American Studies

The Cold War

Two opposing world views dominate international relations:US believes whole world should model itself after us

Democracy: Free elections, multiple parties to choose for Capitalism: Free market, consumerism and materialism Individualism: Your needs and wants are most important Religious expression: Mostly Christianity (1954 added “under God”)

USSR believes their way is better Communism: One party system Planned economy: Everyone contributes and gets the same back Collectivism: The group’s needs and wants are most important Atheism: Religion should not effect govt or divide citizen groups

Cold War: No “hot” violent conflict between these two nations Both sides use propaganda, military expansion, threats, espionage,

and economic influence to achieve goals

The Cold War Era: US vs. USSR

USSR wants to be a world power and spread CommunismSoviets lost about 20 million during WWIIAfterward, 25 million are homeless and hungryThey need to expand in order to recover

European leaders want to protect borders from any further invasions Establish buffer zone or “satellite nations”

along western borderUS wants to help foster democracy thereUS emerges more powerful than ever

USSR After WWII

What were the goals of the Soviet Union in the Cold War?

a. To not get involved .b. Spread Democracy and build

friendships.c. Create satellite nations and spread

communism.d. To create capitalistic economies for all

nations.

Practice Question

Feb. 1945: Meeting of Big 3 Allied leaders: FDR, Churchill and Stalin

We agree to give USSR Poland and territory in the Balkans in exchange for help with Japan

Establish idea for the United Nations: International council to help nations solve problems without war

Soviets will occupy Eastern Europe until free elections can be held in the near future (never happens)

Soviets want Germans to pay high reparationsOther Allies know they won’t be able to and want to

occupy Germany and help them insteadAgree to split Germany into “spheres of influence” in

order to help them recoverSeeds of the Cold War: Creates severe tension

1945: Yalta Conference

Potsdam Conference1945: US is the only one with atomic bomb and

uses it to take a strong negotiation stanceThe New Big 3 Allies: Truman, Stalin, and

AttleeMeeting to finalize all plans made at Yalta

Conference:War crimes trials in Nuremburg and Tokyo after

the warThe Potsdam Declaration: They agree that we

should use the bomb on Japan

In the United Nations Charter, member nations pledge to “unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” Since ratification of its charter following World War II, the primary goal of the United Nations has been to

A. restore world trade disrupted by World War II. B. encourage industrial growth begun during World

War II. C. establish policies to help nations pay World War II

debts. D. intervene in world conflicts to prevent another war

such as World War II.

Practice Question

Feb. 1946: Stalin announces he will break off trade with all western nations and build up his weapons systems

March 1946, Winston Churchill gives a speech at a college in Fulton, Missouri

“A shadow has fallen upon the scene so lately lighted by the Allied Victory…an iron curtain has descended across the continent”Metaphor: NOT a real wall or curtain! Churchill says western nations must join

together to fight communist aggression

The Iron Curtain Speech

“There is nothing the Communists admire so much as strength and nothing for which they have less respect than for military weakness.”

Iron Curtain Metaphor

Iron Curtain

In the years following World War II, the countries of communist Eastern Europe were often referred to as being “behind the iron curtain.” These countries were perceived as a single region based on

A. a common cultural heritageB. unique physical featuresC. economic and political characteristicsD. widespread immigration from other

regions

Practice Question

“Communism must be confronted and contained whenever and wherever it seeks to extend influence.”US Diplomat in Moscow George Kennan: Expert on the

USSR, says they will avoid confrontationContainment Policy:

The US won’t fight Communism where it already existsThe US will try to stop all further communist

expansion1947: Becomes the Truman Doctrine: US foreign

policy for next 45 yearsUses it to justify providing aid to Greece and Turkey so

that they could fight against communist influence

Containment

The Truman Doctrine - 1947

“At the present moment every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is often not a free one.”

“One way of life is based upon the will of the majority and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression.”

The Truman Doctrine - 1947

“The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections and the suppression of personal freedom.”

“I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures.”

