The F-4 Phantom, P-47 Thunderbolt, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and P-51 Mustang fly in a heritage-flight formation.
Courtesy: US Air Force
Chapter Outline
The Army Air Forces Become the US Air Force
- Lesson 1: Military Aircraft Development After World War II
- Lesson 2: The Role of Airpower from the Korean War to the Vietnam War
- Lesson 3: Other US Air Force Military Operations That Supported National Objectives
- Lesson 4: Global Interventions From 1990
- Lesson 5: The US Air Force Is Born
Key Themes: The Birth of the US Air Force
Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell:
- Emphasis on future-oriented thinking regarding airpower.
Major Topics Covered:
- Military developments post-World War II.
- Creation of the independent Air Force through the National Security Act of 1947.
- Political implications and developments during the Cold War.
- The impact of the Berlin Airlift on US foreign policy and military strategy.
Quick Write Activity
Write three facts about the Marshall Plan based on the provided vignette.
Background Information: The Marshall Plan
Post-World War II Europe was economically and politically devastated.
US leaders feared Western Europe could fall under Communist control without assistance.
Marshall Plan (European Recovery Program):
- Proposed by Secretary of State George C. Marshall in 1947.
- Aimed at rebuilding European countries and preventing communism.
- Notably excluded Eastern European nations under Soviet control.
- Success: Sparked recovery in Western European industries and opened markets for American goods.
- Recognition: Marshall awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.
Vocabulary
Definitions:
- Marshall Plan: Economic aid program for Europe post-WWII.
- Democracy: Government where leaders are elected by citizens.
- Massive Retaliation: Strategy of responding to aggression with overwhelming force.
- Reserves: Military forces not in active service but trained for emergencies.
- National Guard: State military forces equipped federally, available for national crises.
- Integration: Incorporating different groups equally into society or organizations.
- Superpower: Dominant countries with significant military and political influence.
- Containment: Strategy to prevent the spread of communism.
Military Developments Post World War II
Force Reduction
Following WWII, public pressure led the US to reduce military size significantly.
Major reductions:
- Army: From 8 million to less than 2 million soldiers.
- Navy: From 4 million to 1.6 million sailors.
- Air Force: Reduced from 2.3 million airmen and 72,000 planes to about 300,000 airmen and 10,000 planes.
Reserve Programs: Established to prepare for potential future conflicts.
Reorganization of Forces
Following lessons from WWII, the military restructured, leading to the formation of the Department of Defense.
Fear of the Soviet Union's expansion and its impact on democracy led to calls for an active military role in global affairs.
Formation of the US Air Force
National Security Act of 1947
Signed by President Harry S. Truman.
Established the Department of Defense and authorized a separate Air Force.
Created the position of Secretary of Defense and responsibilities for the National Security Council and CIA.
Marked the formal independence of the US Air Force (USAF).
First Secretary: Stuart Symington appointed in September 1947.
Integration of the Air Force
Executive Order 9981: Issued by Truman for equal treatment in the military regardless of race, color, religion, nationality.
The Air Force led in integrating its forces.
General Carl Spaatz served as the first Chief of Staff, overseeing military operations.
Political Developments After WWII
Emergence of Superpowers
Post-WWII saw the US and the Soviet Union as the two main superpowers.
US aimed to promote democracy while the Soviets established satellite governments (dominated nations).
- Example countries include East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and others.
Response to this threat included military and economic strategies (e.g., Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan).
Containment Policy: Intended to prevent the spread of communism by providing military and economic aid to vulnerable countries (e.g., Greece, Turkey).
Formation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949 countered Soviet aggression.
The Cold War
Overview
Lasted from 1948 to 1991, defined by political, economic, and military rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union.
Coined by Bernard Baruch, who articulated the ongoing geopolitical climate.
The fear of ‘hot’ war created a backdrop for arms buildup and indirect confrontations.
US developed a Strategic Triad strategy for maintaining nuclear deterrence, which included:
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
- Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
- Long-range bombers
Berlin Blockade and Airlift
Berlin Blockade (1948-1949): Soviet attempt to gain control over the entirety of Berlin, leading to the first major conflict of the Cold War.
The airlift (Operation Vittles) successfully supplied West Berlin after ground routes were blocked.
Outcome: 1.75 million tons of goods were airlifted to support the population.
Notable Figures in the Berlin Airlift
Lieutenant General William Tunner: Commanded the Berlin Airlift, optimizing logistics and schedules for effective air support.
1st Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen (Candy Bomber): Known for dropping candy to German children during the airlift, which became a symbol of American goodwill.
Conclusion
Impact of the Airlift
The Berlin Airlift demonstrated the utility of cargo aircraft and led to increased awareness of the need for a robust Air Force.
It played a critical role in solidifying Western alliances and responding to Soviet threats.
Contributed to the establishment of NATO and the eventual creation of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany in the West.