IB History of the Americas SL 7.1 Notes

### Conceptual Understanding

Key Questions:

- Why did the US Good Neighbor policy towards Latin America change after the end of the Second World War?

  - After WWII, the US shifted focus from the Good Neighbor policy towards containment of communism, driven by the perceived threat of Soviet expansion in Europe and Asia. This change diminished Latin America's influence despite their contributions to the war effort.

- Why were Americans so afraid of communism in the 1940s and early 1950s?

  - The fear stemmed from the belief that communism threatened American democracy and capitalism. Events like the Soviet Union's growth, the spread of communist ideology, and internal fears fueled by the Red Scare heightened anxieties.

- How did the ‘Red Scare’ affect the arts and society in the USA?

  - The Red Scare influenced American culture significantly, with anti-communist sentiments permeating films, plays, and television. Many artists faced blacklisting, and society saw heightened paranoia and a clampdown on dissent.

### Key Concept:

- Change – The shift from the US's pre-WWII Good Neighbor policy towards a Cold War strategy of containment, marking a major change in foreign relations and domestic politics.

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### 7.1 Truman’s Foreign Policies, the Origins of the Cold War, and Its Impact on the Region

- Truman’s Foreign Policies after the Second World War:

  - President Harry Truman’s foreign policies focused on containment to combat the spread of Soviet-style communism. This policy shaped both international and domestic actions against communism.

- Influence of the Good Neighbor Policy:

  - After WWII, Latin American countries expected continued cooperation and respect for sovereignty based on FDR’s Good Neighbor policy, as codified in the Act of Chapultepec in 1945. However, the US shifted focus to Europe and Asia, sidelining Latin American influence in the hemisphere.

- Impact of George Kennan’s Long Telegram (1946):

  - Kennan's Long Telegram, warning of Soviet expansion, shifted US foreign policy towards containing communism in Europe and Asia rather than focusing on Latin American solidarity.

- Inter-American Relations:

  - Diplomatic conferences in Rio de Janeiro (1947) and Bogotá (1948) tried to address hemispheric unity, but the overriding concern of Soviet expansionism meant Latin American concerns were deprioritized by the Truman administration.

- Cultural Impact:

  - The Red Scare influenced American popular culture, with anti-communist messages becoming common in media, and artists being targeted in a broad effort to eliminate communist influence. This created a culture of suspicion and censorship.

### Summary:

Truman's foreign policies marked a departure from the cooperative Good Neighbor policy towards an aggressive stance on containing communism. This shift prioritized US concerns in Europe and Asia, diminishing Latin American influence despite earlier promises of solidarity. The Red Scare also deeply affected American society and culture, making anti-communism a dominant force in the early Cold War period.

### Notes on Truman’s Foreign Policies and US-Latin America Relations (Post-WWII)

- US vs. Latin America Views:

  - Latin America viewed post-war relations with the US in a global and hemispheric context.

  - The US, however, viewed Latin America primarily through the lens of the Cold War, focusing on stability over democracy in its fight against communism.

- Economic Aid and Military Assistance:

  - From 1946 to 1950, Latin America received only 2% of US overseas aid, mostly military in nature.

  - Despite calls for economic support, US aid was minimal and focused on military concerns tied to hemispheric defense against communism.

- Violation of the Act of Chapultepec (1945):

  - A year after signing the Act, which promoted hemispheric solidarity, the US interfered in the internal affairs of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, violating its principles.

- The Rio Treaty (1947):

  - Signed in Rio de Janeiro, the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance focused on anti-communist military cooperation.

  - Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Cuba banned communist organizations and severed ties with the Soviet Union.

  - This treaty marked a shift towards right-leaning, autocratic regimes in several Latin American countries.

- Latin American Concerns:

  - Many Latin Americans saw the Rio Treaty as a disaster, feeling they became "compulsory automatic allies" of the US, following the containment policy without reciprocal benefits.

  - Economic assistance was largely ignored by the US, despite calls from Latin American countries for aid.

- Formation of the OAS (1948):

  - At the 1948 Pan-American Conference in Bogotá, the Organization of American States (OAS) was formed, modeled as a regional defense pact like NATO.

  - The US focused solely on defense issues, advising diplomats to avoid financial commitments, further highlighting the difference in priorities between the US and Latin American nations.

- Export-Import Bank:

  - The Export-Import Bank was established in 1934 to support foreign trade but was mentioned in the context of economic policies that Latin American nations sought assistance with, which was largely ignored by the Truman administration.

### Notes on Truman’s Foreign Policies and US-Latin America Relations (Post-WWII)

- US vs. Latin America Views:

  - Latin America approached post-war relations with the US through a global and hemispheric lens.

  - The US focused on Cold War dynamics, prioritizing stability over democracy in its anti-communist efforts.

- Economic Aid and Military Assistance:

  - Between 1946 and 1950, Latin America received only 2% of US overseas aid, predominantly military in nature.

  - US aid was minimal despite Latin American calls for economic support, reflecting a focus on military concerns linked to hemispheric defense.

