United States History - Study Guide
16. Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
- Case Overview: This landmark Supreme Court case established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights to counsel and against self-incrimination before interrogation.
- Significance: The decision led to the creation of "Miranda rights," which are read to individuals upon arrest to ensure they understand their legal protections.
17. Appalachia (Economics 1960s)
- Economics Overview: During the 1960s, Appalachia faced significant economic challenges, including poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and limited access to education and healthcare.
- Federal Response: The Johnson administration’s War on Poverty included efforts aimed at improving conditions in Appalachia through various programs and initiatives.
18. Beatnik Movement
- Overview: The Beatniks were a group of American writers and artists in the 1950s who rejected conventional society and celebrated spontaneity, self-expression, and non-materialism.
- Cultural Influence: This movement laid the groundwork for the counterculture of the 1960s and influenced literature, music, and lifestyle, promoting themes such as anti-establishment sentiments and Eastern philosophy.
19. Engel v. Vitale (1962)
- Case Overview: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools, as it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
- Significance: This case was a significant moment in the debate over the separation of church and state in American public schools.
20. Pork Chop Gang
- Overview: A group of white Democratic politicians in Georgia who were influential in the state's politics during the mid-20th century. They were known for their conservative stance and for controlling the political machinery of Georgia.
- Impact: They resisted civil rights reforms and were pivotal in maintaining segregation and the status quo in the South.
21. Economic Opportunity Act (1964)
- Overview: Part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society, this act aimed to eradicate poverty through community action programs and job training.
- Programs Initiated: The act created several initiatives, including Head Start, Job Corps, and volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).
22. Great Society
- Overview: A set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.
- Key Components: Major initiatives included Medicare, Medicaid, the Civil Rights Act, and various educational and environmental reforms.
23. Project Head Start
- Overview: A program initiated in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty, designed to provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.
- Goals: The aim was to prepare children for school and enhance their chances for success.
24. HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)
- Overview: A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives established in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities by private citizens, public employees, and organizations.
- Notable Actions: HUAC became associated with the Red Scare and investigated numerous individuals, particularly in Hollywood, accusing them of communist affiliations.
25. Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill)
- Overview: This landmark legislation provided various benefits to returning World War II veterans (GIs), including tuition and housing assistance for education, low-interest mortgages, and unemployment compensation.
- Impact: The GI Bill significantly contributed to the economic prosperity of the post-war era, helping millions of veterans reintegrate into civilian life and contributing to the expansion of the American middle class.
This study guide covers key topics in U.S. history from the 1960s and post-World War II, focusing on significant legal cases, cultural movements, socio-economic changes, and major legislative acts that shaped modern America.
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