Summary of Key Themes and Context: 1945-1980 (College Board AP® US History): Revision Note

Context for Period 8 1945-1980

Communism

After World War II, the United States began a long rivalry with the Soviet Union. The Cold War influenced foreign policy, military choices, and daily life.

Worries about communism also affected civil liberties and politics.

Growth and social movements

Economic growth led to increased suburban development and a rise in consumer culture. Government programs expanded access to education and housing, but some groups were left out.

The Civil Rights Movement fought segregation and inequality, pushing the country to face its own contradictions.

The Vietnam War split Americans on foreign policy and trust in the government.

New social movements about race, gender, youth, and the environment changed culture and politics.nd politics.

This era shows that protest can bring about reform, but it can also cause backlash.

Themes in Period 8

The themes covered in Period 8 include:

• America and National Identity (NAT)

• Work, Exchange and Technology (WXT)

• Geography and the Environment (GEO)

• Migration and Settlement (MIG)

• Politics and Power (PCE)

• America in the World (WOR)

• American and Regional Culture (ARC)

• Social Structures (SOC)

Connections from Period 7 and to Period 9

Connection from Period 7: Cold War tensions emerge from the outcomes of WWII.

Connection to Period 9: Cultural change and government expansion provoke conservative backlash.