HIST 1302 Cold War

When did the Cold War take place?

From 1945 to 1991, a global ideological, political, and military struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

What were the main ideologies in conflict during the Cold War?

Capitalism and democracy (U.S.) vs. communism and totalitarianism (USSR).

What was Winston Churchill’s 'Iron Curtain' speech about?

It described the division between democratic Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe.

What did the term 'Iron Curtain' symbolize?

The ideological and physical separation between Eastern and Western Europe.

What caused tensions between the U.S. and the USSR after WWII?

Disagreements over postwar reconstruction, ideology, and control of Eastern Europe.

What was the Second Red Scare?

A period of fear of communist infiltration and subversion in the U.S. during the late 1940s–1950s.

What was Truman’s Loyalty Program?

Created under Executive Order 9835 in 1947 to investigate federal employees for possible communist ties.

What were Loyalty Oaths?

Statements required from government and state employees affirming they were not members of the Communist Party.

Who was Senator Joseph McCarthy?

A Wisconsin senator who led an anti-communist crusade by making baseless accusations of subversion in government.

What is McCarthyism?

The practice of making unsubstantiated accusations of disloyalty or subversion without evidence.

What were the Army–McCarthy Hearings?

1954 televised hearings exposing McCarthy’s aggressive tactics, leading to his censure by the Senate.

Who were Ethel and Julius Rosenberg?

American citizens executed in 1953 for espionage, accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.

What was the Containment Theory?

The U.S. policy of preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders.

What was the Truman Doctrine (1947)?

U.S. policy providing $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey to resist communism.

What was the Marshall Plan (1948–1951)?

A U.S. economic aid program providing over $12 billion to rebuild Western Europe and prevent communism.

What was the Molotov Plan?

The Soviet Union’s response to the Marshall Plan, providing aid and trade to Eastern Bloc countries.

What caused the Berlin Blockade (1948–49)?

The USSR blocked access to West Berlin in protest of Western plans to unify Germany.

What was the Berlin Airlift?

A U.S. and British operation flying supplies into West Berlin during the Soviet blockade (1948–49).

When did the Soviet Union end the Berlin Blockade?

May 1949, after realizing the airlift could continue indefinitely.

What was NATO (1949)?

A collective defense alliance among Western nations stating that an attack on one is an attack on all.

What was the Warsaw Pact (1955)?

A Soviet-led military alliance formed as a counter to NATO, including Eastern European communist nations.

What was the Domino Theory?

The belief that if one nation fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

When did the Korean War begin?

June 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea across the 38th parallel.

Who were the key figures during the Korean War?

President Truman, General Douglas MacArthur, and General Matthew Ridgeway.

What role did the United Nations play in the Korean War?

Authorized military aid to South Korea to repel North Korean aggression.

How did the Korean War end?

An armistice was signed in July 1953, restoring the border near the 38th parallel; no peace treaty was signed.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

Neither side achieved victory; Korea remained divided between North (communist) and South (democratic).

When did the USSR successfully test its first atomic bomb?

1949

When did the U.S. test the first hydrogen bomb?

1952, on Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

What was the significance of the hydrogen bomb?

It was about 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb used on Hiroshima.

What are ICBMs?

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads long distances.

What is 'Mutually Assured Destruction'?

The doctrine that nuclear war would result in total destruction for both sides, deterring use of such weapons.

How did the Cold War affect American society?

It fueled fear of communism, loyalty investigations, and nuclear anxiety.

What was the People's Republic of China and when was it established?

The communist government established by Mao Zedong in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War.

What was the U.S. response to Communist China?

The U.S. continued recognizing Taiwan as the legitimate government of China until 1972.

What was the U.S. Point Four Program?

A U.S. initiative providing aid to developing nations to prevent the spread of communism.

What was the main goal of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War?

To contain communism and promote democracy and capitalism.

What was the Kitchen Debate (1959)?

An informal debate between Vice President Nixon and Soviet Premier Khrushchev on capitalism vs. communism.

What were 'duck and cover' drills?

Civil defense exercises in U.S. schools to prepare for possible nuclear attacks.

What was the Arms Race?

Competition between the U.S. and USSR to develop more and stronger nuclear weapons.

How did the Cold War affect culture?

Led to fear-based art, films, and literature reflecting nuclear anxiety and espionage themes.

What was the impact of McCarthyism on American culture?

Created fear and suspicion, leading to blacklists and ruined careers in government and entertainment.

Why did some people support communism?

It promised equality, jobs, and healthcare, appealing to marginalized and impoverished populations.

What did the Truman Doctrine represent in foreign policy?

The start of U.S. commitment to intervene globally to contain communism.

Why was the Marshall Plan important?

It helped Western Europe recover economically and resist communist influence.

What was the Molotov Plan’s purpose?

To strengthen ties among Eastern Bloc nations and ensure loyalty to the USSR.

How did the Berlin Airlift demonstrate U.S. policy?

It showed American resolve to resist Soviet pressure without direct military conflict.

What was the main idea behind the Domino Theory?

Communism spreads regionally if left unchecked, influencing U.S. involvement in Asia.

What were the lasting effects of the Korean War?

Division of Korea, militarization of the Cold War, and solidification of U.S. containment policy.

What does 'Mutually Assured Destruction' mean?

Both superpowers had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, discouraging nuclear war.

How did the Arms Race escalate tensions?

Each side’s buildup of weapons and ICBMs increased fear of nuclear war.

What was life like during the nuclear age?

Marked by public fear, fallout shelters, atomic bomb drills, and cultural focus on survival.