APUSH Chapter 35: The Cold War Begins (American Pageant)
The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.
The United States and the Soviet Union had different political and economic systems, with the United States promoting democracy and capitalism, while the Soviet Union promoted communism.
The Truman Doctrine was a policy of containment that aimed to prevent the spread of communism by providing military and economic aid to countries threatened by communism.
The Marshall Plan was a program of economic aid to help rebuild Europe after World War II and prevent the spread of communism.
The Berlin Blockade was a Soviet attempt to block the Western Allies' access to West Berlin, which led to the Berlin Airlift, a massive airlift of supplies to the city.
The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Korea, supported by the United States and other UN forces.
The Red Scare was a period of intense fear of communism in the United States, which led to the persecution of suspected communists and their sympathizers.
McCarthyism was a term used to describe the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence.
The arms race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop and stockpile nuclear weapons.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.
The Cold War had a significant impact on American society, including the growth of the military-industrial complex, the expansion of the federal government's power, and the rise of the national security state.
President Truman (FDR's VP that took over following his sudden death) was a relatively average person given that he had no college education. Despite his initial humility in handling international conflicts, he soon grew to face challenges with unexpected courage.
Yalta Conference (February 1945): FDR, Churchill, and Stalin meet in Yalta to discuss postwar plans. They decided that they would eventually occupy Germany and ensure that Romania, Bulgaria and Poland had free elections and representative govts (but these were not binding). Stalin will
break this agreement later on.
After the conference, the Soviet Union agreed to attack Japan following the collapse of Germany (since the American army would sustain heavy losses alone). In exchange, the Soviet
Union secured major holdings in Asia (i.e Chinese ports, railroads, and islands that they had lost to Japan).
Russia was now under a revolutionary Bolshevik, which the US refused to recognize as valid. In 1945, the US terminated the lend lease aid they were giving to Russia. Moscow asked for a reconstruction, which the US denied while approving another loan for Britain
This led Russia to creating their own spheres of influence (building alliances with neighboring countries)| in order to guarantee their own financial security. This directly contradicted (former) US President Wilson's plan for an open world where all countries were demilitarized and democratized in order to promote world peace.
Cold War (1947-1991): standoff between the US and Russia, essentially between capitalist and communist ideologies. Called a “cold” war because there weren't many “battles,” just rising tensions. Both wanted to prove their ideology was superior (more on this later). US wants to prevent communism from spreading.
Bretton Woods Conference (1944): Allies met in Bretton Woods, NH. This conference lead to the creation of the IMF (international Monetary Fund) to encourage world trade by regulating currency exchange rates and the World Bank to promote economic growth in underdeveloped areas. The US was instrumental in these international peacekeeping organizations and, in general, in transforming the postwar landscape, while Russia refused to participate.
United Nations (April 1945): had representatives from 50 countries, but the Big Five (aka the US, Britain, USSR, France, China) had additional privileges, like right to veto. They provided international aid through UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization), and the WHO (World Health Organization).
Bernard Baruch wanted to create a UN agency that could regulate atomic eneray internationally, but neither the US or Russia wanted to give up certain nuclear weapons shows how tensions remain high and both want to be prepared for potential conflict
Nuremberg trials (1945-1946): former Nazi leaders are put on trial in Nuremburg, Germany, and punished for their crimes against humanity, with the punishments ranging from long prison sentences to execution.
However, as much as the Allies wanted to punish Germany (either by destroying German factories to prevent them from becoming too strong or by having them pay heavy reparations to rebuild other countries), they soon realized that a flourishing German economy is a necessary for the recovery of Europe as a whole.
After WW2, Germany is split into 4 military occupation zones, with one assigned to each of the Big Four powers (the USSR, France, Britain, and the US)
The Soviet Union is still upset that Germany won't pay their reparations. While the Allies promote the f a reunited Germany (eventually), the Soviet Union tightens its Communist grip on the Eastern area it controls.
Soon West Germany became an independent country while East Germany became a Soviet “satellite state” that was shut off from the Western world
This is an example of the iron curtain, which refers to the USSR's attempt to shield itself and satellite states w/ communism, separating itself from the rest of capitalist Europe.
He's becoming isolated and weird.
