In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917–41, there was a significant decline in the living standards of the American people?

How accurate is it to say that new approaches to campaigning were the main reason for the success of the black American civil rights campaign in the years 1955–68?

How far do you agree that, in the years 1917–80, the most significant influence on domestic politics in the USA was the impact of war?

How far do you agree that, in the years 1917–80, immigration and its impact on the USA changed significantly?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the economic policies of the Reagan government greatly benefitted the American people?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How far do you agree that, in the years 1917–45, the most significant factor in changing the presidency was the influence of Roosevelt?

How accurate is it to say that the campaigns for minority civil rights (1960–80) and the campaigns for Black American civil rights (1955–80) were similar?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1941–80, changes in the position of women were mainly due to economic factors?

How far do you agree that the leisure and travel experience of Americans was transformed in the years 1917–80?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency brought significant improvements to America?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How accurate is it to say that the main consequence of television from c1950–80 was an improvement in the cultural experience of Americans?

How far do you agree that, in the years 1968–80, the decline in confidence in the presidency was largely a result of the impact of war?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917–55, northern migration was the most significant factor bringing improvements to the position of black Americans?

How far do you agree with the view that, in the years 1917–69, the most significant economic influence in the USA was the Great Depression?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that Reagan’s government carried out a programme of policies that had a negative impact on US society?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1960–80, the campaigns for minority rights had limited success?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917–80, anti-communism was the most significant influence on the political landscape?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917–80, government policies were the main force behind growing affluence?

How far do you agree that the position of women changed considerably during the years 1917–80?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency shaped America for the better?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How accurate is it to say that the most significant influence on US politics, in the years 1917 – 60, was a commitment to isolationism?

How far do you agree that, in the years 1941–80, the growing affluence of most Americans was the primary reason for improvements in leisure and travel opportunities?

How far do you agree that increasing direct action was the most significant development bringing improvements to the civil rights of black Americans in the years 1933 – 80?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917 – 80, the main result of government immigration policy was that it had a negative impact on immigrants?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the efforts of the Reagan presidency to end ‘big government’ in the USA can be seen as a success?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How accurate is it to say that the influence of Roosevelt was the main reason for changes to the presidency in the years 1933–60?

How accurate is it to say that the influence of Roosevelt was the main reason for changes to the presidency in the years 1933–60?

To what extent did the living standards of the American people see progress in the years 1917–41?

To what extent did the living standards of the American people see progress in the years 1917–41?

How accurate is it to say that it was federal intervention which brought the most significant improvement to the civil rights of black Americans in the years 1933–68?

How accurate is it to say that it was federal intervention which brought the most significant improvement to the civil rights of black Americans in the years 1933–68?

How accurate is it to say that the position of women saw considerable improvement in the years 1941–80?

How accurate is it to say that the position of women saw considerable improvement in the years 1941–80?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency brought real improvements to the USA?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency brought real improvements to the USA?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917-55, there was very limited improvement in the lives of black Americans?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1941-80, the impact of war and the Cold War brought about a decline in the confidence the nation had in the presidency?

How far do you agree that developments in popular culture, in the years 1917-45, had an overwhelmingly positive influence on American society?

How accurate is it to say that the most significant feature improving the quality of life in the USA, in the years 1917-80, was the development of a car-owning culture?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency cannot be given credit for revitalising American politics?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How far do you agree that, in the years 1945–80, the main reason for changes in the leisure activities of ordinary Americans was their growing affluence?

How far do you agree that there was a considerable similarity between the campaigns for black civil rights (1955–80) and minority civil rights (1960–80)?

To what extent did the impact that immigration had on the USA change in the years 1917–80?

How accurate is it to say that, in the years 1917–80, war and the impact of the Cold War led to an increase in conservative influences on domestic politics in the USA?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan administration’s policies were an attack on the disadvantaged which increased social division?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.

How far do you agree that the New Deal brought about a significant improvement in the lives of racial minorities and women?

How accurate is it to say that it was the actions of civil rights leaders that explain the increased success of the civil rights campaign in the years 1955–68?

How far do you agree that the impact the Second World War had on American politics and society was very different from that of the First World War?

How accurate is it to say that living standards in the USA were transformed for the better in the years 1941–80?

Study Extracts 1 and 2 in the Extracts Booklet before you answer this question.

In the light of differing interpretations, how convincing do you find the view that the Reagan presidency failed to live up to its own claims to reduce ‘big government’?

To explain your answer, analyse and evaluate the material in both extracts, using your own knowledge of the issues.