- Short essay topics: Choose one (1) short essay topic each section and answer in a well-written essay of approximately ½ page each. Please do not use lists, graphic organizers, timelines, etc. You should use specific examples to back up your thesis. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. You may answer two (2) at home using your text, PPT, notes, etc. However, if you copy directly from the textbook, you will only earn 50% of the points available. All answers should be in your own words and not read like a textbook. Each essay is worth 13 points.
Section 1:
- The Truman Doctrine and NSC-68 outlined a US containment policy that lasted throughout the Cold War. Choose one of the surrogate wars that the United States and the Soviet Union fought and describe the causes of the war and the effects on American society. (EX: Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuba – Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis, East-West German conflict)
Section 2:
- What were the Great Society programs trying to do for Americans? Were they successful in waging the war on poverty? Use facts to support your argument. (Ex: education, jobs, urban renewal, etc.) No laundry list of every program!!
Section 3:
- Between 1960 – 1990, there were all kinds of “power movements.” In what way did their activism change American society? (Youth Revolt, Women Power, Black Power, Red Power, Chicano/Brown Power, Environmental Power, Gay-Lesbian Power)
Section 4:
- How did Reagan’s foreign policies lead to the end of the Cold War?
Section 5:
- Both the 1980s and the 1990s saw economic good times. Compare the similarities and differences of the two decades and include an analysis of effects on class, gender, race, and economic fundamentals.
Section 6:
- Although both Earl Warren (1953-1969) and Warren Burger (1969-1986) were appointed by
Republican Presidents as Supreme Ct. Chief Justices, far reaching liberal rulings were handed
down by both courts. (civil rights, prayer in school, rights of accused, contraceptives/abortion)
Choose two topics mentioned and describe the rulings under each Court. What do you think are the
consequences of these rulings today? Do you agree or disagree with these rulings?
