USCIS 128:108. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?

OpenAI. (2026). WWho was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Soviet Union, also called the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), was created in 1922 after the Russian Revolution and civil war. It included 15 republics, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The USSR was a very large and diverse country with many ethnic groups, languages, religions, and cultures. Russia was the largest republic, so many people also used the name “Russia” when talking about the Soviet Union.

During World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union fought together against Nazi Germany. However, after the war ended in 1945, tensions quickly grew between the two countries. This period became known as the Cold War.

The Cold War lasted from about 1945 to 1991. It was called a “cold” war because the United States and the Soviet Union did not fight each other directly in a large war. Instead, they competed for power, military strength, science, technology, and influence around the world.

The two countries had very different political and economic systems. The United States supported democracy and capitalism. The Soviet Union supported communism and a one-party government controlled by the Communist Party.

After World War II, the Soviet Union expanded its influence across Eastern Europe. Countries such as East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania became communist governments closely connected to Moscow. These countries became known as the Eastern Bloc.

In 1946, British leader Winston Churchill gave a famous speech in which he said an “Iron Curtain” had fallen across Europe. This phrase described the growing division between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western Europe.

As the Cold War continued, fear and tension increased on both sides. The United States and the Soviet Union built large numbers of nuclear weapons during the arms race. Both countries also tried to spread their influence to other parts of the world.

In 1956, people in Hungary protested against Soviet control during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Many Hungarians demanded greater freedom and independence. At first, the protesters made progress, but Soviet military forces entered Hungary and crushed the revolution. Thousands of people died, and many others fled the country.

The Cold War also became a competition in science and technology. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite in space. Americans were shocked and worried that the Soviet Union was ahead in science and missile technology. This event began the Space Race.

The Berlin Wall was an important symbol of the Cold War. After World War II, Germany and the city of Berlin were divided into eastern and western parts. In 1961, East Germany built the wall to stop people from escaping to West Berlin. The wall separated families and communities for almost 30 years and symbolized the division between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western Europe.

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union also became involved in conflicts in other countries, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world very close to nuclear war.

The rivalry between the two countries continued during the 1960s. In 1969, the United States landed astronauts on the moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing mission. Many Americans saw this as an important victory in the Space Race.

During the 1980s, communist governments in Eastern Europe began to weaken. Economic problems grew, and many people demanded more freedom and democratic reforms.

On November 9, 1989, East German officials announced that people could cross the border more freely. Crowds gathered at the Berlin Wall, and border guards allowed people to pass. Germans from East and West Berlin celebrated together and began breaking apart the wall.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall became one of the most important symbols of the end of the Cold War.

After the wall fell, East and West Germany moved toward reunification. On October 3, 1990, Germany officially became one country again.

In 1991, the Soviet Union officially dissolved, and the Cold War ended. The former Soviet republics, such as Ukraine, became independent countries.  Former Eastern Bloc countries, such as Hungary, reclaimed their independence, too.

The Cold War shaped world politics, military policy, science, technology, and international relations for nearly half a century.

 

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 30

NY Hisorical Society: World War II // The Citizenship Project [E06]

N-400 practice

• Travel and Illegal Entry / Deportation plus Quiz 14: History Groups
• Question 17: Crimes

Preparing the Oath: The 1900s

Voices of Freedom: Ch 10: The 20th Century (Civil Rights movements next week)

A Summary of the US Constituion pdf

N-400 Part 12 Quiz 3 pdf

128 Civics Quiz: The 20th Century Part 1 pdf

USCIS 128:107. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.

OpenAI. (2026). Why did the United States enter World War II?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Dwight D. Eisenhower was famous for many important roles in American history. He was a military leader during World War II and later became the 34th president of the United States.

Dwight Eisenhower was born in 1890 in Texas and grew up in Kansas. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and became an officer in the U.S. Army.

During World War II, Eisenhower became one of the most important American generals. In 1944, he served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe. He helped plan and lead the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. This invasion helped the Allied Powers begin freeing Western Europe from Nazi control.

Because of his leadership during the war, Eisenhower became well known and respected in the United States and around the world.

In 1952, Eisenhower was elected president. He became the 34th president of the United States and served from 1953 to 1961.

