HIST 2341 Unit 1 Exam Review

The Sixties

An Interpretive History of Life in America, 1945-1975

Exam Review

UNIT 1 EXAM: “The American Way of Life” -- 1945-1960

Multiple Choice -- 40% [NOTE: See quizzes and notes for lecture and textbook subjects.]

Essay -- 60%

Answer one (1) of the following questions with an extended essay that draws upon class lectures and assigned readings. Be sure to answer all parts of the question you select

[NOTE: One your exam, two of the questions will be selected. You will answer one.]

1.    How did the evolution of the Soviet threat shape American foreign policy during the early cold war?
       [HINT: explain the legacy of World War II.]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph as you answer the question above.

What role did the atomic bomb play?

How did Harry Truman change official policy toward the Soviet Union?

Why did Marshall believe the European Recovery plan was essential?

What was the most significant event of 1949?

Did the Korean War make NSC 68 the inevitable foundation of American foreign policy during the cold war?

Remember to define your terms. Be sure to give examples.

2.    Why could African Americans begin to successfully challenge Jim Crow in the Fifties?
       [HINT: Define “Jim Crow.”]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph as you answer the question above.

Did the freedman enjoy equal rights after 1877?

How did white Southerners justify racial violence?

How did World War II help to break down racial divisions in the United States?

Why did the Brown decision change the direction of the civil rights movement?

Why did the Soviet threat make way for the SCLC?

Be sure to give examples. Remember to define your terms.

3.   Why did Americans celebrate the “American Way of Life?”
       [Hint: Define conformity]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph as you answer the question above.

·         Why did Americans want to preserve the lifestyle of “American Way of Life?”

·         What did the children of the “new immigrants” find in America's suburbs?

·         How did child rearing change during the Fifties?

·         How did leisure time reflect the new suburban culture?

·         Why did white men embrace the organization man?

Be sure to give examples. Remember to define your terms.

4.    Why did fear shape “American Way of Life?”
       [HINT: explain the roots of American anti-Communism.]

Address each of the following questions with at least one paragraph as you answer the question above.

·         Why did Americans promote the “American Way of Life?”

·         Why did Americans believe Joseph McCarthy?

·         Why did white Southerners resort to violence to protect their “traditions?”

·         Why did men fight to keep women out of the workplace?

·         Why did traditionalists attack “Rock and Roll?”

Remember to define your terms. Be sure to give examples.

NOTE: Use your Blue Book to write your essay. Material written on the test sheet will NOT be considered. Stay cool and keep moving.