The Truman Doctrine - 1947

During the Cold War the United States was involved in different conflicts because they assured the world that

the U.S. would help in any way to stop the spread of communism. What was this policy of containment called?

a. Marshall Planb. Domino Theoryc. Isolationism d. Truman Doctrine

Practice Question

Europe was devastated by WW II: DepressionCities, farms, factories, roads, etc. = destroyedMillions are homeless and hungry

The conditions were ripe for the spread of

CommunismGaining support in France and ItalyUS economy needs Europe to be stable in

order for all nations to grow and benefit

The Marshall Plan - 1948

George Marshall Truman’s Secretary of StateArmy Chief of Staff in WW IILater will be Secretary of Defense

Served in WW I and WW II5 Star General2 Distinguished Service Crosses and a silver star

Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Marshall Plan

Sends Herbert Hoover over to find out what Europe needs so that we can help them

The Marshall Plan

US will help rebuild the European nationsIn exchange, they agree to spend a portion of

the $ on US goodsThe US will spend $13 Billion helping 16 countries

Soviets refuse to participate say it’s a US plot to take over Europe.However, in 1948 it was the USSR that seized

control of CzechoslovakiaVery Successful: Europe recovers quickly, world

economies benefit, US business prospersGains us allies and eliminates appeal of

communism

The Marshall Plan - 1948

At the end of World War II, Soviet armies liberated the countries of Eastern Europe from Nazi Germany. The occupation of these countries by the Soviet Union contributed to the development of the Cold War by

A. contributing to conflict in the Middle EastB. bringing about the reunification of GermanyC. strengthening the authority of the United

NationsD. dividing Europe into communist and non-

communist spheres

Practice Question

Berlin is located 100 miles inside East Germany

Berlin was divided into West and East

West Berlin was part of Allied West Germany

US desired economically strong Germany to contribute to western recovery and contain Soviets

Berlin Crisis

Supplies reached West Berlin on road and rail lines connecting it to W. Germany

In 1948 the Allies disagree on several issues involving Germany, including a new currency

Berlin Crisis

In June 1948 the Soviets blockade the border, cutting West Berlin off from West Germany.

Communications, supplies, and electricity were cut off

2 million citizens of West Berlin are trapped, 100 miles inside Communist East Germany. They have no access to supplies necessary for their survival.

They have 35 days of food and 45 days of coal

Berlin Crisis

Truman’s Options

1. Do nothing – Let it fall to the Communists

2. Send armored convoys across the border and risk going to war

3. Find a way to resupply that doesn’t result in war

Introducing the Berlin Airlift

Berlin Crisis

US and British aircrews will have to bring in everything that the West Berliners need to survive.

Everything will come by air - food, medicine, fuel, etc.

It was the largest continuous airlift in history324 days: 277,000 flights delivered 2 million

tons of supplies10 minutes to unload 10 tons of supplies

The Berlin Airlift

At its peak, a plane landed in Berlin every 30 seconds

Practice QuestionHow did President Truman respond to the

Soviet blockade of Berlin in 1948?

A. By escalating the conflict with a counter-blockade of Soviet Positions

B. By sending American tanks through the blockade

C. The Soviets never blockaded BerlinD. By airlifting supplies into West Berlin

Soviets lift blockade in May 1949: Humiliating defeatFlights continued until September to build up

suppliesUS won the first “battle” of the Cold WarAllies agree to unite to form Federal Republic

of Germany (West Germany) prevents Soviet blockade

Stalin retaliated forming German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

1961: Berlin Wall built to split East and West BerlinTorn down in 1989

Berlin Airlift

1949: Soviet Union detonates their 1st atomic bomb = tensions rise

China becomes CommunistChairman Mao Zedong takes overUS feels we “lost” China

NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization was an alliance created to defend the West against Soviet aggressionMutual defense agreement where nations promised to

consider an attack on one member an attack on all, go to aid of any member

Initially 12 nations were members

NATO

During World War II, Japanese troops occupied much of China. This weakened the Chinese government, and in 1949, communist forces overthrew the government and established a communist state. What effect did the Chinese Communist Revolution have on the development of the Cold War?

A. It decreased tensions, because it led to the formation of the Warsaw Pact.

B. It increased tensions, because it strengthened the independence movement in India.

C. It increased tensions, because it increased Western fears of communist expansion.

D. It decreased tensions, because it led to the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union.

Practice Question

In 1955 the Soviets and their allies formed the Warsaw Pact: Communist version of NATO alliance NATO nations trained and prepared throughout

the Cold War to fight WW III

NATO vs. The Warsaw Pact

NATO forces are actively serving in Afghanistan

Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia are now members of NATO

In 1949 they were Communist!

NATO Today

In the years following World War II, there emerged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Warsaw Pact nations. These are examples of

A. regional economic cooperative efforts.B. military alliance systemsC. environmental impact studies.D. international tribunals.

Practice Question

The Cold War at Home: 1950s-1960sAfter WWII: Feared it would be hard to re-absorb all

the troops at homeThe G.I. Bill of Rights: Provided funds for

servicemen/women to go to college or get other job trainingHealth and unemployment benefits and housing loansBaby Boom: Couples start families as troops return

(1946-1964) A baby every 10 seconds!

