Unit 11: End of The Cold War and Contemporary America

1. Unit 11: End of The Cold War and Contemporary America

2. Vietnam • (http://www.history.com/topics/domino-theory/videos#the-road-to-war) • American involvement will reflect the policy of containment (much like in Korea). • UN split Vietnam into North and South. • North-communist, South- democratic • Beginning in the 1950s and into the early 1960s, the communist government of North Vietnam attempted to install through force a communist government in South Vietnam. • Ike(President Eisenhower) promised to help South Vietnam if certain reforms were made (education) • U.S. gives monetary/advisory aid

4. U.S. Involvement in Vietnam • The U.S. was so intent on being involved in Vietnam because Laos (another former French colony) gained it’s independence in 1954 and was leaning towards communism as well. • FEAR OF A DOMINO EFFECT! • The U.S. sent both conventional and unconventional forces (Green Beret) to Vietnam.

5. American military build-up • The American military build-up began under President John Kennedy. • Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and Lyndon B. Johnson took over. • The build-up intensified under LBJ. • Tonkin Gulf (1964): American destroyers began firing on North Vietnam. • Tonkin Gulf Resolution: granted LBJ broad military power in Vietnam (but no official war declaration) • Operation Rolling Thunder (1965): full scale bombing attacks- obvious escalation of war • Tet Offensive (1968): Jan. 30- the Vietcong launched an attack on over 100 towns and cities in South Vietnam and 12 U.S. air bases. • Lasted for about a month • http://www.history.com/topics/domino-theory/videos#tet-offensive

7. American Strategy • In March of 1965, President Johnson began dispatching tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers to fight in Vietnam. • The draft was implemented to increase troops • Vietcong used hit-and run -tactics • Lived amongst civilians so it was hard for the U.S. to know who was on their side and who wasn’t. • Also, built elaborate tunnels so they can withstand air raids. • U.S. dropped napalm (a gasoline-based bomb) and Agent Orange (a leaf –killing toxic chemical) to expose the tunnels and hideouts.

8. http://www.history.com/topics/agent-orange/videos#on-patrol

9. A Nation Divided • Main Idea An anti-Vietnam War movement in the U.S. pitted supporters of the government’s war policy (hawks) against those who opposed it (doves).

10. First TV War • How might seeing footage of what was actually going on affect those at home? • Why did this conflict have more people voicing discontent over our involvement than any other to this point?

11. Vietnam became America’s first “living room war” • Combat footage appeared nightly on the news • Thousands of men attempted to find ways around the draft • Medical exemptions, college deferment • Many African-Americans fought in the war because it was harder for them to dodge the draft. • Those who opposed the war but couldn’t dodge the draft often resorted to alcohol and drug use while in Vietnam.

13. The Working Class Goes to War • Background: The idea of fighting far away from home for a questionable cause led many Americans to resist going to Vietnam

14. Selective Service System/draft–men between the ages of 18-26 could be called into military service • Became controversial – 80% of men drafted were from the lower/working class of society • Higher percentage of African Americans were drafted than Whites

15. The Tet Offensive in Vietnam, two assassinations at home, and a chaotic presidential election made 1968 an explosive year.

16. 1968 Presidential Election • President Johnson (LBJ) declined to seek reelection as president in 1968 • Bobby Kennedy (RFK) entered the Democratic presidential race • Assassinated by SirhanSirhanin June 1968 • Campaigned on a promise to restore law and order. • Also, promised to end the war.

17. The Tet Offensive Turns the War • Tet Offensive (1968) – surprise attack by Vietcong and North Vietnamese army on numerous cities in South Vietnam • Militarily = U.S. victory after 1 month of fighting • Politically and Psychologically = U.S. defeat • American public had thought the war was almost won, not true • Significance – American public increasingly turned against the war during 1968

18. Protest • May 1, 1970 - President Nixon calls anti-war students "bums blowing up campuses." • May 2, 1970 - American college campuses erupt in protest over the invasion of Cambodia. • May 4, 1970 - At Kent State University in Ohio, National Guardsmen shoot and kill four student protesters and wound nine. • http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html#kent

20. The End of the War and Its Legacy • President Nixon’s plan • “Vietnamization” –withdraw U.S. troops and replace them with South Vietnamese troops trained and equipped by the U.S. • Significance – Vietnamization ultimately failed • South Vietnam was conquered by North Vietnamese forces (supplied by the Soviet Union) in 1975, both sections merged under communist control

21. Vietnam War demonstrated the power of American public opinion in reversing foreign policy • U.S. casualties in the Vietnam War: • 58,000 soldiers killed and 303,000 wounded • 15% of 3.3 million Vietnam veterans suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder • Vietnam War left scars on American society that have not yet been erased • Unlike veterans of WWII, Vietnam veterans returned to face indifference or outright hostility from some who opposed the war effort

22. It was not until several years after the end of the war that Vietnam veterans were recognized and honored for their service and sacrifices • Vietnam Veterans Memorial (aka “The Wall”) unveiled in 1982 in Washington D.C.

