US History – 1945 to Present

Unit 1 – Cold War Origins: 1945-1953

Unit 2 – Postwar Prosperity and Social Shifts

Unit 3 – Eisenhower Era: Conformity & Consensus

Unit 4 – Civil Rights: Brown to Civil Rights Act

Unit 5 – Kennedy's New Frontier and Foreign Crises

Unit 6 – LBJ and the Great Society

Unit 7 – Vietnam War: Impact on American Society

Unit 8 – 1960s Counterculture and Social Movements

Unit 9 – Nixon's Era: Détente and Watergate

Unit 10 – Ford & Carter: Economic & Foreign Challenges

Unit 11 – Reagan Era and Cold War's End

Unit 12 – Bush Sr. and the New World Order

Unit 13 – Clinton Era: Reforms and Globalization

Unit 14 – Bush Presidency and the 2000 Election

Unit 15 – 9/11 and America's War on Terror

Unit 16 – Obama Presidency: Domestic & Global Issues

Unit 17 – Trump Era: Populism and Foreign Policy

## What do you learn in United States History Since 1945

You'll cover major events and trends in the U.S. from the end of World War II to the present. Topics include the Cold War, civil rights movement, Vietnam War, counterculture, Watergate, Reagan era, end of the Cold War, 9/11, and recent political developments. You'll analyze social, economic, and cultural changes that shaped modern America.

## Is United States History Since 1945 hard?

It's not the toughest history course, but there's a lot of material to cover. You'll need to keep up with readings and lectures to grasp the connections between events. The hardest part is remembering all the names, dates, and specific events, but if you're interested in recent history, you'll probably find it engaging and manageable.

## Tips for taking United States History Since 1945 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the sequence of events
3. Watch documentaries like "The Vietnam War" by Ken Burns for context
4. Read primary sources like speeches and newspaper articles
5. Connect historical events to current issues (e.g., Cold War tensions and modern U.S.-Russia relations)
6. Form a study group to discuss and debate different interpretations of events
7. Use mnemonic devices to remember key figures and dates (e.g., JFK, LBJ, RFK)

## Common pre-requisites for United States History Since 1945

1. U.S. History to 1877: Covers early American history from colonization to Reconstruction. You'll learn about the founding of the nation and the Civil War.

2. U.S. History 1877-1945: Focuses on the period between Reconstruction and World War II. This course covers industrialization, Progressive Era reforms, and the Great Depression.

## Classes similar to United States History Since 1945

1. Cold War History: Examines the global conflict between the U.S. and Soviet Union. You'll study proxy wars, nuclear arms race, and ideological battles.

2. Civil Rights Movement: Explores the struggle for racial equality in the U.S. The course covers key figures, events, and legislation from the 1950s to 1970s.

3. American Foreign Policy: Analyzes U.S. international relations and diplomatic history. You'll learn about major foreign policy decisions and their impacts.

4. Contemporary American Politics: Focuses on recent political developments in the U.S. The course covers elections, policy debates, and changing party dynamics.

## Majors related to United States History Since 1945

1. History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while gaining a deep understanding of how the past shapes the present.

2. Political Science: Examines government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze political theories, institutions, and processes, often with a focus on American politics.

3. American Studies: Explores American culture, society, and identity through an interdisciplinary lens. Students examine literature, art, popular culture, and social movements to understand the American experience.

4. Sociology: Studies human society, social relationships, and institutions. Students analyze social issues, demographics, and cultural trends, often with a focus on recent American history.

## What can you do with a degree in United States History Since 1945?

1. High School History Teacher: Educates students about historical events and their significance. Teachers create lesson plans, lead discussions, and help students develop critical thinking skills.

2. Museum Curator: Manages and interprets collections of historical artifacts. Curators research, design exhibits, and develop educational programs to engage the public with history.

3. Political Analyst: Examines political trends, policies, and events. Analysts work for think tanks, media outlets, or government agencies to provide insights on current and historical political issues.

4. Archivist: Preserves and organizes historical documents and records. Archivists work in libraries, government agencies, or private institutions to maintain and provide access to important historical materials.

## United States History Since 1945 FAQs

1. How much reading is required for this course? Expect to read about 50-100 pages per week, including textbook chapters and primary sources. The amount may vary depending on your professor and the specific focus of the course.

2. Are there any field trips or guest speakers? Some professors organize visits to local museums or invite guest speakers who experienced historical events firsthand. These opportunities can really bring the material to life.

3. How does this course relate to current events? Many issues we face today have roots in post-1945 America. Understanding this history can help you make sense of current political debates, social movements, and international relations.

History

1.4 Korean War and NSC-68

1.2 Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan

1.1 Yalta Conference and Post-World War II Tensions

1.3 Formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact

2.3 Television and Consumer Culture

2.2 Baby Boom and Changing Family Dynamics

2.1 Economic Growth and Suburban Expansion

3.2 McCarthyism and the Red Scare

3.1 Domestic Policies and the "Middle Way"

3.3 Foreign Policy: Massive Retaliation and Covert Operations

4.3 Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965

4.2 Montgomery Bus Boycott and Nonviolent Resistance

4.1 Brown v. Board of Education and School Desegregation

5.1 Domestic Policies and the New Frontier

5.3 Space Race and Cold War Competition

5.2 Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis

6.1 War on Poverty and Social Welfare Programs

6.2 Civil Rights Legislation and Voting Rights

6.3 Medicare, Medicaid, and Healthcare Reform

7.2 Anti-War Movement and Counterculture

7.1 Escalation of U.S. Involvement in Vietnam

7.3 Tet Offensive and Domestic Political Consequences

8.1 Youth Culture and the "Generation Gap"

8.4 Gay Rights Movement and Stonewall Riots

8.3 Environmental Movement and Silent Spring

8.2 Women's Liberation Movement

9.1 Nixon's Foreign Policy: Détente and China

9.2 Domestic Policies: New Federalism and Economic Challenges

9.3 Watergate Scandal and Constitutional Crisis

10.2 Carter's Domestic Policies and Energy Crisis

10.1 Ford's Presidency: Pardoning Nixon and Economic Stagflation

10.3 Foreign Policy: Camp David Accords and Iran Hostage Crisis

11.2 Foreign Policy: "Evil Empire" and SDI

11.1 Supply-Side Economics and Domestic Policy

11.3 Fall of the Berlin Wall and Collapse of Soviet Union

12.3 1992 Election and the Rise of Ross Perot

12.1 Post-Cold War Foreign Policy and the Gulf War

12.2 Domestic Challenges: Economic Recession and "Read My Lips"

13.3 Impeachment and Partisan Politics

13.2 Foreign Policy: NAFTA and Globalization

13.1 Domestic Policy: Welfare Reform and Balanced Budget

14.1 Bush v. Gore and Electoral Controversy

14.2 Domestic Policy: No Child Left Behind and Tax Cuts

14.3 Foreign Policy Pre-9/11: Unilateralism and Missile Defense

15.2 Afghanistan War and Hunt for Bin Laden

15.1 September 11 Attacks and Immediate Aftermath

15.3 Iraq War: Justification, Invasion, and Occupation

16.1 Great Recession and Economic Recovery

16.2 Healthcare Reform: Affordable Care Act

16.3 Foreign Policy: Arab Spring and Iran Nuclear Deal

17.3 Foreign Policy: "America First" and Trade Wars

17.1 2016 Election and Rise of Populism

17.2 Domestic Policy: Tax Cuts and Immigration

17.4 COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Unrest

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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