Eisenhower and the New Look policy

What was Eisenhower's campaign strategy centred around?

Attacking the Truman and Roosevelt administrations on Korea, communism and corruption - for being soft on communism.

Who was Allen Dulles?

He was director of the CIA from 1953-61.

Who was John Foster Dulles?

Secretary of State from 1953-59, significant in terms of brinkmanship and rollback policies.

What were Eisenhower's aims (and possibly similarities to Truman)?

US to retain influence in Western Europe and Asia, the Soviet threat was real and containment of expansion was key to security interests and to retain a strong nuclear arsenal.

What was Eisenhower's viewpoint on the liberation of Eastern Europe?

It should be carried out by peaceful means only.

What were the drawbacks of rollback?

Eisenhower did not attempt to undermine the Soviets' sphere of influence (the satellite states) - did not intent to 'liberate' any pro-Soviet communist states (perhaps evidenced by lack of intervention in Hungary).

Why was possessing a massive nuclear arsenal an important part of the new look?

Eisenhower believed that increased reliance on nuclear weapons would reduce costs (defence expenditure) - wanted a more aggressive foreign policy.

What was brinkmanship?

Willingness to go to the brink of war in an attempt to force the other power to back down (without actually going to war).

How did John Foster Dulles describe brinkmanship?

'Going to the brink of war without being scared.'

What did the NSC 162/2 report state?

The USA was willing to use its advantage of nuclear weaponry against aggressive Communists states.

When was the NSC 162/2 report issued?

October 1953

Why was this report significant?

It showed the USA's willingness to counteract Soviet aggression and to protect their interests.

What are some examples of Eisenhower cutting expenditure? (2)

1954-58

The number of the US army personnel fell from 1.4 million to 900,000 and spending on defence fell from 2/3 to 1/2 of government expenditure.

What was the significance of this?

Enhanced capacity for intelligence-gathering and intervention in the Third World (CIA) - due to cutting expenditure.

When was the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation founded (SEATO)?

September 1954 - in the wake of Ho Chi Minh's victory over the French in North Vietnam.

What was the aim of SEATO?

To protect Laos and South Vietnam from communism as well as to contain communist powers (both China and the USSR).

What were the member states?

Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, France, the UK and the US.

When was the Central Treaty Organisation founded (CENTO)?

Founded by the Baghdad Pact of February 1955

What was the aim of CENTO?

To form a line of defence along the USSR's south-western borderline - containment.

Member states committed to mutual cooperation and protection.

What were the member states of CENTO?

Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and the UK. US joined in 1958.

When was Eisenhower's 'Special Message to Congress on the situation in the Middle East?

5th January 1957

What did the message say?

Any Middle Eastern country could request economic assistance or military aid if it was being threatened by armed aggression or 'international communism'.