to its long-lasting and widespread effects on the economy, society, and individuals.

The correct answer is the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was enacted by the US in 1947 as a way to help rebuild Europe after World War II. It provided financial aid and resources to European countries to assist in their recovery and promote economic stability. The plan was named after US Secretary of State George C. Marshall, who proposed the initiative.

During World War II, Japanese-Americans were sent to internment camps. This was a result of the fear and prejudice towards individuals of Japanese descent following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The internment camps were established by the U.S. government and were meant to isolate and control the Japanese-American population, despite the fact that the majority of them were American citizens. This action was widely criticized as a violation of civil liberties and a reflection of racial discrimination.

Richard Nixon resigned because of the Watergate scandal. The Watergate scandal was a political scandal in the United States during the early 1970s. It involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up attempts by the Nixon administration. The scandal led to widespread public distrust in the government and calls for Nixon's impeachment. Faced with the threat of impeachment, Nixon chose to resign from the presidency in 1974.

During the 1950s, television became a major influence on American life. It revolutionized the way people received information and entertainment, providing a visual and audio medium that was easily accessible to households across the country. Television quickly became a central part of American culture, shaping popular trends, influencing consumer behavior, and even impacting political campaigns. The introduction of television brought a new level of connectivity and shared experiences, making it a significant force in shaping American society during that time.

The New Deal was hugely important in addressing the economic and social challenges of the Great Depression. It implemented various programs and policies aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. However, while the New Deal helped to stabilize the economy and provide jobs, it did not fully end the Great Depression. It was ultimately World War II and the subsequent increase in government spending and industrial production that brought the United States out of the Depression.

In the 1920s, the term "flapper" was applied to a "new breed" of young Western women who defied societal norms. They wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and engaged in behaviors that were considered unacceptable at the time. Flappers were seen as bold and unconventional for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex casually, smoking, driving automobiles, and generally disregarding social and sexual norms.

The "Fighting in the Street" events of 1968 were primarily driven by opposition to the Vietnam War. However, the protests also encompassed a range of other issues such as civil liberties, racism, feminism, and the ecological movement. The demonstrations against biological and nuclear weapons during this year played a significant role in the emergence of the ecological movement. Mick Jagger's envy of the protests in the United States suggests that the events had a significant impact and were widely recognized.

During the 1920s, the radio became a major influence on American life. Radio broadcasting allowed for the widespread dissemination of news, entertainment, and cultural content, connecting people across the country. It provided a platform for politicians, musicians, and other public figures to reach a large audience and shape public opinion. The radio also played a significant role in advertising, as businesses recognized its potential to reach consumers. Overall, the radio revolutionized communication and entertainment during this time period, making it a major influence on American life.

Ho Chi Minh was the Communist leader of Vietnam in 1945 who sought support from the U.S. to establish an independent country.

During Kennedy's presidency, two major Cold War events occurred: the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a tense standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, as the Soviets attempted to place nuclear missiles in Cuba. This event brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. The Bay of Pigs was a failed attempt by the United States to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. Both events were significant in shaping the Cold War dynamics and had a lasting impact on international relations.

Inflation was a major economic problem during the 1970s. Inflation refers to the general increase in prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the purchasing power of money. During the 1970s, there was a significant rise in inflation rates due to various factors such as increased oil prices, government spending, and wage increases. This led to a decrease in real wages, higher costs of living, and economic instability during that period.

During the 1980's, the total debt of the U.S. Government increased by over 300%. This means that the debt level more than tripled during that decade.

The trend toward suburbanization in the U.S. began in the 1950s. This refers to the movement of people from urban areas to the suburbs, which are typically residential areas located on the outskirts of cities. This trend was driven by factors such as increased car ownership, the availability of affordable housing, and the desire for a quieter and more spacious lifestyle. Suburbanization had a significant impact on the development of American cities and led to the growth of suburban communities and the expansion of infrastructure to support them.

The correct answer is the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. This landmark decision, made in 1973, was highly controversial and addressed the issue of abortion. It established a woman's constitutional right to have an abortion, while also recognizing the state's interest in protecting prenatal life. The ruling has had a significant impact on reproductive rights and has been both praised and criticized since its inception.

