iGCSE History Core Content B: Did the United States Contain the Spread of Communism?

What was containment?

The US policy aimed at preventing the spread of Communism after WWII, especially from the USSR.

Why did the USA want to contain Communism?

Fear of global Communist takeover (Domino Theory), loss of trade partners, belief in protecting capitalism and democracy.

What was the Red Scare?

US fear in the 1920s–50s that Communism was infiltrating American society; increased under McCarthyism.

What was McCarthyism?

A campaign led by Senator McCarthy in the early 1950s to root out alleged Communists in the US government and society.

What was the Domino Theory?

The belief that if one country fell to Communism, others nearby would follow — especially in Asia.

What three key countries did the USA try to contain Communism in?

Korea (1950–53), Cuba (1959–62), Vietnam (1955–75).

Why did the Korean War start?

North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950 with support from the USSR and China.

Why did the USA get involved in Korea?

To stop Communist expansion (Domino Theory), protect Japan, enforce the Truman Doctrine, and counter Soviet aggression.

What role did the UN play in the Korean War?

Backed military intervention led by the USA due to a Soviet boycott of the Security Council.

What were the results of the Korean War?

Korea remained divided; South Korea protected; 4 million deaths including 50,000 US soldiers; USSR and China strengthened ties.

Was containment successful in Korea?

Partially — South Korea remained capitalist, but North Korea stayed Communist.

What caused the Cuban Missile Crisis?

USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and rising Cold War tensions.

Why did the USA oppose Castro?

Castro nationalised US businesses, became Communist, and allied with the USSR.

What was the Bay of Pigs invasion?

A failed 1961 US-backed invasion by Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro.

What happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)?

13-day standoff over Soviet missiles in Cuba; ended with US naval blockade and USSR withdrawing missiles.

What were the results of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

USSR removed missiles from Cuba, US secretly removed missiles from Turkey, Kennedy seen as strong, Cuba remained Communist.

Was containment successful in Cuba?

No — Castro remained in power and allied with the USSR.

Why did the USA get involved in Vietnam?

Fear of Communist spread in Southeast Asia (Domino Theory), support for anti-Communist South Vietnam.

What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

Alleged North Vietnamese attacks on US ships in 1964, used to justify deeper US involvement.

What were Viet Cong tactics?

Guerrilla warfare, use of civilians, tunnels, and the Ho Chi Minh trail.

What were US tactics in Vietnam?

Bombing campaigns (Rolling Thunder), chemical warfare (Napalm, Agent Orange), Search and Destroy missions.

Why did US public opinion turn against the Vietnam War?

Media coverage, conscription, Tet Offensive, My Lai Massacre, student protests.

What were the consequences of the Vietnam War?

58,000 US soldiers died; $168 billion cost; containment failed; US reputation damaged; Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia turned Communist.

Was containment successful in Vietnam?

No — US failed to stop the spread of Communism and lost political and public support.

What did Nixon do after the Vietnam War?

Pursued détente with USSR and China; ended containment as a key policy.