At this point, Berlin is completely surrounded by Soviet occupation zones, so Stalin tries to cut off Allied access to Berlin by blocking railways and highways, hoping to starve them.
Berlin Airlift (1948-1949): Truman sends supplies to grateful Berliners for a year, hoping to show that the US won't back down and appease Stalin. Stalin eventually lifts the blockade, but Germany remains divided.
Meanwhile, Stalin brokers a deal with Iran in 1946, agreeing tc remove some of his troops there (leftover from WW2) in exchange for some oil concessions. He ended up using the troops to finance a rebel movement, which Truman publicly disapproved of, causing Stalin to back down.
These actions further show the US the Stalin doesn't want to continue the wartime partnership formed in the post-war era, which further increases tensions between the two powers.
George Kennan, a diplomat, writes the containment doctrine (1947), which stated that Russia was dangerously expansionist — the only way to defeat communism was to treat it like a virus: quarantine (contain) the communist ideology to prevent other countries from falling to it. This tough-on-Russia policy will dictate Truman’s policites going forward.
Truman Doctrine (1947): the US provides military and economic aid ($400 million) to prevent Greece and Turkey from falling to Communism — Truman agrees to give aid to any countries facing Communist pressure.
Critics said he was overreacting, possibly allowing leaders of foreign countries to take advantage of his kindness by guaranteeing them unlimited resources to defeat any perceived threats.
Although Truman was polarizing the world by splitting countries into either pro-Soviet or pro-American camps, supporters said it was necessary to ensure global unity and cooperation in defeating Communism.
Meanwhile, France, Italy and Germany from the economic chaos that followed the war; Secretary of State George Marshall told the countries that if they created a joint recovery plan, the US would provide them with financial assistance to carry it out. (also note that the US offered some aid to Russia if they made some political reforms, but they refused).
Marshall Plan (1947): gave billions of dollars in aid to 16 European countries. They rapidly rebuild, creating flourishing economies, while the Communists lose most of their power their — success for the US!
NSA (National Security Act) (1947): created the Department of Defense to have a more unified military body with efficient communication.
Also created the NSC (Natl. Security Council) to advise the President about the best course of action in security matters.
Also created the CIA to gather intel on foreign affairs and run covert foreigh operations to push the U.S's agenda on an international scale; for example, it was used to overthrow Iran's leader and installed one chosen by the US.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (1949): Capitalist nations (like Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, US, etc.) make a pact to prepare for a potential enemy attack, saying that if one country got attacked, the others would come to its aid [an attack on one is an attack on all
This is a significant development because it marked a departure from the American diplomatic convention of isolationism (which included avoiding alliances during “peacetime”) and boosted European unification. It's alco an important step in militarization leading up to the Cold War
After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers.
The two nations were engaged in a Cold War, a state of political and military tension without direct military action.
The Cold War had a significant impact on Asia, where the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence.
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, which led to a war that lasted until 1953.
The United States intervened on behalf of South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea.
The war ended in a stalemate, with the two Koreas remaining divided at the 38th parallel.
The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States.
The war lasted from 1955 to 1975 and resulted in the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
The war was highly controversial in the United States, with many Americans opposing the conflict.
The Domino Theory was a Cold War policy that suggested that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall like dominos.
The United States used the Domino Theory to justify its involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Red Scare was a period of fear and paranoia in the United States during the early 20th century, characterized by a widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies. It was fueled by a combination of factors, including the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, labor unrest, and a series of bombings and other violent acts committed by anarchists and other radicals.
The First Red Scare occurred in the years immediately following World War I, from 1917 to 1920. It was marked by a series of government raids and arrests of suspected radicals, as well as a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia. The Palmer Raids, led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, resulted in the arrest and deportation of thousands of suspected radicals, many of whom were not given due process.
The Second Red Scare occurred in the years following World War II, from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. It was fueled by fears of Soviet espionage and infiltration of the U.S. government, as well as by the rise of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and Asia. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was established to investigate alleged communist activity in the U.S., and many Hollywood actors, writers, and directors were blacklisted and prevented from working in the industry.
The Red Scare had a lasting impact on American politics and society. It led to the creation of a permanent national security state, with the establishment of the FBI and CIA, as well as the growth of the military-industrial complex. It also had a chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties, as many people were afraid to express their political beliefs for fear of being labeled a communist or a sympathizer.
The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.
The United States and the Soviet Union had different political and economic systems, with the United States promoting democracy and capitalism, while the Soviet Union promoted communism.
The Truman Doctrine was a policy of containment that aimed to prevent the spread of communism by providing military and economic aid to countries threatened by communism.
The Marshall Plan was a program of economic aid to help rebuild Europe after World War II and prevent the spread of communism.
The Berlin Blockade was a Soviet attempt to block the Western Allies' access to West Berlin, which led to the Berlin Airlift, a massive airlift of supplies to the city.
The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Korea, supported by the United States and other UN forces.
The Red Scare was a period of intense fear of communism in the United States, which led to the persecution of suspected communists and their sympathizers.
McCarthyism was a term used to describe the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence.
The arms race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop and stockpile nuclear weapons.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.
The Cold War had a significant impact on American society, including the growth of the military-industrial complex, the expansion of the federal government's power, and the rise of the national security state.
President Truman (FDR's VP that took over following his sudden death) was a relatively average person given that he had no college education. Despite his initial humility in handling international conflicts, he soon grew to face challenges with unexpected courage.
Yalta Conference (February 1945): FDR, Churchill, and Stalin meet in Yalta to discuss postwar plans. They decided that they would eventually occupy Germany and ensure that Romania, Bulgaria and Poland had free elections and representative govts (but these were not binding). Stalin will
break this agreement later on.
After the conference, the Soviet Union agreed to attack Japan following the collapse of Germany (since the American army would sustain heavy losses alone). In exchange, the Soviet
Union secured major holdings in Asia (i.e Chinese ports, railroads, and islands that they had lost to Japan).
Russia was now under a revolutionary Bolshevik, which the US refused to recognize as valid. In 1945, the US terminated the lend lease aid they were giving to Russia. Moscow asked for a reconstruction, which the US denied while approving another loan for Britain
This led Russia to creating their own spheres of influence (building alliances with neighboring countries)| in order to guarantee their own financial security. This directly contradicted (former) US President Wilson's plan for an open world where all countries were demilitarized and democratized in order to promote world peace.
Cold War (1947-1991): standoff between the US and Russia, essentially between capitalist and communist ideologies. Called a “cold” war because there weren't many “battles,” just rising tensions. Both wanted to prove their ideology was superior (more on this later). US wants to prevent communism from spreading.
Bretton Woods Conference (1944): Allies met in Bretton Woods, NH. This conference lead to the creation of the IMF (international Monetary Fund) to encourage world trade by regulating currency exchange rates and the World Bank to promote economic growth in underdeveloped areas. The US was instrumental in these international peacekeeping organizations and, in general, in transforming the postwar landscape, while Russia refused to participate.
United Nations (April 1945): had representatives from 50 countries, but the Big Five (aka the US, Britain, USSR, France, China) had additional privileges, like right to veto. They provided international aid through UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization), and the WHO (World Health Organization).
Bernard Baruch wanted to create a UN agency that could regulate atomic eneray internationally, but neither the US or Russia wanted to give up certain nuclear weapons shows how tensions remain high and both want to be prepared for potential conflict
Nuremberg trials (1945-1946): former Nazi leaders are put on trial in Nuremburg, Germany, and punished for their crimes against humanity, with the punishments ranging from long prison sentences to execution.
However, as much as the Allies wanted to punish Germany (either by destroying German factories to prevent them from becoming too strong or by having them pay heavy reparations to rebuild other countries), they soon realized that a flourishing German economy is a necessary for the recovery of Europe as a whole.
After WW2, Germany is split into 4 military occupation zones, with one assigned to each of the Big Four powers (the USSR, France, Britain, and the US)
The Soviet Union is still upset that Germany won't pay their reparations. While the Allies promote the f a reunited Germany (eventually), the Soviet Union tightens its Communist grip on the Eastern area it controls.
Soon West Germany became an independent country while East Germany became a Soviet “satellite state” that was shut off from the Western world
This is an example of the iron curtain, which refers to the USSR's attempt to shield itself and satellite states w/ communism, separating itself from the rest of capitalist Europe.
He's becoming isolated and weird.
At this point, Berlin is completely surrounded by Soviet occupation zones, so Stalin tries to cut off Allied access to Berlin by blocking railways and highways, hoping to starve them.
