Chapter 13 lesson 3

Cold War Overview

  • The Cold War was characterized by the absence of direct military conflict between the US and Soviet Union due to the threat of nuclear escalation.
    • Direct wars are termed "hot wars," while Cold War tactics involved proxy wars.

Proxy Wars

  • Major conflicts during the Cold War included:
    • Korean War
    • Vietnam War
  • Proxy wars involved using other nations and groups to fight rather than direct conflict with the opponent.

Korean War

  • Background:
    • Post World War II, Korea was divided into two zones:
    • North, backed by the Soviet Union (communist)
    • South, backed by the US (western-style government)
    • Division occurred along the 38th Parallel.
  • Conflict:
    • In 1950, North Korea, encouraged by Stalin, invaded South Korea.
    • The US and UN intervened to support South Korea.
  • Major Points:
    • The US provided 88% of the troops, while UN allies contributed only 12%.
    • Initial objective was to push back to the 38th Parallel.
    • Forces advanced towards the Yalu River near China, escalating tensions.
  • Conclusion:
    • The war ended in a 1953 armistice, re-establishing the 38th Parallel as the division between the two Koreas.
    • The war confirmed US fears of communism spreading, influencing US actions in Asia and Latin America.

Cuban Revolution and Missile Crisis

  • 1959: Fidel Castro established a Soviet-supported regime in Cuba.
  • Concerns for the US:
    • Cuba's proximity (90 miles off Florida) raised alarms about a communist state near American shores.
  • US Response:
    • The US trained ex-Cuban militants to overthrow Castro, but the plan failed.
  • Soviet Involvement:
    • Cuba reached out to the Soviet Union for support.
    • The Soviets placed nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962, resulting in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • Resolution:
    • President Kennedy negotiated a deal to remove US missiles from Turkey in exchange for the withdrawal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.

Vietnam War

  • Background:
    • The war began as Vietnam's struggle for independence from French colonial rule post World War II.
  • Division:
    • In 1954, Vietnam was divided into North (communist) and South (anti-communist).
  • US Involvement:
    • The US supported South Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism.
    • President Johnson escalated involvement, sending troops in 1965.
  • Legality Issues:
    • The Vietnam War is considered illegal because Congress never declared war.
  • Public Impact:
    • The war was heavily televised, affecting public perception and morale.
  • Conclusion:
    • After prolonged conflict, US troops withdrew in 1973, leading to the fall of South Vietnam and reunification under communism by 1975.