The OPEC oil embargo of 1973 caused major economic trouble in the United States in the 1970s. The embargo was a decision made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to stop exporting oil to countries that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. This led to a significant increase in oil prices and a shortage of oil in the United States. The embargo resulted in high inflation, unemployment, and a recession in the U.S. economy.

During John F. Kennedy's presidency, U.S. involvement in Vietnam escalated. Kennedy increased the number of military advisors in Vietnam and authorized covert operations against the communist forces. He also supported the overthrow of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, which further deepened U.S. involvement in the conflict. Kennedy's policies laid the groundwork for the full-scale American military intervention in Vietnam that would occur under his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson.

The term "silent majority" refers to an unspecified large majority of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly. It was popularized by U.S. President Richard Nixon in a speech where he asked for support from the "great silent majority" of his fellow Americans. Nixon used this term to describe those who did not participate in the large demonstrations against the Vietnam War or the counterculture movement and were not actively engaged in public discourse. He believed that this group of Middle Americans was being overshadowed by the more vocal minority in the media.

By the late 1960s, many people in the African-American civil rights movement had shifted away from non-violence and adopted a more aggressive attitude. This change in approach can be attributed to several factors, including frustration with the slow progress of the movement, the continued prevalence of systemic racism and discrimination, and the influence of more radical leaders like Malcolm X. The shift towards a more confrontational and militant stance was seen as a necessary response to the ongoing injustices faced by African Americans, and a way to demand immediate and tangible change.

The 19th Amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote. This amendment, ratified in 1920, prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on sex. It was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement and played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and democracy in the United States.

In Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a Louisiana law requiring racial segregation on intrastate railroads was constitutional as long as the accommodations provided for both races were equal. This decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed for racial segregation in various public facilities and institutions. This ruling had significant implications for the civil rights movement and was later overturned by the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

During the Iran/Iraq War of the 1980s, the U.S. provided assistance to Iraq, which was led by Saddam Hussein. This decision was made based on geopolitical considerations and the desire to counter the influence of Iran, which was seen as a regional threat. The U.S. believed that supporting Iraq would help maintain stability in the region and prevent Iran from gaining further power. However, this decision later proved to be controversial and led to negative consequences, such as the arming of Iraq and the eventual Gulf War.

During his campaign, Nixon implemented a strategy known as the "Southern Strategy" to gain support from conservative Democrats in the South. He recognized the unhappiness of these voters with federal desegregation policies and a liberal Supreme Court, and he strategically appealed to their concerns. By doing so, Nixon aimed to secure their votes and strengthen his chances of winning the election. This strategy played a significant role in Nixon's electoral success and helped him establish a strong base of support in the South.

The term "fragmentation" refers to the process of dividing or breaking something into smaller parts or segments. In the context of the question, it is referring to the trend in popular culture since the 1970s where different genres of music, such as rap, country, rock, disco, etc., have emerged and gained popularity. This fragmentation of music into different segments or niches has been a notable trend in popular culture.

Rosie the Riveter was a propaganda/publicity campaign created by the U.S. government during World War II. The campaign aimed to encourage women to join the workforce and take on jobs traditionally held by men who had left for war. Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of female empowerment and represented the millions of women who stepped up to fill the labor shortage. The campaign was necessary because there was a high demand for workers in industries such as manufacturing, where products like food, clothing, and ammunition were being produced to support the war effort.

President Carter's biggest problems during the 1980 election campaign was the economy. This means that the state of the economy was a major concern or issue for President Carter during his campaign. It suggests that the economy was a significant factor that influenced the public's perception of his presidency and may have contributed to his electoral defeat.

Franklin Roosevelt's big achievement as president was to reassure the American people that we could get through the Great Depression.

In the 1950s, beatniks rejected what they saw as the materialism of American mainstream society. Similarly, in the 1960s, hippies also rejected the materialistic values of society. Both groups sought to live alternative lifestyles and prioritize non-conformity and spiritual or cultural exploration over material possessions.

