US
History II
An
Interpretive History of Life in America,
1877-1989
Exam
Review
UNIT 4
EXAM: “The Cold War” -- 1945-1989
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: On your test, you will have two essays
from which to choose.]
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 for each as
you answer the question above.
- What role did the atomic bomb play?
- Why was the Truman Doctrine important in
shaping official policy toward the Soviet
threat?
- Why did Marshall
believe the European Recovery plan was
essential?
- What is the significance of 1949?
- Did Korea
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 did policymakers base United States
foreign policy on containing the Communism during
the cold war, 1945-1989?
[HINT:
Define “containment.”]
Address each of the
following questions with at least one paragraph
for each as you answer the question above.
- Why did the United States
feel it had to intervene in Korea?
- Did the United States
view Vietnam
as a test of American resolve?
- How did
President Nixon seek to change the Soviet
threat?
- Why did Ronald
Reagan escalate the Soviet threat?
- Who ended the
cold war?
Remember
to define your terms. Be sure to give
examples.
3.
How did “the Movement” of the 1960s reflect a
rejection of the American Way
of Life?
[HINT:
Define “the Movement.”]
Address
each
of the following questions with at least one
paragraph for each as you answer the question above.
- How accurate was the
American
Way of Life?
- How did the civil
rights movement reject American society?
- How did the women’s, anti-war, and gay rights
movements of the 1960s reject the American Way
of Life?
- How did the culture
of the 1970s represent the antithesis of the American Way
of Life?
- Why was the “Reagan
Revolution” a rejection of the Movement?
Remember
to define your terms. Be sure to give
examples.
4.
Why did the United
States become entangled in Vietnam?
[HINT:
explain how post-World War II politics determined
American policy toward nationalism in Vietnam.]
Address
each
of the following questions with at least one
paragraph for each as you answer the question above.
- How did
“containment” shape US
policy in the 1950s?
- Why did President
Kennedy commit increasing amounts of aid to South Vietnam?
- Why did President
Johnson believe in a military solution?
- How did President
Nixon extricate the United States
from its commitment to Vietnam?
- Did the United States
fail in Vietnam?
Remember
to define your terms. Be sure to give
examples.
5.
How did the Soviet threat affect life in the United States
during the cold war?
[HINT:
explain the roots of American anti-Communism.]
Address
each
of the following questions with at least one
paragraph for each as you answer the question above.
- How accurate was the
American
Way of Life?
- How did the McCarthy
era represent a reaction to the Soviet threat?
- How did domestic
political concern for the Soviet threat
determine policy toward Vietnam?
- How did the
Watergate cover-up temporarily shatter the cold
war consensus?
- How did the defense
spending programs of President Reagan change the
welfare state in the 1980s?
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.
©
David Marcus Lauderback, 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED