Major Issues of American History

Running head: MAJOR ISSUES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
Major Issues of American History
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MAJOR ISSUES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
Question 1.
The period was full of geopolitical tension between United States and Soviet Union. The
prolonged distrust ripened and took shape of enmity by the end of World War II. The hostile
atmosphere in the scenario of international relation led to the Cold war, which is believed to be
inevitable. It was thought that the best way of defense from all the threats which were being felt
from Soviet forces was Containmen1t. The policy of U.S was a long term containment from all
expansive tendencies owned up by Russia2. This gave way to the buildup of unprecedented arms
in United States. As a result there was almost four times increase in the expenditure done for
defense. This had left consequent effect on the domestic lives of American people. It started
disintegrating soon after 1989 and collapsed finally after USSR broke apart. It was marked by
the end of the Cold war.
The Asian revolution was an outcry to overthrow the perils of Colonialism. The European
nations which continued to exploit former colonies were made to respond to their demand for
independence. It is needless that the process took time to reach completion but liquidation of
colonialism was the stepping stone of the Asian Revolution.
Question 2:
The effects of cold war was reflected in the culture of that period through movies, music,
television, book and other forms. The two major factors which played at large during that period
was Espionage and the threat of cold war. These result was felt in the consequential rise of the
consumer society which comprised of prosperous Americans who actually were ordinary
1 Davis, Lynn Etheridge. The Cold War Begins: Soviet-American Conflict Over East Europe. Vol. 1255.
Princeton University Press, 2015.
2 Bvtlab.com. 2019. Bvtlab.Com. https://www.bvtlab.com/ebook.php?sid=#open_toc.

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MAJOR ISSUES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
citizens. The American society witnessed a gradual growth into being an industrial nation. The
nation could handle the crisis of recession and unemployment solely because of the federal
government. However, the economy which was increasing rapidly was also institutionalized.
This gave way to the rise of the white collar class besides the blue collar class. The nation also
witnessed revolution in agriculture and advancement in science and technology3. The change was
even felt in literature and arts. Civil Rights Movement followed along with the activism which
questioned the conservatism of the Supreme Court.
Question 3.
The presidency lied with Lyndon Johnson after the death of John Kennedy. There was a
great attempt at ending poverty by programs to better the conditions of living. John
accomplished a lot in a very little time but could not stand tall in front of the citizens for long
because of Vietnam War and unregulated decisions which resulted in great unrest. After the
withdrawal of U.S. from the Vietnam War, the Communists took over the country. Nixon also
combated inflation, made attempts to protect the environment and ensure rights to vote to
Women. Gerald Ford was appointed as the Vice President was soon compelled to resign for tax
evasion. Jimmy Carter, who got elected later as President became unpopular due to his
inadequate foreign policies as Iranian militants took Americans as hostages from U.S. embassy4.
They were kept hostages until Ronald Regan took over as President in the landslide election of
1980.
3 Betts, Richard K., ed. Conflict after the Cold War: arguments on causes of war and peace. Taylor &
Francis, 2017.
4 Levering, Ralph B. The cold war: a post-cold war history. John Wiley & Sons, 2016.