Truman and the Early Cold War Notes

Superpower Emergence: After WWII, two superpowers emerge: the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
U.S. Objectives: America wants a world based on Wilsonian principles, advocating for democracy globally.
Soviet Objectives: The Soviets seek security in Eastern Europe and aim to spread communism.
Conflict of Interests: Both superpowers are dedicated to limiting each other's influence, leading to tensions.

U.S. Support: The U.S. supports the Nationalists with financial aid, but the corrupt government under Jiang lacks popular support.
Mao Zedong’s Revolution: Mao leads the communist revolution, resulting in China becoming a communist state, which is the most populous nation to "turn red".
Impact on U.S. Policy: The “loss” of China prompts U.S. presidents to vow not to allow any other countries to fall to communism.

George Keenan's Strategy: A pivotal policy paper suggests that Soviets were committed to global communist expansion.
Containment Principles: The paper advocates for military, economic, & diplomatic strategies to halt the spread of communism.
Nuclear Proliferation: This philosophy later leads to a significant increase in atomic weapons.

Request for Assistance: With England unable to financially support containment efforts in Western Europe, it appeals to the U.S. for help.
Truman's Role: Truman and aides successfully convince Congress to approve the Marshall Plan.
Key Components:
- $400 million allocated to Greece and Turkey.
- Aim to keep Western Europe democratic.
- A total of $17 billion distributed among 16 nations.
- Marks the end of U.S. isolationism pretense.

Development: The Truman Doctrine arises from the Marshall Plan, emphasizing U.S. support for free peoples resisting external pressures.
Foreign Policy Foundation: This doctrine sets the foundation for U.S. foreign policy for the next 40 years.
Security Infrastructure: Formation of the National Security Council to advise the President, with the CIA emerging as an offshoot.

Soviet Actions: Stalin refuses to unite Germany, fearing it would ally with the West, leading to a blockade of West Berlin.
U.S. Response: Truman organizes airlifts to supply West Berlin and warns of nuclear consequences if U.S. operations are threatened.
Outcomes: The airlift is a success and viewed as a moral victory for the U.S., but Stalin plans to maintain Germany’s division and pursue nuclear armament.

Conflict Initiation: The Korean War begins when North Korea crosses the 38th parallel.
U.S. Involvement: Truman, acting without Congressional approval, sends U.S. troops to support South Korea.
Changes in Engagement: Initially, North Korea dominates; however, the U.S. and South Korea push them back past the parallel.
Chinese Intervention: China intervenes to protect North Korea, prompting Truman to withdraw U.S. troops to avoid escalation.
Current Status: Korea remains divided at the end of the conflict.