Short Answer/Short Essay Exam of US History

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The Mid-Term is a Short Answer/Short Essay Exam intended as a means to verify your understanding of key terms, concepts and U.S. events.  It is also a self-assessment of the extent to which you have gleaned selected information related to the course.

 

To answer the three questions, cite all sources used to answer the questions.  The questions are a combination of short answer and short essay questions.  Your answer to the short essay sub-questions should be about 1-3 paragraphs in length.  Your answers should be concise, accurate and complete, written thoughtfully and in complete sentences.

 

Key Events/Milestones in American History from 1945-1964:

Short Answer/Brief Essay Questions

 

1.      Dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan in 1945: The decision to end the war in the Pacific in August 1945 by using the atomic bomb was an American decision that is still hotly debated. World War II changed the world in many ways, not the least of which was the introduction of atomic power and the age of the bomb.  Many believe the Japanese never would have surrendered had these actions not been taken.  Still, the decision remains a point of contention to this very day.

 

1a. Where was the first and second atomic bomb used?  (Short answer)

 

1b. How many times was the atomic bomb dropped on Japan to end the War?  (Short answer)

 

1c. Why was the decision by President Truman considered a milestone in American history? (Short answer)

 

1d. What was the debate regarding whether this action was necessary to bring the Japanese to an unconditional surrender? (Short answer)

 

1e. After answering these questions, briefly render your own opinion about its importance and its historical impact on America. (Short answer/brief essay—1-3 paragraphs)

 

 

2.      Brown v. Board of Education (1954, 1955): The case that came to be known as Brown v. Board of Education was actually the name given to five separate cases that were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the issue of segregation in public schools. These cases were Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Briggs v. Elliot, Davis v. Board of Education of Prince Edward County (VA.), Boiling v. Sharpe, and Gebhart v. Ethel. While the facts of each case are different, the main issue in each was the constitutionality of state-sponsored segregation in public schools. . . . After the case was reheard in 1953, Chief Justice Warren was able to do something that his predecessor had not: Bring all of the Justices to agree to support a unanimous decision declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional. On May 14, 1954, he delivered the opinion of the Court, stating that "We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. . ."

http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/get-involved/federal-court-activities/brown-board-education-re-enactment/history.aspx

 

2a. What did this landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States do?  (Short answer)

 

2b. Why is this Supreme Court decision considered a milestone in American history? (Short answer)

 

2c. How was the anticipated opposition to its ruling handled, especially in the southern states?  (Short answer)

 

2d. How did the Supreme Court work with the attorney generals of all states with laws permitting segregation in their public schools to proceed with proceed with "all deliberate speed"?  (Short answer)

 

After answering these questions, briefly render your own opinion about its importance and its impact on America. (Short answer/brief essay—1-3 paragraphs)

 

 

3.      Civil Rights Act of 1964: “In the 1960s, Americans who knew only the potential of "equal protection of the laws" expected the president, the Congress, and the courts to fulfill the promise of the 14th Amendment. In response, all three branches of the federal government--as well as the public at large--debated a fundamental constitutional question: Does the Constitution's prohibition of denying equal protection always ban the use of racial, ethnic, or gender criteria in an attempt to bring social justice and social benefits? . . .”

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/civil-rights-act/

https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/22320/viewContent/685819/View

 

3a. What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 do?  (Short answer)

 

3b. Why is it considered a milestone in American history? (Short answer)

 

3c. How did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 change America?  (Short answer)

 

3d. Was the Civil Rights Act of 1964 really necessary to bring about social change and greater equality in America? Briefly describe what proponents and detractors had to say.

 

After answering these questions, briefly render your own opinion about its importance and its impact on America. (Short answer/brief essay—1-3 paragraphs)

 

 

 

 

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