1._Truman_Foreign_Policy

Cold War

A forty-plus year struggle between the US and the USSR characterized by political, military, and ideological rivalry.

Iron Curtain

A metaphorical divide symbolizing the separation between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries.

Truman Doctrine

A policy established in 1947 to contain the spread of communism by offering support to countries threatened by communist takeover.

Containment

The US policy aimed at preventing the expansion of communism beyond where it already existed.

Marshall Plan

An American initiative created in 1948 to provide economic assistance to help rebuild European economies after World War II.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for mutual defense against aggression.

Berlin Airlift

An operation in 1948-1949 to supply West Berlin with food and fuel after the Soviet blockade.

Korean War

A conflict between North Korea (communist) and South Korea (democratic) that began in 1950.

Spheres of Influence

Areas in which a particular country has exclusive rights and control, particularly in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Atomic Age

A period marked by the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons and the immense political and social changes related to their existence.

Denazification

The process of removing Nazi ideology and influence from German society following World War II, including trials for war criminals.

Buffer Zone

A territorial area designed to separate hostile forces or minimize the possibility of conflict, particularly in relation to Soviet actions in Eastern Europe.

United Nations (UN)

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote global peace, security, and cooperation among countries.

Voice of America

A U.S. government-funded international radio broadcast that promotes American democratic values and provides news.

H-bomb

Hydrogen bomb; a thermonuclear weapon significantly more powerful than earlier atomic bombs.

Dumbarton Oaks Conference

A meeting in 1944 that laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations.

Security Council

The UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, composed of five permanent members and rotating members.

Chinese Civil War

A conflict in China between the Kuomintang (nationalists) and the Communist Party that resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Coup d'état

A sudden overthrow of a government, often by a small group of people in power.

NSC-68

A 1950 report by the United States National Security Council that advocated for a massive military buildup in response to international communism.

Berlin Blockade

A 1948-1949 Soviet attempt to restrict access to West Berlin, leading to the Berlin Airlift by Western Allies.

Truman's Foreign Policy

A strategy focusing on containment of communism and support for allies during the Cold War.

ANZUS

A security treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States aimed at mutual defense.

CENTO

The Central Treaty Organization aimed at preventing Soviet expansion in the Middle East.

Denazification Process

The effort to rid Germany of Nazi ideology and punish war criminals after World War II.

Military Governor

A military official in charge of governing a region during a transition period, particularly post-war.