Eisenhower’s New Look vs Truman

What was the core claim in the essay question about Eisenhower’s New Look?

That it marked a fundamental shift in US Cold War policy away from Truman’s approach.

What was Truman’s main Cold War strategy?

Containment—using economic aid, alliances, and conventional forces to stop communist expansion.

What were the main aims of Eisenhower’s New Look strategy?

Reduce military spending, rely heavily on nuclear deterrence, strengthen allies, and maintain global containment at lower cost.

What was "massive retaliation"?

The New Look doctrine threatening overwhelming nuclear response to communist aggression.

How did Eisenhower’s nuclear policy differ from Truman’s?

Eisenhower relied far more on nuclear weapons and reduced conventional forces, unlike Truman who relied heavily on ground troops in Korea.

How did Eisenhower justify reducing conventional military spending?

To balance the federal budget while still maintaining global containment.

What was "rollback" in Eisenhower’s foreign policy rhetoric?

The idea of pushing back communism rather than simply containing it.

Which CIA actions under Eisenhower suggested greater willingness to undermine communist governments?

Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954) coups.

Why can covert operations be seen as a shift from Truman’s approach?

Eisenhower used the CIA more aggressively for indirect intervention.

What does the Hungarian Uprising (1956) indicate about Eisenhower’s real stance on rollback?

Rollback was rhetoric—Eisenhower did not intervene in Eastern Europe, showing continuity with Truman’s limits.

How did Eisenhower continue Truman’s policy in Europe?

Kept US troops in Europe, strengthened NATO, and maintained long-term commitments.

What does the Formosa Strait Crisis (1954–55) show about continuity?

Eisenhower continued Truman’s defence of Taiwan and Asian containment.

How did NSC-68 (1950) show that Truman had already moved toward New Look ideas?

It called for a massive military build-up and global confrontation with communism.

How did Truman lay foundations for Eisenhower’s nuclear strategy?

Truman approved development of the hydrogen bomb.

What does Eisenhower’s handling of the Korean War suggest about continuity?

He threatened but avoided nuclear use—similar caution to Truman; containment was upheld.

What alliances did Eisenhower create that were consistent with Truman’s multilateral approach?

SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955).

Was the New Look a fundamental change or a tactical evolution?

It was a tactical evolution—methods changed, but core aims remained the same.

What is the overall judgement on the New Look strategy?

It modified how the US pursued containment but did not change the fundamental purpose of US Cold War policy.