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The Postwar Period & Cold War (1945-1980)

Chloe Davis

Chloe Davis

8 min read

Next Topic - Context: U.S. as a Global Leader

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Study Guide Overview

This AP US History study guide covers Period 8 (10-17% of the exam), focusing on Post-War America (suburbanization, consumerism, the Baby Boom), the Cold War (containment, McCarthyism, key events like the Cuban Missile Crisis), the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement (key figures, legislation), social and cultural change (counterculture, social movements), and provides practice questions and exam tips.

#AP US History: Period 8 - The Ultimate Study Guide πŸš€

Hey there, future APUSH master! πŸ‘‹ This guide is your go-to resource for acing Period 8. We're talking post-WWII America, the Cold War, Civil Rights, and everything in between. Let's break it down and get you feeling confident! Remember, you've got this! πŸ’ͺ

This period accounts for 10-17% of the AP exam, so it's definitely worth your time. Let's make every minute count!

#1. Post-War America: The Boom Years 🏘️

#The Suburban Sprawl

  • Levittown and similar suburbs popped up everywhere, especially in the Sunbelt.
  • Baby Boom: Returning vets = lots of babies! πŸ‘ΆπŸ‘ΆπŸ‘Ά
  • GI Bill: Helped vets with college and low-interest home loans. πŸ’°

#Consumer Culture

  • "Keeping up with the Joneses": Fueled consumerism and department store sales.
  • Television: Brought news and sitcoms into homes, shaping culture. πŸ“Ί
  • The "Good Life": For many, this era represented a period of prosperity and optimism. πŸ‘Œ
Key Concept

Remember the connection between the GI Bill, suburbanization, and the baby boom. These are frequently tested concepts!

#2. The Cold War: A World on Edge 🌍

#The Iron Curtain

  • Tensions with the Soviet Union were sky-high. 😠
  • Iron Curtain: Divided Eastern Europe from the West. 🚧

#Containment Strategies

  • Truman Doctrine (1947): Aid to countries threatened by communism. πŸ’ͺ

    • Example: Greece and Turkey

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Memory Aid

Truman's aid was true - remember that he was all about providing aid to countries facing communism.

- **Eisenhower Doctrine (1957)**: Focused on the Middle East. 🌍 - *Example*: Military and economic aid to counter Soviet influence. - **NATO (1949)**: Military alliance of Western countries. 🀝

#Red Scare & McCarthyism

  • Korean War: A hot spot in the Cold War. πŸ”₯
  • McCarthyism: Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch hunt for communists. πŸ§™
  • Second Red Scare: Fear of communist infiltration. 😱
    • Key Figures: Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs
Quick Fact

McCarthyism is often linked to the Second Red Scare. Remember that fear of communism was rampant!

#3. Eisenhower's "New Look" & Cold War Escalation πŸš€

#Massive Retaliation

  • Massive Retaliation: Nuclear weapons as a deterrent. πŸ’£
  • John Foster Dulles: Key figure in Eisenhower's foreign policy.
  • New Look: Focus on nuclear weapons and covert operations. ...
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Previous Topic - Comparison in Period 7Next Topic - Context: U.S. as a Global Leader

Question 1 of 12

🏘️ What was a key factor that led to the growth of suburbs like Levittown after World War II?

Increased industrial jobs in city centers

The rise of public transportation

The GI Bill providing low-interest home loans

Strict zoning laws limiting city expansion