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Origins of the Cold War (1945-1950)Former Allies ClashAfter WWII – the most powerful nations in the world are (1) The United States and (2) Soviet Union; now known as “The 2 Superpowers”Main issue between the two: both had different opinions and views on rebuilding Europe and the world itself.Political and Economic DifferencesPolitically = America = Democracy and Republic ActionPolitically = Soviet Union – Communism and Totalitarian actionEconomically = America = Citizens and corporations drove the economyCitizens have the right to work as they choose and potentially become wealthy through their own efforts (Capitalism)Economically = Soviet Union = the “state” controlled everything regarding the economyCitizens are expected to work for the betterment of the Soviet Union.Wartime TensionsWhy are the two superpowers so upset with one another??5 major issues Stalin had with America and Truman(1) Stalin lied about efforts to help America fight Japan in WWII and he lied about spreading democracy in Poland (Potsdam)(2) Stalin was an ally of Hitler for so long (Nonaggression Pact)(3) Stalin mad at delayed attack on Germany (D-Day/June 6, 1944) because it could have drawn Germany away from the Soviet Union.(4) Stalin was upset at the secret behind the Manhattan Project (not made aware)(5) Stalin mad at America attention on Eastern Europe to access raw materials and to set up trade agreements.Economically, both America and the Soviet Union came out of WWII as nations with enormous economical powerMajor difference: Soviet Union suffered heavy devastation (physical) on its own soil.*Creation of the Satellite Nations* Satellite Nations – countries in Eastern Europe dependent upon and dominated by the SovietsStalin established Communism in Eastern Europe claiming “fear of another uprising of Germany”Countries that are in Stalin’s Communist control: Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Poland and Yugoslavia Outcome: Capitalism – Western Europe Communism – Eastern EuropeResult: “The Iron Curtain” – came to stand for thet division of Europe, economically and politically.Notice: West and East Germany is SPLITAmerica – wants Germany to be 1 countrySoviet Union – wants Germany to stay split (They want to keep them weak (think back to WWII and what they did!)**What America wanted vs. what Soviet Union wanted for Postwar EuropeThe United States wanted:(1) the right for countries of the world to promote self-determination(2)gain access to raw materials in Eastern Europe and to sell goods to Eastern Europe(3) Rebuild European governments to ensure stability (4) Reunite Germany (Europe would be stronger if Germany was intact)The Soviet Union wanted:(1) Encourage Communism(2) Rebuild Europe with Eastern Europe’s industrial equipment and raw materials(3) Control Eastern Europe to balance US influence to Western Europe(4) Keep Germany divided so it would never threaten the Soviet Union againNew Foreign Policies Cold War – started at the Potsdam Conference / between the US and the SU / never directly fought on a battlefieldTimeframe: 1945-1991 (Soviet Union broke up in 1991 with the introduction of democracy)Official American foreign policy during the Cold War = CONTAINMENT – taking measures to prevent extensions of Communism into other countries.United States Creates an Intelligence CommunityAmerican Need: more intelligence-gathering organizationsPurpose: gather information on the Soviet UnionNational Security Act (1947) – formed by Truman, this would gather information on Communism in the SU and at home through the following: (1) National Security Council – formed to prevent future surprise attacks like Pearl Harbor (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) – gather intelligence through military; would perform secret operations in foreign nations.Efforts to Rebuild EuropeThe Truman Doctrine – official document that “contained” Communist influence in (1) Greece and (2) TurkeyIssue: Greece and Turkey were being supported by Britain, but Britain’s economy from the destruction of WWII would not allow them to help any longer….they asked us to help (This is supported because if we didn’t lend support, Communism would surely take over!)Congressional Support: $400 Million for the aboveResult: Greatly reduced the influence and threat of Communism in Greece and TurkeyThe Marshall Plan – official document that “contained” Communist influence in ALL European countries, not just Greece and Turkey.Purpose: Rebuild Europe directly with an American/Democratic touch that battles hunger, poverty, destruction and chaosOutput: $13 BillionSuperpowers Struggle over Germany Germany in post WWII – Split in 4 zones1-US (West)2-Britain (West)3-France (West)4-Soviet Union (East)1948 – Germany becomes West Germany and East GermanyBerlin issue: Berlin, the capital of East Germany, ****is divided in 4 zones also Berlin - (America, Britain, France = West Berlin) (Soviet Union = East Berlin)Stalin never granted “free access” to East Berlin from the Allied Powers (America, Britain and France)**Stalin cut off all highways and railways into Western Berlin… Purpose: Keep democratic resources out of the city…Result: 2.1 million residents of that part of Berlin had only enough food to last for 2 weeksThe Berlin AirliftGoal: to combat the concern above, America and Britain responded with flying food and supplies into West Berlin.Remember: Roads were closed, not the airways.Duration: 327 days, 277,000 flights, 2.3 million tons of supplies – food, fuel, medicine etc.Bottom Line: West Berlin survived because of the Berlin AirliftSoviet Result: Stalin and the Soviet Union lifted the blockade after they knew they were defeated.Overall: West Germany (Democracy) and East Germany (Communist) Berlin (Capital) = West Berlin (Democracy) and East Berlin (Communist)The NATO Alliance (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)1949 – 10 Western European countries, with America and Canada, created a defensive and military alliance against Communist Soviet Union.The NATO 12 member team pledged military support for one another in case of an attack from an outside force.Congressional Support: $1 Billion for Western European countries to increase their “military power”*Communist / Stalin / Soviet Response – creation of the Warsaw Pact Warsaw Pact – a response to NATO to press Communism in response to NATO’s press for democracy.The Korean WarDuring WWII, Japan, in their expansionist way, invaded and conquered Korea.Koreans were forced into hard labor in a “support Japan or death” mentalityWWII is over in 1945 – which saw the following:North Koreans surrendered to the Soviet Union (Communism) (North of the 38th Parallel)South Koreans surrendered to the Americans (Democracy) (South of the 38th Parallel)Both Northern and Southern Korea just stared at each other waiting for the other side to make a move.June 25, 1950 – North Korea attacks South Korea, sweeping across the 38th Parallel in a surprise attack.Soviet Union connection: Provided resources (weapons, food and fuel) to North Korea directly Results: (1) Attack South Korea easier (2) Spread Communism United Nations Response: South Korea needed help and called for it. The Soviet Union (officially part of the United Nations) was not made available to veto action. Therefore, the UN and America pushed for support for South Korea against North Korea.American defense: not stopping Communism here will threaten the world’s security….the vote passed and the Korean War has begun,.American Commander in Chief in South Korea: Douglas MacArthur (Same as WWII Pacific Theater Leader)Nickname: The “Forgotten War”Reasons: (1) America did not feel connected as compared to WWI and WWII; on return, no big parades, no parties, seems to be dismissive. (2) Hard to place a “face on Communism” (other than Chinese Leaders and Soviet Union Leaders) / can’t really fight an “-ism”(3) Hard to support a war from (ex, Charlotte, NC) regarding the extension of an economic system in Southeast Asia.*(4) Main reason: The Korean War ends in a “stalemate” – many America DID NOT win…basically shocked American citizens that it ended in the way it did.Remember: This is a “containment phase”, not a “goal-oriented war” (only hope to contain and not defeat)Suburbia in 1950’s AmericaBill Levitt – created the idea of “suburbia” (creation of suburbs)Cookie-cutter homes - $8,000 / constructed in hours.Levittown = most famous suburb in AmericaEffect on Veteran and Middle Class: Since jobs and homes were scarce, Levittown allowed for cheap and easy living. The Middle class was modified because it was the “capability” tied to a new lifestyle. Reunification of family and beginning families lead to…..Baby Boom: The baby boomers would be the reward of the reunification of families after WWIIThe United