In Depth Notes on the Postwar Period and Cold War (1945-1980)

Postwar Period and Cold War (1945-1980)

Chapter Outline
  • Introduction to the Postwar Period
    • Major issues faced by nations post WWII
    • Survival of combatants
    • Formation of new world orders: capitalism vs communism
    • Emergence of the Cold War
Truman and the Beginning of the Cold War (1945-1953)

  • Key Issues Post-WWII

    • Combatants faced immense destruction, except for the US which remained largely intact.
    • Competition escalated between capitalism (led by the US) and communism (led by the USSR).

  • Cold War Dynamics

    • Cold War characterized by political tension without direct military conflict (hence “cold”).
    • The US engaged in proxy wars (e.g., Korea, Vietnam) in response to communist threats.
    • Need for open trade relations necessitated friendly relations with foreign nations.

  • Truman's Foreign Policy

    • Refusal of the USSR to recognize the Polish government-in-exile revealed ideological conflicts.
    • Communist coup in Poland followed by similar movements in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.
    • The Truman Doctrine (1947): US commitment to support free nations resisting communism.
    • Requested $400 million to aid Greece and Turkey.
    • Containment Policy (by George Kennan): Prevent spread of communism without initiating war.
    • US defense of vulnerable countries to deter Soviet expansion.

  • Marshall Plan (1948)

    • Over $12 billion sent to Europe to rebuild economies in exchange for alliance with the US.
    • Eastern Europe and USSR refused aid, viewing it as US imperialism.

  • Formation of NATO (1949)

    • US allies with Canada and Western Europe for mutual defense.
    • Established in response to the Berlin Blockade (1948) where USSR blocked access to West Berlin but was eventually lifted due to airlift efforts by the US.
McCarthyism and Anti-Communism
  • Internal Paranoia
    • Truman initiated investigations of government employees for communist ties.
    • Joseph McCarthy emerged as a leading anti-communist figure, leading to widespread accusations.
    • McCarthy held hearings that ruined many innocent lives without tangible evidence.
    • Era defined by creation of blacklists in industries, preventing accused individuals from working.
Truman's Domestic Policy Issues
  • Economic struggles post-war: inflation nearly 20% as employment levels fell.
  • Truman faced backlash for anti-union policies during significant strikes.
  • The Fair Deal: Truman's proposals for civil rights and social improvements met resistance.
    • Supported desegregation and civil rights yet alienated Southern Democrats.
  • Election of 1948: Surprising re-election by portraying Congress as ineffective.
Korean War (1950-1953)
  • North Korea's invasion of South Korea initiated US military involvement.
  • Resistance initially led to ambitions for reunification of Korea but provoked Chinese intervention.
  • General MacArthur aimed for confrontation with China—Truman opposed, culminating in MacArthur's dismissal.
  • War continued into Eisenhower's era without resolution.
The Eisenhower Years (1953-1961)

  • Domestic Political Goals

    • Sought to balance the budget and reduce government size but faced challenges due to military spending needs.
    • Development of the Interstate Highway System to support military and civilian travel.

  • Civil Rights Progress

    • Brown v. Board of Education (1954) overturned segregation in schools, though faced significant resistance.
    • Montgomery Bus Boycott sparked by Rosa Parks’ defiance brought Martin Luther King Jr. to national attention.

  • Foreign Policy Challenges

    • Continued the policy of containment termed "liberation"; focused on maintaining stability in the Third World.
    • The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) involved brinkmanship with the USSR over missile sites in Cuba; resulted in a clandestine agreement to defuse tensions.
The Turbulent Sixties
  • Kennedy Administration: Aims to address civil rights and move toward containing communism.
  • Progress in civil rights led to the establishment of significant legislation (Civil Rights Act after Kennedy's assassination).
  • Vietnam War Begins: As US involvement escalated, divisiveness within the country increased, often leading to socio-political unrest.
  • Impact of Declining Trust: Differing perspectives on government and diplomacy resulted in a fragmented national conscience, greatly influenced by civil rights movements and foreign intervention occurrences.
Conclusion
  • The Cold War era defined US domestic and foreign policy, reflecting tensions against the backdrop of ideological struggles between capitalism and communism, ultimately shaping modern America.