The Cold War 1945 -1953 What Was

The Cold War, 1945 -1953

What Was the Cold War? n n n Conflict between the U. S. and Soviet Union Never directly attacked each other Fought each other around the globe in other countries Stand-off over economics, politics, military bases, resources Conflict in the Atomic Age 1945 -1989

Why Was it Significant? n n n C. W. influenced all international relations U. S. supported anti-communist dictators U. S. believed that all reforms were communist inspired Believed that Moscow wanted to expand around the globe and invade U. S. Massive military build-up $4. 5 trillion spent in U. S.

Origins of the Cold War n n n 40 Million dead in USSR Atomic Testing Decline of British Capitalism v Socialism Suspicion, fear, militarism

Globalizing National Security n n n Defined everything in relation to it “Free Markets” led to democracy Other countries must consume U. S. products Socialist regimes threatened U. S. economic interests Perceived as communist threats Sanctioned invasions

Former Soviet Union

Soviet Weaknesses n n n Economy destroyed Military deaths Small air force & navy Few international military bases Chinese independence

Containment Policy n n n George Kennan, Diplomat Architect of U. S. policy USSR was Insecure and paranoid Inherently expansionistic Open ended, constant war Contain communism

Harry Truman n V. P. to FDR Agreed to A-Bomb Truman Doctrine n n Good v. Evil Two ways of life All nations must choose Exaggerated dangers for political gain

First Moves n 1945: Bombed Japan n n Mc. Arthur in Japan 1946: Iron Curtain 1947: Aid to Greece and Turkey 1947: Berlin Blockade 1948: Czechoslovakia

Continued… n 1948 -52 Marshall Plan n n $13 billion European aid 1949: NATO U. S. atomic testing in the Pacific Soviet A-Bomb

De-Colonization n n n n Liberation in countries controlled by Europeans Who would have power? ? ? Philippines, 1946 India, 1947 Middle East Israel in Palestinian homelands Africa U. S. wanted pro-U. S. leaders

Cold War in Europe

Cold War Government n n n n National Security Council Document 68 (NSC-68) 1950 Massive military & global power Endless war National Security Acts, 1947 & 49 C. I. A Dept of Defense Pentagon

Cold War Institutions

China and the Cold War n n n n Japanese invasions U. S. economic interests Chinese Civil War Mao Zedong & the CCP won 1949: People’s Republic of China Nationalists retreated to Taiwan Agreement with USSR “Lost China”

Korean War, 1950 -1953 n n n Colonized by Japan U. S. & Soviets occupied Korea Cut it in half Installed leaders “Northern” forces invaded “the South” “Stalemate”

American Involvement n n n Invaded Korea and pushed forces north Called a “police action” Assumed Moscow ordered invasion Mc. Arthur wanted to go north China sent in reinforcements Ended back at original dividing line

American Politics n n n C. W. ruined many of the gains of labor, progressivism, New Deal Demonized reformers and reform movements Polarized political debate Anti-Communist rhetoric polluted democracy Free Speech perceived as subversive

Cold War Politics n n Taft-Hartley Act, 1947 G. I. Bill and FHA Racial Segregation & inequality continued Pledge of Allegiance

Second Red Scare n n n Joseph Mc. Carthy Life of anti-communism House Un-American Activities Committee Army-Mc. Carthy Hearings Hollywood Ten

Other Issues n n n Truman: loyalty oaths for federal workers 1952: Hydrogen bomb in U. S. Rosenbergs executed for allegations of selling atomic secrets

Cold War Culture n n n n America as victim Baby-boom and prosperity Conformity Fear and suspicion Sexual repression Distorted patriotism No political debate

Conclusions n n n n Endless War of ideology Struggle for global power Containment Atomic Arms Race Black and White World Cold War at Home Distorted American Politics Red Scare