Untitled Flashcards Set

What were the primary underlying tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that contributed to the emergence of the Cold War?

Different visions of post-war Europe, with the USSR wanting countries to turn to communism and the U.S. advocating for democracy; delayed opening of a second front in WWII caused suspicion.

What did Winston Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech symbolize in 1946?

It symbolized the ideological and psychological divide between European countries due to communism and denounced Soviet interference in Europe.

What is the core concept of the U.S. foreign policy of containment introduced by George F. Kennan?

To prevent the spread of communism through methods such as economic aid, military alliances, and diplomatic efforts.

What was the Truman Doctrine announced in 1947?

It aimed to provide economic and military aid to countries threatened by communism, with an immediate focus on Greece and Turkey.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan implemented in 1948?

To provide economic aid to help rebuild Western Europe after WWII and prevent the spread of communism.

What was the Berlin Blockade in 1948, and how did the Western Allies respond to it?

The Soviets established the Berlin Blockade, cutting off West Berlin; the Western Allies responded with an airlift of supplies.

What were the main provisions of the National Security Act of 1947?

The establishment of the Department of Defense, National Security Council, and Central Intelligence Agency.

What was the opposing purpose of NATO compared to the Warsaw Pact?

NATO was formed among Western European and North American countries to counter Soviet aggression, while the Warsaw Pact was formed among Eastern European countries under Soviet influence.

What were the causes of the Korean War (1950-1953)?

The division of Korea after WWII and the North Korean invasion of South Korea.

What is McCarthyism?

The practice of making accusations of subversion without actual evidence, leading to unrest and persecution among Americans.

What was Eisenhower's 'New Look' in foreign policy?

A strategy that emphasized military control, a balanced budget, and concentrating U.S. military power in nuclear weapons.

Explain 'brinkmanship' as it relates to Cold War tensions during Eisenhower's presidency. Who were key figures?

Brinkmanship refers to being on the brink of war and willing to escalate tensions; key figures include John Foster Dulles and Nikita Khrushchev.

How did U.S. involvement in Vietnam change from the Truman to the Eisenhower administration?

Under Truman, the U.S. assisted the French colonial rule; under Eisenhower, the U.S. continued support and feared communism following Vietnam's division.

What was one instance of U.S. intervention in Latin America during Eisenhower's presidency?

The U.S. intervention in Guatemala to overthrow an unfriendly government, citing threats to the U.S. economy.

What was the Eisenhower Doctrine?

A policy that provided economic and military aid to Middle Eastern countries threatened by communism.

What was Sputnik, and what were its impacts on the United States?

The first artificial satellite launched by the USSR, causing U.S. concerns about national security and initiating the Space Race.

What is 'mutually assured destruction' (MAD)?

The doctrine that both the U.S. and USSR knew they could destroy each other, maintaining a nuclear standoff.

What was Eisenhower's response to the Cuban Revolution?

The U.S. broke off diplomatic relationships with Cuba and the CIA trained Cuban exiles for invasion.

What was the purpose of the Federal Highway Act of 1956?

To create an interstate highway system for national defense and expedite military movement in case of nuclear threats.

What was Eisenhower's overall approach to containing communism?

To provide economic and military aid to countries to prevent them from turning to the USSR and to remove communist leaders.