- Violation of the Act of Chapultepec (1945):

  - Shortly after signing the Act, which emphasized hemispheric solidarity, the US interfered in the internal affairs of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, contradicting its principles.

- The Rio Treaty (1947):

  - The Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, signed in Rio de Janeiro, emphasized anti-communist military cooperation.

  - Countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Cuba prohibited communist organizations and severed ties with the Soviet Union.

  - The treaty facilitated a shift towards right-leaning, autocratic regimes in various Latin American countries.

- Latin American Concerns:

  - Many Latin Americans viewed the Rio Treaty as problematic, feeling they became "compulsory automatic allies" of the US, adhering to containment policies without receiving reciprocal benefits.

  - The US largely ignored economic assistance requests from Latin American nations.

- Formation of the OAS (1948):

  - The Organization of American States (OAS) was established at the 1948 Pan-American Conference in Bogotá, designed as a regional defense pact similar to NATO.

  - The US concentrated exclusively on defense issues at the conference, advising diplomats against making financial commitments, showcasing a disconnect with Latin American priorities.

- Export-Import Bank:

  - The Export-Import Bank, created in 1934 to facilitate foreign trade, was referenced in the context of the economic support Latin American nations sought but was largely overlooked by the Truman administration.

### Notes on Truman’s Foreign Policies and the Impact of the Cold War on Latin America

- NSC-141 Document:

  - The National Security Council issued NSC-141, emphasizing the need for political and economic development in Latin America to combat the internal growth of communism.

  - The policy aimed to create stability to make Latin American nations resistant to Soviet influence and political warfare.

  - The document reaffirmed Narciso Bassols Garcia’s concerns post-Rio, advocating for hemispheric solidarity in support of US global policies.

- Truman’s Attitude Toward Latin America:

  - By the end of Truman’s term, US policy of containment led to weak and contentious relationships with Latin America.

  - Latin American nations felt ignored regarding their economic and social needs, while the US expected their support in combating global communism.

- The Rise of Anti-Communism:

  - Joseph McCarthy’s actions during the Red Scare are seen as significant violations of civil liberties and public discourse.

  - The Red Scare of the late 1940s and early 1950s was part of a historical pattern of anti-immigrant sentiments and fears of subversion, dating back to the early years of the US.

- Historical Context of Anti-Immigrant Sentiments:

  - The Alien and Sedition Acts during John Adams’ presidency restricted speech against the government.

  - The Sedition Act penalized "malicious writing" against government officials, marking an early instance of limiting free speech.

  - The NINA (No Irish Need Apply) signs reflected anti-Irish sentiments, while the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 halted Chinese immigration.

  - Nativist sentiments surfaced during the populist movement of the 1880s, spurred by cultural fears and labor competition.

- Anti-Sedition and Anti-Espionage Laws (1917-1918):

  - In response to World War I, the US implemented anti-sedition and anti-espionage laws allowing fines and prison sentences for subversives.

  - These laws reflected the Wilson administration’s view of the serious threats posed by dissent against the war effort.

.### Summary of U.S. Foreign Policy and the Origins of the Cold War (1945-1953)

During the early years of the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy was largely defined by the doctrine of containment, aimed at curbing the spread of communism globally. This approach led to the formulation of several key documents and initiatives, including NSC-68 and NSC-141, which emphasized the need for political and economic stability in Latin America to prevent the internal growth of communism. Despite U.S. efforts, relations with Latin American countries soured as the U.S. was perceived as neglecting their economic and social needs while expecting support in anti-communist efforts.

Domestically, the fear of communism manifested through the "Red Scare," particularly under Joseph McCarthy, whose aggressive anti-communist campaigns often violated civil liberties. The roots of this fear extended back to earlier historical episodes, such as the Alien and Sedition Acts and anti-immigrant sentiments during various periods, indicating a persistent pattern of suspicion towards perceived subversive elements in society.

The Federal Loyalty Program, initiated by President Truman in 1947, further reflected these anxieties, as it aimed to root out alleged communists within the federal workforce. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) also played a significant role in investigating alleged communist activities in Hollywood and other sectors, leading to blacklisting and significant public scrutiny of various individuals.

Prominent cases, such as that of Alger Hiss, illustrated the intense political polarization of the era. Hiss's conviction for perjury after being accused of espionage by former communist Whitaker Chambers had lasting repercussions on the Democratic Party, driving members to adopt more cautious stances to avoid being labeled as soft on communism.

In summary, the years between 1945 and 1953 were marked by a combination of aggressive foreign policy aimed at containing communism and domestic campaigns that often infringed upon civil liberties. This dual approach shaped the political landscape in both the U.S. and Latin America, leaving a legacy of mistrust and division.

### References

1. NSC-68 and NSC-141 documents on U.S. foreign policy.

2. Historical accounts of the Red Scare and anti-communist sentiment in the U.S.

3. Analysis of the Federal Loyalty Program and HUAC investigations.

4. Case studies on Alger Hiss and the political implications of his trial.

### Source List

- Brinkley, Alan, and Frank Friedel. American History: A Survey.

- Various historical records and analyses regarding U.S. foreign policy and the domestic implications of anti-communism in the 20th century.