States Fights in KoreaCommunist North Koreans pushed Democratic fighters all the way down to the Southeastern corner of the peninsula country.America, the UN and the rest of free world was worried Communism would take over,,,,Douglas MacArthur’s Plan – Attack with fresh troops, artillery in the North above the Communist “push” to the Southeast.Genius move above – turned the tide of war quickly to the benefit of the American troops – MacArthur becomes a worldwide hero.The Chinese Fight Back (Get Involved) (MAJOR TURNING POINT IN THE KOREAN WAR)The Chinese decided to lend support to the Communist North KoreansThe Chinese, with other Communist soldiers, marched into South Korea to capture the capital, Seoul.Outcome: No one could win this war and a stalemate (no victor) was almost inevitable.MacArthur Recommends attacking ChinaMacArthur wants to Attack China…Truman’s Response: No, as it may start World War 3MacArthur Vs. Truman – tension is growingDouglas MacArthur writes privately to newspapers, calling Truman a weak Presidential leader. Tension is brewing.Truman issues warnings against MacArthur!MacArthur continues to disobey Truman (Reminder: Truman was Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces = MacArthur’s Boss)Outcome: MacArthur gets fired from his positionConflict Ends in Stalemate Korean War ends in 1953 with the direction of the Soviet Union in a “STALEMATE”.Korean War – 1950-1953Positives: No atomic weapon use / Communism was contained (for now)Negatives: 54,000 Americans died in the war and $67 Billion spent on war effort.Effect on Truman – not reelected in 1952 – that victory would go to a Republican (Dwight D. Eisenhower – hero of D-Day in WWII)Fear of Communist InfluenceAmerica = good reason to be concernedReasons: Communist takeover in Eastern Europe and China and roughly 80,000 registered Communists are in America.Result: Red Scare II (Post: WWII) Red Scare I (Post: WWI)Loyalty Review BoardSet up by Truman to question Federal Employees and their connection to Communism in the World.Reason: Some claimed Truman was too soft on CommunismEvidence: you are dismissed from your jobJustification: National securityHouse Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)Purpose: investigate possible Communist influence, both in and outside of the US Government.1947 – made headlines by investigating Communist influence in the “movie industry”Possible propaganda sneaking their way into films.Hollywood Ten – famous group of actors that did not support and cooperate with the HUAC.-Reasoning: Unconstitutional-Results: blacklisted-Justification: National securityThe McCarran ActA law that required 2 things:(1) all Communist organizations in the US to “register with the Federal Government”(2) no Communist group can plan any action that may lead to the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship in the USResults: Truman vetoed saying, “In a free country, we punish men for the crimes they commit, but never for the opinions they have.”Outcome: Congress enacted the law over Truman’s veto.Spy Case Stun the NationAlger Hiss and The Rosenberg’sAlger Hiss – documents arose that claimed were written on Alger Hiss’ typewriter (citing Communist intelligence)Hiss- charged with perjury (lying about documents) and was sent to jail.Main outcome: a young Republican politician, Richard M. Nixon, highly publicized the case and later became the Vice President as a result of his success in his fights against Communism.The Rosenberg’s – News broke that the Soviets created and tested an atomic bomb (this obviously frightened America)Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were connected to the story above.Trial: They plead the 5th (stayed silent to not incriminate themselves) in the connection to the information regarding the ways to build an atomic bomb.Result: The Rosenberg’s were found guilty and sentenced to the electric chair. These were the first two U.S. citizens executed for espionage.McCarthy Launches his “Witch Hunts”Most famous anti-Communist activist was Senator Joseph McCarthyRepublican from WisconsinWhy fight Communism? He was seen as an ineffective Congressman. A Reelection in 1952 was coming up. Looking for an issue to ride into a possible reelection, he chose Communism and how it was taking over the government (at all levels).Tactics:Names of Communists (never produced a single one of them) that infiltrated the