At the beginning of his presidency, the Korean War was still continuing. The war had started in 1950 between North Korea and South Korea. Eisenhower supported efforts to end the fighting, and an armistice agreement was signed in 1953.

One of Eisenhower’s most important achievements as president was signing the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. This law created the Interstate Highway System, a large network of highways across the United States.

The Interstate System made travel faster and easier for Americans. It also helped businesses transport goods across the country and improved national defense by allowing the military to move quickly if needed.

Eisenhower also warned Americans about the growing power of the military-industrial complex, meaning the close relationship between the military and defense industries. He believed citizens should carefully watch the power of government and large industries.

Dwight Eisenhower died in 1969. He is remembered as an important World War II general and as a president who helped shape modern transportation and infrastructure in the United States. 

USCIS 128:106. Why did the United States enter World War II?

OpenAI. (2026). Why did the United States enter World War II?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

 World War II began in 1939 in Europe. The war was fought between two major groups. The Allied Powers included England (Great Britain), France, and the Soviet Union (Russia). 

China also was a key Allied Power.  Soldiers from countries in the British Commonwealth, such as India and French colonies such as Algeria also supported the Allies.  

The Axis Powers included Germany, Italy, and Japan.

At first, the United States tried to stay out of the war. Many Americans remembered the losses of World War I and did not want to enter another war in Europe. However, the United States still supported the Allied Powers by sending supplies, food, weapons, and other aid.

During the early years of the war, Germany conquered many countries in Europe. Germany was led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The Nazis believed in racist ideas and dictatorship.

During the war, Nazi Germany carried out the Holocaust, the mass murder of about six million Jewish people. Millions of other people were also persecuted and killed, including Roma people, disabled people, gay and lesbians, political prisoners, and others. Many people were imprisoned in concentration camps and death camps.

The most important reason the United States entered World War II was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, Japanese airplanes attacked the American naval base at Attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

The attack damaged or destroyed many ships and airplanes. More than 2,000 Americans were killed, and many others were injured. The attack shocked and angered the American people.

The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. Soon afterward, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, and the United States officially entered World War II.

After Pearl Harbor, fear and racism against Japanese Americans increased in the United States. In 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. This order led to the forced removal and incarceration of about 120,000 Japanese Americans.  About two-thirds of the people imprisoned were American citizens.

Even during this difficult time, many Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military. Units such as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team became famous for bravery during the war.

Years later, many Americans recognized that the incarceration was unjust. In 1988, the U.S. government officially apologized through the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and provided payments to surviving former prisoners.

During World War II, the United States worked closely with Allied leaders such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. American factories produced military equipment, and millions of Americans served in the armed forces.

World War II ended in 1945 with the defeat of Germany, Italy, and Japan. After the war, many world leaders promised to protect human rights and prevent future genocides.

World War II changed the role of the United States in the world and made the country a major global power.

USCIS 128:105. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?

OpenAI. (2026). Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president of the United States during both the Great Depression and most of World War II. He is often called FDR. Roosevelt was born in 1882 and became president in 1933.

When Roosevelt became president, the country was facing the Great Depression. Millions of Americans had lost their jobs, many banks had failed, and families struggled to buy food and pay rent.

Roosevelt introduced programs called the New Deal to help the country recover. These programs created jobs, helped workers and farmers, supported banks, and gave aid to poor families.

Some New Deal programs still affect Americans today. One important example is Social Security, created in 1935. Social Security provides money to many retired people, disabled workers, and some families after a worker dies. Millions of Americans still receive Social Security benefits today.

Another important program was the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC protects money in bank accounts if a bank fails. Because of the FDIC, many Americans feel safer keeping money in banks.

The New Deal also created jobs programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Workers built roads, parks, bridges, schools, and public buildings across the country. Many of these places are still used today.

Another important program was the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA built dams and brought electricity to many rural communities in the South.

Roosevelt also spoke to Americans through radio programs called “fireside chats.” These speeches helped calm fears and gave people hope during difficult times.

In January 1941, before the United States entered World War II, Roosevelt gave an important speech called the Four Freedoms speech. In the speech, he said that all people everywhere should enjoy four basic freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The speech helped explain why many Americans believed the United States should support democracy and oppose aggressive dictatorships.

