Robert Pierce
History 17B Final Essay -- Long Distance Learning
PART ONE
YOU WILL BE ASKED TO ANSWER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: (50%)
1. Choose four of the following events and explain why they were im-
portant turning points in the Vietnam War: Geneva accords of 1954; Tet
offensive; Gulf of Tonkin Resolution; My Lai; Kent State. What would you
describe as the major legacy (positive or negative) of the Vietnam War?
2. Assess the positive and negative in the presidency of Richard Nixon.
In your answer discuss the important moments in his presidency.
3. Assess the impact of the Great Society on American life. Be specific
and cite examples of Great Society programs.
4. Discuss the "quiet 1950s" and the decade's impact on American Life.
Which elements have been long lasting, which were not, and why?
5. Discuss the success and failures of the Carter presidency.
6. List the three events of the civil rights movement that you think are
the most crucial and justify your choices.
7. List and discuss three events during the period 1945-1949 that led to
the development, in 1950, of what became known as McCarthyism and then
discuss what impact this red scare had on American life.
PART TWO
YOU WILL BE ASKED TO IDENTIFY AND GIVE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FOUR OF THE
FOLLOWING: (50%)
1. 1968 Democratic Party Convention 10. J. William Fulbright
2. Colonel Daniel Ellsberg 11. George Kennan
3. Reaganomics 12. War on Poverty
4. Roe v. Wade 13. Black Power
5. Iran-Contra 14. Taft-Hartley Act
6. Bay of Pigs 15. Boland Amendment
7. William Calley 16. Cuban Missile Crisis
8. NSC-68 17. The "New Right"
9. U-2 incident 18. Rosa Parks
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