Government.McCarthyism-The unfair tactic of accusing people of disloyalty without providing evidence.Causes of McCarthyism(1) Communism spreading in the world(2) Soviets developed an atomic bomb(3) Korean War ends in stalemate (noting Communism is still a threat)Effects of McCarthyism(1) Millions of Americans are forced to take loyalty oaths ad undergo loyalty investigations(2) Americans are scared to speak out against the government(3) Containment and anti-Communism continues to drive US foreign policyOverall results of Joseph McCarthy and his Witch Hunts: 1954 – accusations against the US Army resulted in a nationally televised Senate investigation. The audience saw McCarthy being a bully and too abrasive. Senate claimed he possessed “improper conduct”Joseph McCarthy died of embarrassment and alcoholism in 1957.Brinkmanship Rules U.S. PolicyBrinkmanship – describes the edge of all-out war (this is between the US and SU)Truman – President from 1945 (After FDR’s death) to 1953Eisenhower – President from 1953-1961Nuclear tensions rocked both PresidenciesIssue: the Soviet Union developed and tested an atomic bomb in 1949Truman’s concern: development of an even more powerful nuclear weapon (the Hydrogen Bomb)Race for the H-BombBetween the US and the SU = America won this race (1952) but the Soviets were right behind us (1953)Main question: not worried about winning but did SU have the guts to use theirs!?!The above leads to the “Arms Race”Arms Race – a race between the 2 Superpowers (US and SU) in seeking a “military advantage over each other.”Eisenhower and his “Massive Retaliation” – focus on launching a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union “IF” they launch first.Purpose: deterring the Soviets from even thinking about launching a weapon of atomic destruction.The Cold War Spreads Around the WorldThe Warsaw Pact Issue: Stalin dies in 1953 and somewhat of an ease fell on the worldNATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) invited West Germany to joinSoviet Reaction (#1): Terror and fear that West Germany, now being attached to the NATO, would get stronger….so…Soviet Reaction (#2): Creation of the Warsaw Pact (counterattack including satellite nations in Eastern Europe and under the thumb of the Soviets to address NATO growth)Eisenhower Doctrine: a promise that America will defend the Middle East from any Communist attack.Issue: Practicing “containment” in this area proves American strength to the world / Cold War tensions grow.The Cold War Takes to the Skies After Stalin’s death in 1953, a small group of leaders led the Soviets in the Cold War…that will change.Nikita Khrushchev – new leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death.*Major similarity with Stalin: Communism is the answer and will eventually take over the world*Major difference with Stalin: The above will occur peacefully and not by forceThe Space RaceBetween the US and SU in the 1950’sSoviet Union wins the Space race with the launching of Sputnik in October 1957.Sputnik – the first artificial satellite in the world.Soviet effect: showed off Soviet technology as superiorAmerican effect: TerrorThe U-2 is Shot Down (U-2 Incident)Eisenhower proposed an “open skies” approach to the Soviets in Geneva, Switzerland.Soviets laughed in his face and rejected it.American people saw it as a peaceful move, at least. CIA Approach: making secret flight over Soviet territory ANYWAY (against Soviet wishes)U-2 – a plane of high technology that could fly without detectionU-2 Flight – took infrared photos of troop movement and missile sites in the Soviet UnionFrancis Powers – pilot of famous U-2 plane*Issue: Francis Powers and his U-2 is shot down over Soviet skies and Powers was forced to parachute into the Soviet UnionPowers is captured, tried and found guilty of espionage.After serving 17 years, Francis Powers is released to America in exchange of a known Soviet Spy from America.Renewed ConfrontationEisenhower denied Powers was spying (said he was there to take notes on weather patterns)Eisenhower finally had to admit the above.Khrushchev demanded America to (1) stop flying spy planes and (2) apologize. Anger between Eisenhower and Khrushchev: results of Eisenhower stopping the planes but NEVER apologizes.Result: 1960’s opens up with heightened tensions in the Cold War between America and the Soviet Union. ................
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