DISCUSS WHAT ASPECT(S) OF 1950s AMERICAN POLITICS YOU RECOGNIZE IN POLITICS TODAY AS BETWEEN THE REPUBLICANS AND THE DEMOCRATS.

Assignment Question

Read the summary of The Fifties by Halberstam provided (instead of asking you all to read the whole 733-page book. Then read about McCarthyism and what a Demagogue is.

WHAT YOU ARE TO DO: ADDRESS ALL 3 OF THESE…

1. DISCUSS WHAT ASPECT(S) OF 1950s AMERICAN POLITICS YOU RECOGNIZE IN POLITICS TODAY AS BETWEEN THE REPUBLICANS AND THE DEMOCRATS.

2. WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY PLAY IN BLOWING UP AMERICAN POLITICS MAKING AGREEMENT DIFFICULT FOR POLITICIANS AND THE PUBLIC?

3. NAME A POLITICAL FIGURE TODAY THAT YOU BELIEVE IS A DEMAGOGUE ACCORDING TO THE CRITERIA SET OUT IN THE ARTICLE POSTED BELOW. DISCUSS HOW THAT FIGURE USES MEDIA TO FURTHER HIS/HER OBJECTIVES AND PLAY TO THE PUBLIC.

YOUR ESSAY MUST BE: A MINIMUM OF 600 WORDS IN 12-POINT FONT (Times New Roman) DOUBLE-SPACED UPLOADED IN THE ASSESSMENT/ASSIGNMENTS/LAST ESSAY BOX BY NOV. 30TH AT 11:59 PM DO NOT USE OUTSIDE SOURCES OR AI. USE ONLY WHAT I HAVE POSTED HERE. THE POINT IS FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT THESE ISSUES.

THIS IS NOT A RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT. ~ Synopsis of David Halberstam’s “The Fifties” The Fifties, David Halberstam (1993). A Summary in answer to questions prepared for you by AI. 🙂 1. How did the Cold War affect the balance of power between the Republican and Democratic parties? The Cold War had a notable impact on the balance of power between the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States. The ideological struggle against communism and the broader geopolitical context of the Cold War influenced the priorities, strategies, and electoral fortunes of both parties, leading to shifts in their respective strengths and policy positions. During the early years of the Cold War, the Republican Party positioned itself as the staunch defender against communism. Republican presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon emphasized a strong anti-communist stance, advocating for a robust military, containment policies, and a tough stance against the Soviet Union. This resonated with many Americans who were concerned about the spread of communism and the perceived threat to national security. As a result, the Republican Party gained prominence in shaping foreign policy and defense strategies, which contributed to a shift in the balance of power towards the Republican Party during this period. However, the impact of the Cold War on the balance of power between the parties was not solely in favor of the Republicans. The Democratic Party also underwent significant transformations in response to the Cold War. The Democratic administrations of Presidents Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy were instrumental in shaping the containment policy and actively combating communism. Truman’s Truman Doctrine and Kennedy’s flexible response strategy demonstrated the Democratic Party’s commitment to countering the Soviet Union’s influence. Moreover, the Cold War influenced domestic policies and social issues, leading to shifts in party affiliations. The civil rights movement, which gained momentum during the Cold War era, pushed the Democratic Party to embrace civil rights reforms and advocate for racial equality. This shift attracted African American voters, who historically aligned with the Republican Party. As a result, the Democratic Party saw an increase in support from African Americans, contributing to a realignment of voter bases and a rebalancing of power between the parties. Furthermore, the Vietnam War, a significant aspect of the Cold War, played a pivotal role in shaping the balance of power between the parties. The war sparked widespread protests and anti-war movements, which predominantly drew support from liberal factions within the Democratic Party. The divisions caused by the war weakened the Democratic Party’s unity and provided an opening for conservative Republicans to capitalize on the discontent and position themselves as the party of law and order. In summary, the Cold War had a multifaceted impact on the balance of power between the Republican and Democratic parties. While the Republicans initially gained strength by positioning themselves as the anti-communist party, the Democrats also evolved in response to the Cold War, particularly on issues such as civil rights. The war in Vietnam further complicated the dynamics, leading to divisions within the Democratic Party. The Cold War era witnessed shifts in party affiliations, policy positions, and voter bases, ultimately influencing the balance of power between the parties. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the historical context that shaped contemporary party dynamics in the United States. 2. What were some of the long-term effects of the Cold War on the balance of power between the parties? The long-term effects of the Cold War on the balance of power between the parties in the United States were complex and multifaceted. While the impact varied over time, several key factors emerged that shaped the political landscape and the relative strength of the Republican and Democratic parties. National Security and Defense: The Cold War placed a significant emphasis on national security and defense, leading to the perception that the Republican Party had a stronger stance on these issues. Republicans often positioned themselves as more hawkish, advocating for a robust military, strong defense alliances, and a proactive approach in countering the Soviet Union. This perception benefited the Republican Party, particularly in elections where national security concerns were prominent. Government Spending and Economic Policy: The Cold War era saw substantial defense spending as the United States sought to maintain military superiority over the Soviet Union. This had implications for economic policy and the size of government. The Republican Party, generally associated with lower taxes and limited government intervention, often argued for fiscal restraint and reducing government spending, except in defense. This stance resonated with voters concerned about the economic impact of high defense expenditures. Consequently, the Republican Party gained credibility as the party of fiscal conservatism, while the Democratic Party faced challenges in reconciling its social welfare agenda with the need for military expenditures. Social and Cultural Issues: The Cold War era witnessed significant social and cultural transformations that influenced party dynamics. The civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality, which gained momentum during the Cold War, created divisions within the Democratic Party. Southern Democrats, who held conservative views on racial issues, began to shift their allegiance to the Republican Party, particularly after the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s. This realignment contributed to a shift in the balance of power between the parties, with the Republican Party gaining strength in the South. Anti-Communism and Political Polarization: The Cold War era fostered an atmosphere of intense anti-communism, which contributed to political polarization. Republicans tended to adopt a more aggressive anti-communist stance, while Democrats sometimes faced challenges in positioning themselves effectively on this issue. The perception of being “soft on communism” or sympathizing with left-wing ideologies became a liability for Democrats in some elections. This polarization contributed to the solidification of party loyalties among voters and the deepening divide between the parties.

Reagan Era and the End of the Cold War: The presidency of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s had a significant impact on the balance of power between the parties. Reagan’s staunch anti-communist rhetoric, defense buildup, and confrontational approach to the Soviet Union appealed to conservative voters. His policies and rhetoric were instrumental in solidifying the Republican Party’s image as the party of national security and strength. The end of the Cold War during the late 1980s and early 1990s further shaped the balance of power between the parties. The perceived victory of the United States over the Soviet Union boosted Republicans’ claims of successful Cold War leadership and national security expertise. In summary, the long-term effects of the Cold War on the balance of power between the parties in the United States were significant. The perception of the Republican Party as a strong defender of national security and its alignment with conservative economic policies contributed to its strength. Social and cultural issues, as well as the polarization fueled by anti-communism, also played a role. The end of the Cold War and subsequent events further shaped the political landscape, with Republicans benefiting from the perceived Cold War victory. Understanding these effects is crucial for comprehending the historical context that shaped the relative strength and positions of the Republican and Democratic parties. ~ Links: Defines what a demagogue is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demagogue Discusses McCarthyism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthyism