US Containment in action in Asia​

What was the main aim of US Containment in Asia after 1945?

To prevent the spread of communism in Asia by supporting non-communist governments and using economic/military aid.

How did the US apply Containment in Korea (1950–53)?

By leading a UN coalition to repel the North Korean invasion and preserve an independent South Korea.

Why was the Korean War important for US Cold War policy?

It militarised containment, led to a major increase in defence spending and showed willingness to use force.

What was SEATO (1954) and why was it created?

A US-led defence pact for Southeast Asia created to prevent further communist expansion after the fall of China and the Korean War.

Who led the occupation of Japan after WWII?

General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP).

What were the main goals of the US occupation in Japan?

• Demilitarisation

• Democratisation

• Economic reconstruction.

What key reforms were introduced under SCAP?

A new democratic constitution (1947), land reform, dismantling of zaibatsu, and women’s suffrage.

How did US policy shift with the "Reverse Course" (1947–48)?

The US prioritised economic stability and anti-communism over radical reforms due to Cold War tensions.

What was the significance of the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty?

It formally ended the occupation and restored Japanese sovereignty.

Why was Japan important to US Cold War strategy?

It provided an industrial base and strategic location for projecting US power in Asia.

Why did the US support Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek)?

Because he led the Nationalists against the Chinese Communists, fitting US Containment aims.

What happened when the CCP won the Chinese Civil War in 1949?

Jiang retreated to Taiwan; the US recognised Taiwan (ROC) as the legitimate Chinese government.

How did the Korean War affect US policy towards Taiwan?

Truman sent the 7th Fleet to the Taiwan Strait to protect Taiwan and prevent further Communist expansion.

What was the “Loss of China”?

A term used domestically in the US to criticise the Truman administration for failing to prevent the CCP victory.

What was NSC-68 (1950)?

A top-secret national security report recommending a major expansion of US military power to contain the USSR.

Why was NSC-68 created?

Due to events like the Soviet atomic test (1949) and the Communist takeover in China.

What did NSC-68 recommend?

Tripling defence spending, building the hydrogen bomb, and taking a more confrontational stance.

What made NSC-68 significant?

It militarised the Cold War and shaped US strategy throughout the 1950s.

How did Asia become central to the early Cold War?

Communist successes in China, the Korean War, and decolonisation made it a key theatre for containment.

How did Japan become a US Cold War ally?

Through occupation reforms, economic reconstruction, and the 1951 Security Treaty.

What was the impact of the Korean War on US strategy?

It globalised containment and led to rearmament based on NSC-68.

What long-term pattern emerged from US policy in Asia?

Reliance on strategic allies (Japan, Taiwan, South Korea) and willingness to use military force.