Period 8 Review for Students

Overview

This video is geared towards students preparing for an exam on Period 8, which follows World War II and covers significant events in American history during this period. Students are encouraged to print out the provided speed review sheet to follow along and mark areas that need further focus.

Key Points

Post-World War II America

• Economic Growth & GI Bill: Post-WWII America saw significant economic growth, partly due to the GI Bill that allowed veterans to receive a college education and buy homes.
• Baby Boom & Suburban Growth: This period witnessed the baby boom and the rise of suburbs, exemplified by places like Levittown, that represented the American dream for many families.
• Influence of Television: Television became a central part of American culture, shaping fashion, music, and politics while promoting a culture of conformity.
• Rise of Teen Rebellion: Despite the conformity, there was a surge in teen rebellion, notably through rock and roll music and literary critiques like "The Affluent Society."

Cold War

• Containment Policy: America adopted containment to counter communism, following recommendations from George Kennan's Long Telegram.
• Key Events: Examples include the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War as early successful tests of containment.
• Eisenhower & Cold War Policies: Eisenhower's tenure saw the introduction of the Eisenhower Doctrine, and a willingness to use military force, including nuclear weapons (brinkmanship), to contain communism.

Civil Rights Movement

• Key Victories: Landmark events include the Brown v. Board of Education case and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Resistance & Hostility: Integration faced significant resistance, seen in events like the hostility towards the Little Rock Nine.
• Influential Figures: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X represented different strategies within the civil rights movement.

Vietnam War

• American Involvement: Increased under Kennedy and escalated following the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution under Johnson.
• Public Opinion & Media: The first televised war impacted public opinion, particularly after events like the Tet Offensive and the My Lai Massacre.

Domestic Policies & Social Movements

• Great Society: Johnson's domestic agenda aimed to address poverty and included healthcare reforms and the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Environmental Movement: Inspired by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," this period saw a surge in environmental activism and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Nixon's Presidency

• Foreign Policy: Nixon sought to deescalate Cold War tensions, leading to SALT and reopening relations with China.
• Watergate Scandal: Nixon resigned following the scandal, becoming the only president to do so.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Causation Questions: May cover the effects of the Cold War.
• Comparison Questions: Could involve comparing civil rights leaders or Cold War policies of different presidents.
• Change and Continuity: Likely to focus on shifts in American foreign policy post-WWII.

Conclusion

Students are advised to utilize the review packet linked in the video description for further study, including timelines, study guides, and essay practice. The video concludes with encouragement to like and subscribe for more educational content.