vocab

Containment

• American theory to try to “contain” communism, rather than let it spread to other places. Through monetary supplies, and physical American troops.

Domino Theory

If one country is turned by USSR into a communist nation, or nations will follow.

Iron Curtain

It is a country or wall that separates communist countries from democratic countries. The curtain ensures that those not already affected by communism don’t become communist nations.

Proxy War

A war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved.

Arms Race

Competition between nations like the United States and USSR for superiority in development and accumulation of weapons. 

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of WW2.

Truman Doctrine

United States will provide political, military and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external and internal authoritarian forces.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. Formed in 1949.

Berlin Aircraft

A military operation in the late 1940s that brought food and other needed goods into West Berlin by air after the government of East Germany.

McCarthyism

A campaign against alleged communists in the US government and other institutions carried out under Senator Joseph McCarthy in the period 1950-1954.

Red Scare

A period during the Cold War where the American public was terrified of Communists and the spread of Communism.

House Un American Activities Committee (HUAC)

An investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives, created in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities on the part of private citizens, public employees, and those organizations suspected of having communist ties.