Ruth was walking through the woods during a thunderstorm. a tree struck by lightning from the storm toppled over, narrowly missing ruth as she fled. the fact that ruth now has a fear of all trees—not just the one that nearly harmed her—is an example of:

What Ruth is experiencing with her recent fear of all trees is an example of trauma.

Explanation:

Trauma is the psychological impact that can result after experiencing a sudden violent or unexpected event. Trauma can be experienced after a car accident for example, or after having been mugged or robbed.  Trauma's result after a distressing or terrifying experience and they take time for a person to get over. They need to face their fears and to realize they are generally safe in their environment, although often some residual impact from the trauma can remain for some time, especially in the case of childhood traumas.  

world war i had a devastating effect on german-americans and their cultural heritage. up until that point   german-americans, as a group, had been spared much of the discrimination, abuse, rejection, collective mistrust experienced by so many different racial and ethnic groups in the history of the united states. indeed, over the years, they had been viewed as a well integrated and esteemed part of american society. all of this change with the outbreak of war.