23. A to Z Sentence Summary

24. Nixon and the Watergate Scandal • President Nixon ultimately resigned from office in 1974. • Watergate Scandal– centered on the Nixon administration’s attempt to cover up a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnmriyXYeg

25. Flash forward to the 1980’s! • Main Idea – President Reagan’s conservative political philosophy prompted a reevaluation of the size and role of government in the economy and society of contemporary America http://www.history.com/topics/ronald-reagan/videos#reagan-and-the-1980-debates

26. President Ronald Reagan • Election of 1980 – Ronald Reagan (Republican) defeated Jimmy Carter (Democrat) • “The Reagan Revolution”- term used to describe the shift a more conservative path during President Reagan’s time in office • Redefining of federalism = more power to the states, less power to the national government (devolution)

27. Reagan Appointments • President Reagan made appointments of conservative federal judges and supreme court justices who exercised “judicial restraint” • Sandra Day O’Connor– first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court

28. “Reaganomics” Takes Over • “Reaganomics” – President Reagan’s economic policies that included: • Budget cuts - reduction in the number and scope of government programs and regulations • EX: urban mass transit, food stamps, welfare benefits, job training, Medicaid, school lunches, student loans • Hurt the poorest members of society • Tax cuts – for wealthy Americans to free up money for investment in business • Based on supply-side economics • Helped the wealthiest members of society

29. Increased Defense spending – strengthened the military (Cold War) • Significance –Reagan’s policies caused: • a recession in 1982-1983, then a recovery period until 1987 when the stock market crashed • federal deficit tripledduring his time in office

30. Reagan and the Cold War

32. The Cold War Ends • Main Idea – The end of the Cold War was marked by the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 due to both internal and external pressures. • Increasing Soviet military expenses to compete with the U.S. • U.S.S.R. had trouble keeping up with the U.S., didn’t have enough money • Economic inefficiency that led to stagnation and recession

33. Internal Problems of the Soviet Union • March 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became general secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union.

34. New policies from Mikhail Gorbachev • “Glasnost” (openness)– allowed for open criticism of the government and took steps toward freedom of the press. • “Perestroika” (economic restructuring)– less government control of the economy • allowed for some private enterprise • took steps for establishing a democratic government in the U.S.S.R.

35. External Pressure from President Reagan • President Ronald Reagan’s policies increased pressure on the U.S.S.R. that contributed to its collapse. • Increased military spending that U.S.S.R. couldn’t match • EX: SDI (aka “Star Wars”) – missile defense shield • Challenged moral legitimacy of the U.S.S.R.

36. Pressure from Reagan • Speech at the Berlin Wall - “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” • Berlin Wall torn down in November 1989. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei1HnWwzmNk

37. Cold War Legacy in U.S. • During the Cold War era, millions of Americans served in the military to defend freedom in wars and conflicts that were not always popular. • As a result, the U.S. and American ideals of democracy and freedom ultimately prevailed in the Cold War struggle with the Soviet Union’s communist system.

38. Issues in Modern America

39. Immigration • Immigration has increased American diversity and redefined American identity. • Many immigrants from Asian and Latin American, Middle Eastern countries • Reasons for immigration include: • Political freedom • Economic opportunity

40. Issues related to immigration policy • Strain on government services • Welfare, etc. • Filling low-paying jobs in the United States • Border issues • Arizona, Texas • Pathway to citizenship • Naturalization • Bilingual Education • ELL (ESL) • Increasing cultural diversity

41. Space Advances • 1960s, John F. Kennedy increased support for the American space program. • John Glenn- first American to orbit Earth • 1969, Neil Armstrong first to walk on the moon • “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind…” • Sally Ride- first female American astronaut

42. Technology • Over the past 3 decades, improved technology and media have brought about better access to communication and information for businesses and individuals in both urban and rural areas. • As a result, many more Americans have access to global information and viewpoints.

43. Technological Advances • Space exploration • Space shuttle • MarsRover • Voyager missions • Hubble telescope • Communications • Satellites • Global positioning system (GPS) • Personal communication devices (cell phones) • Robotics

44. Changes in work, school and health care • Telecommuting • Online course work • Growth of the service industry • Breakthroughs in medical research • Jonas Salk- polio vaccine (1950s) • Improved medical diagnostics • Imaging technologies • Outsourcing and off shoring

45. Ronald Reagan • Reagan’s policies had an impact on the relationship between the federal government and state governments. • Reagan and conservative Republicans advocated for: • Tax cuts • Transfer of responsibilities to state governments • Appointment of judges/justices who exercised “judicial restraint” • Reduction in number and scope of government programs and regulations • Strengthening of U.S. military

46. Federal Government and the Economy • Federal government bases its decision on economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exchange rates, rate of inflation and unemployment rate. • Government promotes a healthy economy characterized by full employment and low inflation through the actions of: • The Federal Reserve • The President and Congress

47. Terrorism • The United States has confronted the increase in international terrorism by formulating domestic and international policies aimed at stopping terrorism. • Patriot Act • Diplomatic and military initiatives

48. Modern Presidents Review

49. John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) • “New Frontier” • Cuba/Beginning of Vietnam/ Assassinated- Lee Harvey Oswald • Famous quote: “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” • NASA • Eventually Leads to 1969- Moon Landing- Buzz Aldrinand Neil Armstrong- “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” • Apollo 11 • Peace Corps