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Vietnam War
The U.S. entered the Vietnam War in an attempt to prevent the spread of communism, but foreign policy, economic interests, national fears, and geopolitical strategies also played major roles. Learn why a country that had been barely known to most Americans came to define an era. Key Takeaways: U.S. Involvement in Vietnam
The Domino Theory held that communism would spread if Vietnam became communist. Anticommunist sentiment at home influenced foreign policy views. -
Elvis Presley
Also known as The Rock 'N Roll king, was at first known for his "Satanic" music and his "Provocative" dancing and was later really popular, especially in 1956. Presley was on a roll, scoring his first No. 1 single with "Heartbreak Hotel," as well as his first No. 1 album, Elvis Presley, and signing a movie contract with Paramount Pictures — all in 1956. -
Space Race
Beginning in the late 1950s, space would become another dramatic arena for this competition, as each side sought to prove the superiority of its technology, its military firepower and–by extension–its political-economic system. The space race was a race between The Soviet Union and the U.S. to get a man on the moon. -
President JFK
Early errors in judgment, particularly in the Bay of Pigs fiasco, seemingly confirmed these fears. In 1962, the administration was in trouble. A particularly difficult Cold War climate abroad, antagonistic Congress at home, bold activist groups agitating for change, and a discouraging economic outlook contributed to a negative view of the Kennedy White House. impressions began to change in the fall of 1962. Skillful statesmanship and some luck led to success in the showdown over Cuba. -
Napalm
Napalm was first used in flamethrowers for U.S. ground troops; they burned down sections of forest and bushes in hopes of eliminating any enemy guerrilla fighters. Later on in the war B-52 Bombers began dropping napalm bombs and other incendiary explosives. Meant for Mass Destruction and Mass Death. -
Anti War protests
The antiwar movement grew unstoppable, pressuring American leaders to reconsider its commitment. Peace movement leaders opposed the war moral and economic grounds. The North Vietnamese, argued, were fighting a patriotic war to rid themselves of foreign aggressors. April 17, 1965 was the largest anti-war protest to have been held in Washington, D.C. up to that time. The number of marchers (15,000–25,000) was close to the number of U.S. soldiers in Vietnam at the time (less than 25,000). -
Robert Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated before 5 June 68." It has been suggested that the date of the assassination is significant because it was the first anniversary of the start of the Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Also, more than likely, would have been president if he would not have died getting assassinated in -
Black Panther
The Black Panther party had directly opposed the involvement of Black men in the Vietnam War in the Ten-Point Platform. As it states: "We want all Black men to be exempt from military service. We believe that Black people should not be forced to fight in the military service to defend a racist government that does not protect us. We will not fight and kill other people of color in the world who, like Black people, are being victimized by the White racist government of America." -1969 -
"Charlie"
"Charlie" referred to communist forces in general, both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese. -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
Their trip was the start of what became known as “ping pong diplomacy” and helped lay the groundwork for establishing official diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Ping pong diplomacy also led to improved people-to-people understanding and cultural exchange. -
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal began early in the morning of June 17, 1972, when several burglars were arrested in the office of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate complex of buildings in Washington, D.C. This was no ordinary robbery: The prowlers were connected to President Richard Nixon’s reelection campaign. -
Apple
The Apple-1 was the first Apple product to be sold. It marked the start of the personal computer industry. It was the first personal computer that came with a warranty. -
Jimmy Carter
Jim was known for establishing the Carter Center, building his presidential library, teaching at Emory University in Atlanta, and writing numerous books. He contributed to the expansion of Habitat for Humanity, to build affordable housing. during his presidency He promoted adherence to three human rights categories the right to be free from government violation of the integrity of the person; the right to fulfill vital needs such as food, shelter, and education; and civil and political rights. -
Aids
Aids is a further progression of HIV. As HIV infection advances to aids the amount of HIV in the body increaes and the number of CD4 cells decrease. -
Iran-Contra Affair
Senior administration officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to the Khomeini government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was the subject of an arms embargo. The administration hoped to use the proceeds of the arms sale to fund the Contras in Nicaragua.