The Causes of the Cold War

THE CAUSES OF THE COLD WAR

  • Definition: Tension between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.

Characteristics of the Soviet Union and the United States

  • Soviet Union: Totalitarian state; citizens had limited rights; opponents of Stalin were persecuted.
  • United States: Democratic nation; citizens enjoyed various freedoms.

Post-WWII Actions by Stalin

  • Secured Soviet borders; deceptive promises at the Yalta Conference; did not uphold pledges.

Events Leading to Cold War

  • Meeting: Truman and Stalin met; Truman was distrustful.
  • Churchill's Declaration: Iron Curtain fell over Eastern Europe.
  • Communist Threat: Targeting nations in 1947.
  • Truman Doctrine: Announced aid to Greece and Turkey in 1947.
  • Marshall Plan: U.S. aid to rebuild Western Europe in 1948; aimed to prevent communism.
  • Containment Policy: Designed to prevent the spread of communism.

EVENTS OF THE EARLY COLD WAR

  • Germany's Division: Post-1945, Berlin was split; Western Allies created West Germany.
  • Stalin's Reaction: Blockade of Berlin in response to West Germany.
  • Berlin Airlift: U.S. response to blockade; sustained West Berlin.
  • Soviet Occupation: Led to increased tensions; Cold War solidified.
  • Formation of NATO (1949): Alliance to counter Soviet threats.
  • Warsaw Pact (1955): Soviet response to NATO; established control over Eastern Bloc countries.

IMPACT OF THE COLD WAR ON U.S. LIFE

  • Led to political and social upheaval in the U.S.
  • Loyalty Review Boards: Investigated loyalty of government employees; HUAC targeted presumed communists.
  • Execution of Rosenbergs: Accused of espionage; found guilty of treason.
  • McCarthyism: Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist campaign; created a climate of fear.

THE COLD WAR SPREADS TO ASIA

The Fall of China

  • China in 1949: Became a communist state under Mao; Nationalists retreated to Taiwan.
  • U.S. Stance: Refused to recognize the People's Republic of China.

The Korean War

  • Division of Korea: North (Soviet-supported) and South (U.S.-supported).
  • War Initiation: Began with North Korean invasion of South.
  • U.S. Response: Truman committed troops; General MacArthur chased North Koreans.
  • China's Involvement: MacArthur's plans to attack China led to his dismissal.
  • Truce: Signed at Panmunjom; established a ceasefire without peace.

NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND ARMS RACE

  • Nuclear Proliferation: Spread of nuclear weapons technology.
  • In 1949: Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb; arms race commenced.
  • Other Nations: Several nations developed nuclear capabilities post-U.S. and USSR.
  • Debate on Rights: Discussion surrounding nuclear arms for nations like Iran.

FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS UNDER EISENHOWER

  • Eisenhower Doctrine: Commitment to defend Middle Eastern countries against communism.
  • Sputnik: Soviet satellite launch; triggered a U.S. response in aerospace and education.
  • CIA in Guatemala: Overthrew a leftist government.
  • Cuban Revolution (1959): Fidel Castro established a communist government; Eisenhower imposed sanctions.

FOREIGN POLICY UNDER KENNEDY

  • Bay of Pigs Invasion: Failed military invasion to remove Castro.
  • Berlin Wall: Erected to stop East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin.
  • Kennedy's Support: Showed solidarity with West Berlin during the crisis.
  • Anti-communism Programs: Initiated three key programs to combat communism.

THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

  • Missile Discovery: U.S. discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba.
  • U.S. Response: Naval blockade and demands for withdrawal.
  • Outcome: Missiles were removed; established a communication hotline between U.S. and U.S.S.R.