Discussion VII

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DiscussionVII.pdf

By the early 1950s, the US was a world super-power militarily and economically. The Great Depression

was no more. But, two major rival powers were developing, rivals ideologically and militarily: The Cold

War between the US and its allies versus the Soviet Union and its allies/clients would be the dominant

international issue for the next four decades. Domestically, in the 1950s and the 1960s, the US would

begin grappling head-on with major Civil Rights and economic issues, as well as a divisive conflict in

Vietnam---and widespread demonstrations and some high-profile assassinations.

Choose and discuss (in a full paragraph or two) one of the following two topics related to the period

from the late 1940s and through the 1960s.

1. Discuss America’s Cold War policy or strategy aimed at dealing with communism and the Soviet

threat, and an example of a Cold War conflict or crisis.

o Identify one or two Cold War strategies of the US. Describe a specific example of a

conflict or crisis that was part of this Cold War strategy, and compare or contrast this to

the international situation today.

o Identify the source(s) where you read about these Cold War issues.

2. Discuss the Civil Rights advances and struggles that took place in the 1950s and 1960s along with

relevant legal developments.

o Identify two key specific events of the Civil Rights struggle and at least one major piece

of legislation or court decision.

o Explain the historical significance of your examples and ways they have impacted our

own time.

o Identify the source(s) where you read these Civil Rights issues.

Reference Material

Chapter 24 & Chapter 25