1. "Balance and moderation . . . characterized Eisenhower's domestic record. But his middle-of-the-road policies pleased neither liberals nor conservatives." Write an essay either agreeing or disagreeing with this assessment. Back up what you say with as many specific facts as possible.
2. Discuss the Eisenhower legacy in foreign policy. How successful was he in keeping the peace and easing tensions with the Soviets? In what ways did his policies expand the Cold War and accelerate the nuclear-arms race?
3. "A booming, broad-based prosperity made the 1950s a period of economic abundance without historical parallel." Explain the developments and circumstances that produced the prosperity and abundance. What role did government policies play in encouraging economic activity?
4. The section of Chapter 27 dealing with American society and culture in the 1950s is titled "Consensus and Conservatism." Is this an apt title? Discuss major trends in American family life, religion, education, the arts, and entertainment during the fifties to illustrate why this is or is not an appropriate title.
5. Discuss "the other America." What does the term refer to? Which groups made up the other America in the 1950s? Why were they shut out of the unprecedented economic prosperity of that decade?