In 1939, World War II began in Europe. At first, the United States stayed out of the war. However, after Japan attacked Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States entered World War II.

During the war, Roosevelt worked with Allied leaders such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. The United States produced military equipment, sent troops overseas, and fought against Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Roosevelt was elected president four times and served longer than any other U.S. president. He helped lead the country through two major crises: the Great Depression and World War II.

In April 1945, Roosevelt died while World War II was still continuing. Vice President Harry S. Truman became president after his death.

Franklin Roosevelt is remembered for helping Americans during the Great Depression and leading the United States during most of World War II.

USCIS 128:104. When did the Great Depression start?

OpenAI. (2026). When did the Great Depression start?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Great Depression began in 1929 with the stock market crash of 1929, also called the Great Crash. It became the longest and worst economic recession in modern history.

During the 1920s, many Americans believed the economy was very strong. This time was sometimes called the “Roaring Twenties.” Businesses grew, factories made more products, and many people bought new cars, radios, and household items.

At the same time, many Americans invested money in the stock market. Stocks are small shares in companies. People hoped stock prices would keep rising and make them rich. Some people even borrowed money to buy stocks, which made the situation more dangerous.

However, the economy had serious problems. Many workers earned low wages, farmers had large debts, and some businesses made more products than people could buy. Banks and investors also made risky financial decisions.

In October 1929, the stock market suddenly collapsed. Stock prices fell very quickly, and many investors rushed to sell their stocks. Panic spread across the country.

One of the worst days was October 29, 1929, called Black Tuesday. On that day, millions of shares were sold, and stock prices crashed. Many people lost their savings in only a few hours.

After the crash, many banks failed because they lost money or because too many people tried to take out their savings at the same time. Thousands of banks closed during the early years of the Great Depression.

As banks and businesses failed, millions of Americans lost their jobs. Unemployment became very high. Many families could not afford food, clothing, or housing. Some people lost their homes and lived in small communities called “Hoovervilles,” named after President Herbert Hoover.

Farmers also suffered during the 1930s. Severe drought and dust storms damaged farmland in the Great Plains region. This disaster became known as the Dust Bowl. Many farming families moved west to look for work.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became president. He introduced programs called the New Deal to help the country recover. These programs created jobs, helped banks, and gave support to workers, farmers, and families.

The economy slowly improved during the late 1930s. It grew faster during World War II, when factories produced military equipment and millions of people found jobs again.

The Great Depression is important in American history because it changed the role of the federal government. New laws and programs were created to help people during economic crises.

USCIS 128:103. What was the Great Depression?

OpenAI. (2026). What was the Great Depression?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Great Depression was the longest and most severe economic recession in modern history. It began in 1929 after the stock market crashed and continued through most of the 1930s.

Before the Great Depression, many Americans believed the economy was strong and growing. People bought stocks, opened businesses, and spent money freely. However, many banks and businesses were weak, and the economy was not as stable as it seemed.

In October 1929, the stock market crashed. This event is often called the Stock Market Crash of 1929 or Black Tuesday. After the crash, many people lost their savings and investments.

As the economy became worse, banks closed and businesses failed. Millions of workers lost their jobs. Many families could not pay for food, housing, or clothing. Some people lost their homes and had to live in temporary communities called “Hoovervilles.”

Farmers also suffered during the Great Depression. In parts of the Great Plains, severe drought and dust storms created the Dust Bowl. Many farming families lost their land and moved to other states looking for work.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in 1933. He introduced programs called the New Deal to help the economy recover. These programs created jobs, helped banks, and provided support for workers and families.

The Great Depression slowly improved during the late 1930s, and the economy grew more quickly during World War II.

The Great Depression is important in American history because it affected millions of people and changed the role of the federal government in helping the economy and supporting citizens during difficult times.

USCIS 128:102. When did all women get the right to vote?

OpenAI. (2026). When did all women get the right to vote?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the early 1900s, many women in the United States worked hard to get the right to vote. These women were called suffragists because they supported women’s voting rights. At that time, women could vote in some western states, but most women could not vote in national elections.

One important leader was Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906). She spent many years giving speeches, organizing campaigns, and asking for equal voting rights. She died before women won the right to vote across the country, but her work inspired many later suffragists.

