Cold War Overview Notes

Cold War Beginnings 1945-1991

• Struggle between US and USSR: Radical ideological differences, characterized by a lack of direct military conflict but extensive proxy wars.
• Views of the Cold War:
  • Conventional View: Cold War seen as a necessary response to Soviet aggression.
  • Revisionist View: Claims misunderstandings and overreactions were substantial, asserting cooperation was critical in WWII, with Soviet contributions pivotal despite losses.

Post-WWII Developments

• Yalta Conference (1944): Established the postwar world order; emphasized free elections in Eastern Europe and how these decisions influenced US-USSR relations.
• Iron Curtain (1946-1947): Marked division of Europe, breeding fear in the US of a repeat of the 1930s.
• George Kennan's Influence: Advocated for strong resistance against Soviet expansion as a vital strategy.

Truman Doctrine and Containment

• Truman Doctrine (1947): First test of containing communism, notably in Greece and Turkey, marking the official US stance against Soviet influence.
• Berlin Airlift (1948-1949): In response to Stalin's blockade, supplies were airlifted to Berlin, showing US commitment to European stability.

Economic and Military Strategies

• Marshall Plan (1948): Economic aid to rebuild European economies aimed at preventing communism's spread.
• Formation of NATO (1949): Military alliance among the US and Western European nations to counter Soviet threats.
• US Defense Initiatives (1947): National Security Act established stronger defense mechanisms, including the creation of the Department of Defense.

Arms Race and Cold War Expansion

• Soviet Atomic Bomb (1949): Escalation of tensions marked by the US-Soviet arms race.
• NSC-68 (1950): National Security Council's directive that called for a significant increase in defense spending, marking a pivot in US defense policy.

Korean War Dynamics

• Korean Civil War Background: Origins traced back to WWII divisions; conflict escalated when North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950.
• Inchon Invasion: Led by General Douglas MacArthur, aimed to cut off North Korean forces; a significant tactical victory for US forces.
• Truman's Strategy: Opted to push back the North Korean advance rather than seeking complete victory, leading to tensions and political challenges at home.

Politics and Civil Rights

• Truman's Domestic Policies: Addressed issues such as civil rights and economic reforms; pushed for federal protection of civil rights, although met with some resistance.
• Balanced Budget Initiatives: Republicans aimed to limit government size while expanding social programs, facing opposition from the Democratic majority.
• Election of 1952: Marked a shift with the emergence of new political leaders and changing voter sentiments regarding the Korean War.

Social Change and Cultural Shift

• American Society Post-War: Baby boom and cultural maturity characterized by rising family-centered and media influences, including television and music developments.
• Elvis Presley: Emergence as a cultural icon, signaling modernization in American music and societal values.