The cold war between 1949 and 1955

49-55

NATO

An alliance established in 1949 after World War II, based on the principle that an attack against one member is an attack against all.

League of Nations

An international organization formed after World War I, which lacked the military commitment seen in NATO.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the USA and the Soviet Union, characterized by mutual blame and suspicion.

American-Soviet alliance

A temporary partnership during World War II that broke down rapidly after the war ended.

Stalin's accusations

The Soviet Union blamed the West for delaying the attack on France, leading to significant Soviet losses.

Western suspicions

The USA and its allies feared Soviet intentions to dominate Eastern Europe with Communism.

Bipolar power struggle

The competition for global dominance between the USA and the Soviet Union after World War II.

Korean War

A conflict from 1950-1953 initiated by North Korea's invasion of South Korea, involving UN forces led predominantly by the USA.

Truman Doctrine

A policy aimed at containing Communism, influencing US actions during the Korean War.

UN's role

The United Nations was tasked with restoring peace in Korea, marking one of its first major challenges.

General MacArthur

The American general who led UN forces during the Korean War and sought to escalate the conflict against China.

Chinese intervention

China entered the Korean War to support North Korea, complicating the conflict for the USA.

Atomic bomb threat

MacArthur's proposal to use nuclear weapons against China, which Truman opposed to contain the war.

Ceasefire agreement

The 1953 agreement that ended hostilities in the Korean War, maintaining the division along the 38th Parallel.

Economic aid to South Korea

The USA provided $500 million to help rebuild South Korea post-war and prevent Communist influence.

SEATO

The South East Asia Treaty Organization established in 1954 to counter Soviet and Chinese interests in the region.

Global phenomenon

The Korean conflict demonstrated that the Cold War extended beyond Europe, affecting global politics.