Another important leader was Carrie Chapman Catt (1859–1947). She led the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). She organized campaigns and worked with politicians and state governments to support a constitutional amendment for women’s voting rights.

At the same time, younger activists such as Alice Paul (1885–1977) believed stronger protests were necessary. She organized large parades, marches, and demonstrations in Washington, D.C. In 1913, thousands of women marched for voting rights the day before President Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) took office.

Later, Alice Paul and other suffragists protested outside the White House. These protesters were called the “Silent Sentinels.” Some women were arrested and sent to jail. While in prison, some suffragists went on hunger strikes to protest their treatment. Newspaper stories about these protests brought more public attention to the movement.

African American women also helped fight for voting rights. Leaders such as Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) worked for both racial equality and women’s suffrage, even though they often faced discrimination.

During World War I (1914–1918), many women worked in factories, hospitals, offices, and transportation jobs while men served in the military. Their work helped convince more Americans that women deserved equal rights, including the right to vote.

As support for women’s suffrage grew, Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919. The amendment said that citizens could not be denied the right to vote because of sex.

On August 18, 1920, enough states approved the amendment, and the 19th Amendment became part of the Constitution. Women across the United States gained the legal right to vote in national elections.

Although the amendment greatly expanded voting rights, some women—especially many African American, Native American, and Asian American women—still faced discrimination and voting barriers for many years afterward.

The success of the suffrage movement was an important moment in American history. It expanded democracy and gave millions of women a stronger voice in government and public life.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 29

iCivics:  Defining Citizenship - Teaching the Fourteenth Amendment

Also watch:

• Annenberg Classroom: The Reconstruction Amendments
• iCivics: The Constitution Explained Playlist English | Spanish
• New York Historical Society: The Emancipation Proclamation
• TED-ED: The electrifying speeches of Sojourner Truth - Daina Ramey Berry
• TED-ED: The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman - Janell Hobson
• TED-ED: One of the most "dangerous" men in American history - Keenan Norris
• TED-ED: The historic women’s suffrage march on Washington - Michelle Mehrtens
• The American Experience: The Supreme Court Case that Affirmed Birthright Citizenship

N-400 practice

• N-400 2023: E4 Marriage and Children / Immigration Fraud plus Quiz 13: Civic Groups
• N-400 2024: Questions 15 and 16: Arrests 

Preparing the Oath: The 1800s

Voices of Freedom: Ch 9: The 1800s and the Civil War (follow-up: need to review other amendments and 1800s activism)

A Summary of the US Constituion pdf

N-400 Part 12 Quiz 2 pdf

128 Civics Quiz: The 1800s (saved from last next week)

USCIS 128:101. Why did the United States enter World War I?

OpenAI. (2026). Why did the United States enter World War I?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

World War I began in 1914, but the United States did not enter the war right away. At first, many Americans wanted the country to remain neutral and stay out of the fighting in Europe. President Woodrow Wilson also hoped the United States could avoid war.

The war was fought between two major groups. The Allied Powers included Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia. The Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

One important reason the United States entered the war was because Germany attacked U.S. civilian and trade ships. Germany used submarines called U-boats to attack ships in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1915, a German submarine sank the British passenger ship RMS Lusitania. About 1,200 people died, including Americans. This shocked many people in the United States.

Another reason was that the United States wanted to support the Allied Powers. The United States traded heavily with Great Britain and France. Many Americans also felt cultural and political connections with these countries. As the war continued, many people believed an Allied victory was important for democracy and world stability.

The United States also opposed the actions of the Central Powers, especially Germany. Germany’s submarine attacks hurt international trade and threatened American lives and businesses.

In 1917, Americans became even more upset after learning about the Zimmermann Telegram. This was a secret message from Germany to Mexico. Germany promised to help Mexico recover land lost to the United States if Mexico joined the war against America. When the message became public, many Americans demanded stronger action.

Because of these events, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917. He said the United States should help make the world “safe for democracy.”

After entering the war, American soldiers and supplies helped the Allied Powers. The fighting ended on November 11, 1918, known today as Veterans Day in the United States.

World War I was important because it changed the role of the United States in the world. After the war, the United States became more involved in international affairs and became a stronger world power.