How far do you agree that international in uences were responsible for political instability
in America in 1918-1980? (20 marks)
International in uences acted as a key factor resulting in political instability in America in
1918-1980; nevertheless, presidential actions were also a hugely signi cant cause, in addition to
the issues within the USA, ultimately all leading to the political instability in America 1918-1980.
The lack of con dence in government, uncertainty in general within society, as well as a lack of
public support were the causes that created this elevated state of political instability in the USA at
various points from 1918-80, with varying impacts and levels of in uence, some acting as a
catalyst.
International in uences, notably the growth of communism, acted as a factor towards the political
stability in America 1918-1980. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, communism was
particularly feared by Americans, and it was deemed dangerous and a threat. In the aftermath of
the revolution, the First Red Scare occurred whereby there were over 3,600 mass strikes of
workers at its height, with 1 in 4 workers striking. Moreover, the 1919 Palmer raids further fuelled
fears of communism and its presence with the USA as between 5,000-10,000 arrests were made.
This therefore resulted in political instability because of the widespread impact the strikes had as
it created chaos as well as having an economic fallout. In addition, communism and its spread
internationally, continued to have a signi cant impact on the USA and subsequently was
detrimental to political stability and to an extent, government integrity. The Korean War (1950-53)
and the Vietnam War (1954-75) were both hugely signi cant regarding their impact on political
stability. The decisions made by governments in o ce were often hugely unpopular and on
several occasions resulted in public outcry and an increasingly diminished con dence in
government. For instance when the draft was introduced in 1969, men would burn their cards in
protests as well as demonstrations whereby VVAW (Vietnam Veterans Against War) would also
publicly burn medals in show of the incredibly unpopular policies. Therefore, it is evident that
international in uences, or in particular, the Cold war and the in uence of communism, had huge
impact politically in the USA because the deep rooted fears resulted in a lack of con dence in
government due to public distrust; but more signi cantly, due to the methods in which individuals
presidents handled such events had a greater impact towards political instability, because
government actions and response directly resulted in either public con dence and support, or
not. Nonetheless, it can be argued that international in uences were not totally responsible for
political instability in America because the impact of international a airs depended almost entirely
on the president and their respective actions; it can be said that international in uences acted as
a catalyst but their impact was ultimately determined by presidential actions.
President’s actions and handling of events had the most signi cant impact on political instability
in America in 1918-80. It can be seen that government response to events had the greatest e ect
towards political instability or rather, government con dence and support. Hoover failed to act
adequately during the Great Depression during the late 1920s and was widely regarded as a “do
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in America in 1918-1980? (20 marks)
International in uences acted as a key factor resulting in political instability in America in
1918-1980; nevertheless, presidential actions were also a hugely signi cant cause, in addition to
the issues within the USA, ultimately all leading to the political instability in America 1918-1980.
The lack of con dence in government, uncertainty in general within society, as well as a lack of
public support were the causes that created this elevated state of political instability in the USA at
various points from 1918-80, with varying impacts and levels of in uence, some acting as a
catalyst.
International in uences, notably the growth of communism, acted as a factor towards the political
stability in America 1918-1980. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, communism was
particularly feared by Americans, and it was deemed dangerous and a threat. In the aftermath of
the revolution, the First Red Scare occurred whereby there were over 3,600 mass strikes of
workers at its height, with 1 in 4 workers striking. Moreover, the 1919 Palmer raids further fuelled
fears of communism and its presence with the USA as between 5,000-10,000 arrests were made.
This therefore resulted in political instability because of the widespread impact the strikes had as
it created chaos as well as having an economic fallout. In addition, communism and its spread
internationally, continued to have a signi cant impact on the USA and subsequently was
detrimental to political stability and to an extent, government integrity. The Korean War (1950-53)
and the Vietnam War (1954-75) were both hugely signi cant regarding their impact on political
stability. The decisions made by governments in o ce were often hugely unpopular and on
several occasions resulted in public outcry and an increasingly diminished con dence in
government. For instance when the draft was introduced in 1969, men would burn their cards in
protests as well as demonstrations whereby VVAW (Vietnam Veterans Against War) would also
publicly burn medals in show of the incredibly unpopular policies. Therefore, it is evident that
international in uences, or in particular, the Cold war and the in uence of communism, had huge
impact politically in the USA because the deep rooted fears resulted in a lack of con dence in
government due to public distrust; but more signi cantly, due to the methods in which individuals
presidents handled such events had a greater impact towards political instability, because
government actions and response directly resulted in either public con dence and support, or
not. Nonetheless, it can be argued that international in uences were not totally responsible for
political instability in America because the impact of international a airs depended almost entirely
on the president and their respective actions; it can be said that international in uences acted as
a catalyst but their impact was ultimately determined by presidential actions.
President’s actions and handling of events had the most signi cant impact on political instability
in America in 1918-80. It can be seen that government response to events had the greatest e ect
towards political instability or rather, government con dence and support. Hoover failed to act
adequately during the Great Depression during the late 1920s and was widely regarded as a “do
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