Here are summarized notes based on the provided text about the Cold War and the actions of the U.S. government during that time:

### Unit 1.6: The Cold War and the Americas (1945-1981)

#### Truman's Domestic Policies and the Federal Loyalty Program

- Historian Alan Brinkley attributes Truman's desire to counter Republican attacks and build support for foreign policies as key motivations for the Federal Loyalty Program.

- The program followed the Truman Doctrine speech, emphasizing the fight against communism.

- Although it did not define "disloyalty," the program led to significant dismissals (200 employees) and resignations (2,000) within four years.

- It allowed for further investigations by the Justice Department and the FBI, impacting many U.S. citizens' reputations.

#### HUAC and McCarthyism

- The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) pursued disloyal citizens, intensifying the "Red Scare."

- The McCarran Internal Security Act of 1950 required registration of all communist groups and declared their internal documents non-private.

- The act intimidated individuals involved in unpopular political activities.

#### VENONA Project

- A top-secret program that deciphered Soviet communications, revealing spies in the Manhattan Project.

- British scientist Karl Fuchs was exposed for leaking atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.

- His exposure led to the arrest of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, accused of espionage. Greenglass, Ethel’s brother, confessed and implicated both, leading to their conviction and execution in 1953.

#### Impact of the Rosenberg Case

- The Rosenbergs maintained their innocence but were executed, marking a significant moment in the Cold War.

- In 1996, Greenglass admitted to lying about Ethel to protect his wife, while still insisting Julius was a spy.

- The revelations intensified fears of communist infiltration in the U.S.

#### International Context

- Mao Zedong's victory over Chiang Kai-shek in China in 1949 heightened fears of communism in the U.S.

- The "loss of China" exacerbated anxieties among Americans who had just celebrated a triumph over totalitarianism in WWII.

#### Joseph McCarthy and Anti-Communism

- McCarthy emerged as a prominent figure in anti-communism, using it for political gain rather than genuine conviction.

- His accusations created a climate of fear, affecting many, including military leaders and politicians who remained silent.

- The public hunt for subversives consumed the U.S. for several years, with many individuals facing baseless accusations.

These notes encapsulate the main points regarding the U.S. government's actions during the Cold War, the Federal Loyalty Program, the impact of McCarthyism, and the broader geopolitical context. Let me know if you need anything else!

### Chapter 7: Truman’s Foreign Policies, the Origins of the Cold War, and Its Impact on the Region

#### Overview of McCarthyism

- McCarthy's Rise and Fall:

  - Initially supported by the press, McCarthyism thrived until the Eisenhower era.

  - A 1954 poll showed only 3% of Americans had encountered a communist.

  - McCarthy's downfall began with accusations against his assistant, leading to the Army–McCarthy hearings (April to June 1954).

  - Public perception shifted as McCarthy's abusive behavior was exposed during televised hearings, culminating in Joseph Welch's famous rebuke: “Have you no sense of decency?”

  - By December 1954, the Senate condemned McCarthy for abuse of power, leading to his decline and eventual death in 1957.

#### Anti-Communism and McCarthyism

- Public Support:

  - Post-war events, such as the Soviet Union's actions (Berlin Blockade, atomic bomb tests), heightened fears of communism.

  - The Lavender Scare targeted homosexuals in government, with accusations linking them to espionage risks.

  - Eisenhower's Executive Order 10450 allowed investigations based on perceived security risks, resulting in the dismissal of many government employees without concrete evidence of espionage.

- Cultural Impact:

  - Anti-communist sentiment permeated society, affecting various cultural sectors like film and television.

  - The film industry faced blacklisting; writers and actors were pressured to name communists.

  - Themes of anti-communism dominated Hollywood, with over 40 films portraying communists as villains.

  - Notable films included I Was a Communist for the FBI and Invasion, U.S.A.

#### Social and Cultural Climate

- Cold War's Cultural Influence:

  - The Cold War influenced all aspects of American life, but daily life often revolved around suburbia, consumerism, and entertainment.

  - Television grew in popularity, reaching 90% of households by 1960, often avoiding controversial topics to attract larger audiences.

  - Edward R. Murrow criticized the media's tendency to distract rather than inform the public about critical issues.

- Education and Religion:

  - Public education emphasized citizenship and American values; the Pledge of Allegiance became mandatory, reflecting anti-communist sentiments.

  - Religious groups pushed for greater emphasis on God in public life, leading to the 1954 modification of the Pledge to include "under God."

#### Government Initiatives

- Civil Defense:

  - The Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA) was created in 1951 to prepare Americans for potential nuclear attacks.

  - Instructional films, like Duck and Cover, were produced to teach children how to respond in case of a nuclear threat, promoting a sense of control amid fear.

- Musical Responses:

  - Popular music of the 1950s often reflected Cold War anxieties, with songs addressing themes of nuclear disaster and communism, such as “When They Drop the Atomic Bomb” and “I’m No Communist.”

### Conclusion

- The era of McCarthyism was marked by widespread paranoia, cultural shifts, and government policies targeting perceived threats, fundamentally shaping American society during the Cold War.