1._Truman_Foreign_Policy

Truman and the Cold War

Cold War Overview

• Definition: The Cold War was a prolonged conflict (over 40 years) primarily between the United States and the USSR.

• Nature of Conflict: It was characterized by political rivalry, economic competition, and ideological battles between communism (Soviet Union) and democracy/capitalism (United States).

• Rivalry Fields: Competition in politics, economic systems, social events (e.g., Olympics), and cultural narratives (e.g., portrayal of Russians as antagonists in movies).

Roots of the Cold War

• Stalin's Goals:

  • Sought to create spheres of influence in Eastern Europe to protect the USSR.

  • Broke promises of free elections made at the Yalta Conference, dominating several Eastern European countries (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary).

  • Wanted a buffer zone to prevent future invasions, especially from Germany, which had invaded twice before.

• US Goals:

  • Aim to spread democracy globally and maintain international peace through organizations like the United Nations (UN).

  • Opposition to Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe highlighted by Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech.

International Conferences and Organizations

• Bretton Woods Conference: Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to foster economic recovery in post-war Europe; USSR did not participate.

• United Nations Foundation: Established to promote peace; significant events included the Dumbarton Oaks Conference (UN Charter groundwork) and the San Francisco Conference (actual formation of the UN).

• Security Council: Composed of the US, USSR, UK, France, China; had veto power affecting military interventions.

German and Japanese Reconstruction

• Germany:

  • Went through a denazification process with the Nuremberg Trials, resulting in punishments for Nazis.

  • Partitioned into zones controlled by the US, UK, France, and USSR, eventually leading to the formation of East (communist) and West (democratic) Germany.

• Japan:

  • Rebuilt under US supervision; General Douglas MacArthur oversaw reconstruction and implementation of democracy, leading to economic recovery and growth.

Containment Policy

• Truman Doctrine:

  • Introduced in 1947 by George Kennan, aimed at stopping the spread of communism—became the foundation for US foreign policy.

  • First tested in Greece and Turkey, resulted in financial support leading to successful containment of communism.

• Marshall Plan:

  • Initiative to provide financial aid ($12.5 billion) to help rebuild Western Europe post-war, aimed at preventing communist threats; offered to Eastern Europe, but declined by USSR.

Military Organizations and Actions

• Formation of NATO: 1949 created a military alliance against Soviet aggression among the US, Canada, and Western European nations.

• Soviet Response: Formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) with Eastern European allies.

Key Cold War Events Under Truman

• Berlin Airlift (1948):

  • Response to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin; US supplied West Berlin through airlift operations, showcasing commitment and resources without escalating into direct military conflict.

• Korean War (1950):

  • Start of the conflict with North Korea invading South Korea along the 38th parallel.

  • US intervened via UN forces, led by Douglas MacArthur, who initially pushed back communist forces.

  • Truman's orders to contain the conflict prevented invasion of China, resulting in MacArthur's dismissal due to insubordination.

  • The war ended in a stalemate at the 38th parallel, with no formal victory.

Conclusions and Reflections

• Impacts of the Korean War: Mixed views; MacArthur viewed it as a failure, while Truman considered it a success for containment, with South Korea remaining democratic.