Some causes of the Cold War include the end of World War II, Soviet Union’s attempt to spread communism around the world, and the splitting up of Germany into 4 occupation zones. Although the United States played a role in causing the Cold War, the Soviet Union is more to blame because they desired to expand their empire and spread communism.

Containment was a new American policy to slow the spread of communism that served as an alternative to using military force. The Truman Doctrine was an American foreign policy that promised aid to nations under threat from communist forces. The Marshall Plan was the plan to help war-torn European nations rebuild their economies with U.S. aid. All of these policies did involve using military force to stop the spread of communism. 

Stalin deciding to blockade the Western-occupied zones of Berlin to take control of the entire city led to the Berlin Airlift. The Berlin Airlift was the Allies flying in food and supplies to Berlin. This was important because it made Stalin look like a bad person in the eyes of the world.

The causes of the Korean War include the Soviets’ backing of Northern Korea and their crossing of the 38th parallel into the US’ backed South Korea. The effects of the Korean War include an armistice signed on July 27, 1953, North Korea remaining a communist dictatorship, and South Korea remaining under the control of Syngman Rhee.

Some domestic challenges that America faced during the early Cold War era include fear of communism and segregation toward non-white Americans. Some solutions that were proposed include McCarthyism and Eisenhower’s policy of “Termination," which provided incentives for Native Americans to leave reservations.

McCarthyism was a hunt for alleged Communists led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. It was a response to the fear of communism and mainly affected government officials, the US Army, and prominent Hollywood personnel. It affected Americans by ruining their careers and reputations.

Some causes of suburban growth in America during the 1950s include increased wealth, increased production of automobiles, construction of highways, and a postwar baby boom. Also, Americans decided to leave the city because of Racial fears, affordable housing, and decaying inner cities. Some effects of suburban growth in America during the 1950s include mass production of housing, the creation of shopping centers and fast food restaurants, and an increased standard of living compared to the previous generation.

The television helped shape a new national pop culture, changed politics, and helped create a national stereotype of the perfect family. The television positively affected the United States and helped transition the American culture into modernity.

The origins of Rock Roll were African American blues and gospel but became more popular with Elvis Presley. Teens were especially attracted to Rock and Roll and rejected the music their parents loved. Parents hated Rock and Roll and thought it was provocative.

The voices against conformity included the Beat generation, American painters, and rebels in Hollywood movies. They reacted against the “Happy days” because not everyone enjoyed the benefits and poverty, racism, and segregation still existed in the nation. 

The main difference makers during this time include Harry Truman, Elvis Presley, and Joseph Stalin. Harry Truman faced the challenge of the Cold War. Elvis Presley faced the challenge of popularizing Rock and Roll. Joseph Stalin faced the challenges of spreading communism during the Cold War. Truman overcame his challenge by utilizing the Truman Doctrine and the Policy of Containment to prevent the spread of communism. Presley overcame his challenge by making Rock and Roll mainstream. Stalin overcame his challenge by spreading communism to nearby countries. Truman used the value of adaptability to overcome his challenges. Presley used his charisma and charm to overcome his challenges. Stalin used the value of strong leadership to overcome his challenges. Truman made a difference by stopping the spread of communism without military force and left his mark by being the first president during the Cold War. Presley made a difference by becoming the most popular musician at the time and left his mark by being the person that made Rock and Roll popular. Stalin made a difference by increasing the power of the Soviet Union and left his mark by being the first Soviet leader during the Cold War.