Berlin Airlift (1948-1949): Truman sends supplies to grateful Berliners for a year, hoping to show that the US won't back down and appease Stalin. Stalin eventually lifts the blockade, but Germany remains divided.
Meanwhile, Stalin brokers a deal with Iran in 1946, agreeing tc remove some of his troops there (leftover from WW2) in exchange for some oil concessions. He ended up using the troops to finance a rebel movement, which Truman publicly disapproved of, causing Stalin to back down.
These actions further show the US the Stalin doesn't want to continue the wartime partnership formed in the post-war era, which further increases tensions between the two powers.
George Kennan, a diplomat, writes the containment doctrine (1947), which stated that Russia was dangerously expansionist — the only way to defeat communism was to treat it like a virus: quarantine (contain) the communist ideology to prevent other countries from falling to it. This tough-on-Russia policy will dictate Truman’s policites going forward.
Truman Doctrine (1947): the US provides military and economic aid ($400 million) to prevent Greece and Turkey from falling to Communism — Truman agrees to give aid to any countries facing Communist pressure.
Critics said he was overreacting, possibly allowing leaders of foreign countries to take advantage of his kindness by guaranteeing them unlimited resources to defeat any perceived threats.
Although Truman was polarizing the world by splitting countries into either pro-Soviet or pro-American camps, supporters said it was necessary to ensure global unity and cooperation in defeating Communism.
Meanwhile, France, Italy and Germany from the economic chaos that followed the war; Secretary of State George Marshall told the countries that if they created a joint recovery plan, the US would provide them with financial assistance to carry it out. (also note that the US offered some aid to Russia if they made some political reforms, but they refused).
Marshall Plan (1947): gave billions of dollars in aid to 16 European countries. They rapidly rebuild, creating flourishing economies, while the Communists lose most of their power their — success for the US!
NSA (National Security Act) (1947): created the Department of Defense to have a more unified military body with efficient communication.
Also created the NSC (Natl. Security Council) to advise the President about the best course of action in security matters.
Also created the CIA to gather intel on foreign affairs and run covert foreigh operations to push the U.S's agenda on an international scale; for example, it was used to overthrow Iran's leader and installed one chosen by the US.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (1949): Capitalist nations (like Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, US, etc.) make a pact to prepare for a potential enemy attack, saying that if one country got attacked, the others would come to its aid [an attack on one is an attack on all
This is a significant development because it marked a departure from the American diplomatic convention of isolationism (which included avoiding alliances during “peacetime”) and boosted European unification. It's alco an important step in militarization leading up to the Cold War
After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers.
The two nations were engaged in a Cold War, a state of political and military tension without direct military action.
The Cold War had a significant impact on Asia, where the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence.
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, which led to a war that lasted until 1953.
The United States intervened on behalf of South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea.
The war ended in a stalemate, with the two Koreas remaining divided at the 38th parallel.
The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States.
The war lasted from 1955 to 1975 and resulted in the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
The war was highly controversial in the United States, with many Americans opposing the conflict.
The Domino Theory was a Cold War policy that suggested that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall like dominos.
The United States used the Domino Theory to justify its involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Red Scare was a period of fear and paranoia in the United States during the early 20th century, characterized by a widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies. It was fueled by a combination of factors, including the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, labor unrest, and a series of bombings and other violent acts committed by anarchists and other radicals.
The First Red Scare occurred in the years immediately following World War I, from 1917 to 1920. It was marked by a series of government raids and arrests of suspected radicals, as well as a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia. The Palmer Raids, led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, resulted in the arrest and deportation of thousands of suspected radicals, many of whom were not given due process.
The Second Red Scare occurred in the years following World War II, from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. It was fueled by fears of Soviet espionage and infiltration of the U.S. government, as well as by the rise of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and Asia. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was established to investigate alleged communist activity in the U.S., and many Hollywood actors, writers, and directors were blacklisted and prevented from working in the industry.
The Red Scare had a lasting impact on American politics and society. It led to the creation of a permanent national security state, with the establishment of the FBI and CIA, as well as the growth of the military-industrial complex. It also had a chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties, as many people were afraid to express their political beliefs for fear of being labeled a communist or a sympathizer.