Detente refers to the relaxation of strained relations or tensions between nations. It is a term commonly used in international relations to describe a period of reduced hostility and improved diplomatic relations. During detente, countries may engage in negotiations, sign treaties, and cooperate on various issues, leading to a more peaceful and stable international environment. This term is often used to describe specific historical periods, such as the detente between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The correct answer is increased. When supply-side economic policies were started under President Reagan, income inequality in the U.S. increased. These policies, also known as "Reaganomics," aimed to stimulate economic growth by reducing taxes and regulations on businesses. However, the benefits of these policies primarily went to the wealthy, leading to a widening wealth gap and increased income inequality.

During World War II, the U.S. and the Soviet Union were allies. This means that they were on the same side and worked together to fight against a common enemy. Despite their ideological differences, they formed a strategic alliance in order to defeat the Axis powers. This alliance was crucial in shaping the outcome of the war and ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies.

During the 1970s, there was a population shift in the U.S. where people started moving from the North and East (known as the Rust Belt) to the South and West (known as the Sun Belt). This shift was likely due to various factors such as job opportunities, better weather conditions, and a lower cost of living in the Sun Belt region. The Rust Belt, which was traditionally known for its manufacturing industries, experienced economic decline during this time, leading people to seek better prospects in the Sun Belt.

U.S. involvement in Vietnam began in the 1940's, escalated in the late 1960's, and finally ended in the 1970's. This refers to the Vietnam War, where the United States intervened to support South Vietnam against the communist forces of North Vietnam. The U.S. involvement started with providing military advisors and escalated to a full-scale war with ground troops and bombings. However, due to increasing opposition and protests domestically, as well as the failure to achieve military objectives, the U.S. eventually withdrew its forces from Vietnam in the 1970's.

In 1965, a new U.S. immigration law was introduced, which removed many of the restrictions that had been in place since the 1920s. This suggests that the correct answer is immigration law.

The 26th Amendment is the correct answer because it lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. This amendment was ratified in 1971 in response to the Vietnam War, as many argued that if 18-year-olds were old enough to fight and die for their country, they should also have the right to vote. The 26th Amendment was a significant milestone in expanding voting rights and ensuring that more Americans had the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

During the period between the end of World War II and the early 1970s, the U.S. economy experienced a period of phenomenal growth. This growth was characterized by low inflation, meaning that there was a relatively stable and controlled increase in prices during this time. Low inflation allowed for increased consumer purchasing power and investment, which contributed to the overall economic expansion.

During the 1980s, the percentage of Americans in the middle class fell. This means that there was a decrease in the proportion of Americans who were considered to be in the middle class during that time period.

Judicial activism refers to the tendency of judges to interpret the law in a way that promotes social change and addresses societal issues. It involves judges taking an active role in shaping public policy and making decisions that go beyond the strict interpretation of the constitution. This concept has sparked an ongoing debate as some argue that it allows judges to overstep their boundaries and infringe upon the powers of the legislative and executive branches, while others believe it is necessary for the judiciary to play a proactive role in safeguarding individual rights and promoting justice.

The conservative movement that emerged in the late 1960s aimed to decrease the size of the government. This goal was driven by a belief in limited government intervention and a preference for individual freedoms and free markets. Conservatives sought to reduce government control and regulations in various sectors, including the economy, education, and social policies. By advocating for smaller government, conservatives aimed to empower individuals and promote personal responsibility and self-reliance.

Affirmative action refers to policies that aim to address historical discrimination by considering factors such as race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. These policies are implemented to benefit underrepresented groups and can be applied in various areas such as employment, education, public contracting, and health programs. The purpose of affirmative action is to provide equal opportunities and promote diversity in society.

The correct answer is Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. This case, decided in 1978 by the U.S. Supreme Court, established that race could be considered as a factor in university admissions decisions to promote diversity. However, the Court also ruled that the use of quotas in affirmative action programs was not permissible. In this specific case, the University of California, Davis, medical school had a 16% minority quota, which was deemed discriminatory against a white applicant, Allan Bakke. As a result of the decision, Bakke was admitted to the medical school and graduated in 1982.

Electric power generation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. This is because most electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and global warming. Therefore, the generation of electric power is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.