Finals Set One

16th Amendment - Federal Income Tax 17th Amendment - Direct Election of Senators Federal Reserve Act - Reestablishes a National Bank

1. Karl Marx was the founder of modern communism. All people are equal, so there is no poverty or wealth. From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs. Everybody will work as well as able, give it all to a common pot, which will then be divided out. End goal: Utopia. However, early communist leaders distorted the meaning of communism – like Lenin and Stalin. Class struggle: Stopping the cycle by eliminating classes. In the end, government leaders are paid better than the people, or are given better preference in goods. The leaders tend to focus more on production, and will squash any rebellion with their secret police forces. Global Ideology & 10 planks for the dictatorship of the proletariat.

1. The Long Telegram was a telegram from George F. Kennan, who was part of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. This described some of the deeply-etched characteristics of the Soviets and their behavior. This also suggested that Truman use “containment”, in order to keep the Soviets from overtaking all of Europe.

Containment originated with the Long Telegram from George F. Kennan., saying that Russia needed to be contained. The Soviets were trying to expand their communist influence across Europe and into Asia. Kennan felt it was necessary to use various strategies, including military strength, to keep this at bay. We should only let communism continue in already communist nations

1. The nations who were in the Allied Nations during WWII met together in San Francisco. They made the draft to the UN Charter. In October of 1945, the “big five” of the United Nations signed and ratified the UN.

1. I don’t think it is entirely necessary because it is not entirely efficient. Sure, it helps unify us together, but it does not solve disputes like it hoped it would. I think America should still play safe and keep out of any alliances.

1. After WWII, the unemployment rate lowered by nearly 10%, and stayed that way for quite some time. WWII mainly helped provide jobs in both military and industrial positions, and made us work and spend money.

1. Truman was friendlier to businesses. FDR was not quite so friendly to the businesses, so this was a big change. It made them more open to Truman.
2. The Revenue Act of 1945 cut taxes and kept unemployment very constant and low.
3. The GI Bill was a bill full of benefits, like college.

1. Every day of the American demobilization, Europe was freed even more from the American influence. This subjected Europe to increasing Soviet influence, despite Stalin’s promise. Stalin declared that he was returning to pre-war policy.

1. The Iron Curtain was an imaginary curtain that Winston Churchill referred to in a speech to Westminster College. This was a “curtain” that extended from Poland to Italy, which kept those on the east side under “the Soviet sphere.” He believed all of those countries on the eastern side of Europe were subject to “an increasing measure of control from Moscow.” This was, in part, a result of the speedy American demobilization in Europe.

1. The Marshall Plan was also called the European Recovery Plan (ERP.) This was the program that was designed to provide financial support to struggling European economies. This was meant to help halt the spread of communism. This was exactly what it said – a recovery plan.

1. The GI Bill was a bill under President Truman that helped out the WWII veterans. This provided a way for them to go to university, buy houses, and start their own farms or businesses.

1. The Nuremberg Trials were a series of trials held in Nuremberg, Germany. These trials determined the fate of the top Nazi leaders. This was held under the authority of Soviet, American, French, and British justices. (IMT: International Military Tribunal)

1. President Truman actually vetoed this bill, only to have it overridden by Congress. This was made to help with the labor troubles; however this was not approved of by many labor leaders. This bill outlawed “closed shop” (labor union members are the only ones who can be employed.) An 80-day “Cool Off” time was proposed if any especially dangerous/unhealthy strikes were predicted. Union dues could not be contributed to political candidates. And Union leaders had to promise that they were not communist.
2. This was important, because it was meant to help with the labor troubles and keep communism out of the industry.

1. He pledges his aid to any country that is struggling and trying to resist communism and subversion. This was backed by congress. This led to the Marshall Plan.