Suburbs rapidly expand along with interstate highwaysNew economic prosperity: Time/labor saving appliancesEveryone is buying cars and televisions

Story of Us video

Fear of Soviet aggression and subversion changed the way the US saw the world and each other

Causes era of hysteria, suspicion and accusation of disloyalty due to fear of CommunismIf you criticize the govt, you must be Communist

Federal Employee Loyalty Program (FELP): to conduct security checks on over 2 million govt employees

People could be fired for being a potential threat without evidenceLarge number resigned and 200 firedState/Local govts do the sameMake employees take loyalty oaths

The Red Scare Returns

McCarran Internal Security Act (1950) Required Communist organizations/members to register with attorney generalProhibited defense industries from hiring

known commiesLegalized internment of certain people during

national emergenciesTruman vetoed saying it was violation of

constitutional rights by Congress overruledhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqXu-5jw6

0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWeZ5SKX

vj8

The 2nd Red Scare in the US

Joseph McCarthy: House Rep. who exploited US fear of Communism for his own political gainSparked national frenzy by claiming that he had a list

of 205 known communists employed by US State DeptNever offered any evidence and eventually discreditedMany disapproved but not publically because of fear of

being accused of sympathizing with CommiesLoses credibility in 1954: Investigated US Army

Televised hearings: Show lack of evidenceDec. 1954: His influence came to an end, climate of

fear gradually declined but never disappeared

The McCarthy Era

House Un-American Activities Committee (1938, 1947) HUAC investigated allegations of Communist influence in Hollywood movie industryWanted to prove that Communists in Screen Writers Guild

inserted subversive propaganda into Hollywood films10 witnesses refused to testify exercising 5th

amendment protection against self-incriminationHollywood Ten were found guilty of contempt of Congress

and served up to 12 months in jailBlacklisted so other studios would not hire them

1948: Alger Hiss, who attended Yalta and helped organize UN, accused of spying for Soviets during 1930sFought for innocence but sentenced to 5 years in jail

The Red Scare

Practice QuestionWhich was a common factor in the United

States that caused the Red Scare following World War I and McCarthyism following World War II?

A. racial tension in major citiesB. signs of economic downturnC. fear of communist expansionD. the counterculture movement

Constant Arms Race between US and USSR1950: Truman order comprehensive investigation

of US military strengthNSC-68 report says US should operate under

assumption that USSR desires world domination Truman thought to guarantee security US must

increase nuclear arsenal and enlarge its capacity to fight wars against Soviets

Should be a source of encouragement to all nations to resist

Need to be ready for rapid mobilizationCongress doesn’t want to raise taxes for bigger

military, but then…

The Cold War

North and South Korea split at the end of WWIISouth Korea: Democratic supported by USNorth Korea: Communist supported by USSRStop at 38th parallel in the middle

The Korean War (1950-1953)

The Korean War: “The Forgotten War”1950: Northern troops invade South Korea in order to unite

the nation under Communism Led by Kim Il Sung China supports them

UN Security Council: Condemns the invasion and authorizes use of military to expel the invading North

Police Action: US did not officially declare war but participated to contain communist expansion US sends naval and air support, then ground troops Sets precedent for undeclared involvement in the future US spent over $64 billion, lost over 33,000 American soldiers 3 million Koreans and Chinese killed: Majority were civilians Scorched Earth policy: Destroy everything so they can’t rebuild US drops more bombs here than all Allied bombs in WWII

The Korean War (1950-1953)Korea remained divided at the end of the warDemilitarized Zone (DMZ) on both sides of

the border (38th parallel)Did not solve any long-term issues in AsiaDID allow for massive US military build-up

SEATO: Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, like NATO alliance

Korea today: Still divided, with democratic South Korea and Communist dictatorship in North Korea

The Cold War influenced U.S. foreign policy and involvement after World War II. Which of the following demonstrates that influence?

A. Korean WarB. Persian Gulf War.C. Internment of Japanese Americans. D. Growth of suburbs in the 1950’s.

Practice Question

After WWII: Nationalist movements in Latin AmericaPeople resented US business involvementMany living in desperate poverty

1958: Fidel Castro led a communist revolt in Cuba

1959-1961: Castro takes over and nationalizes all businesses, eliminating US involvement/control

President Eisenhower breaks off diplomatic relations

Cuba signs a treaty with the USSR

Issues with Cuba

1961: JFK becomes President and is concerned about having a Soviet ally so close to US borders (90 miles)

US tries to invade Cuba at Bay of Pigs with intent of igniting an uprising against CastroUses anti-Castro groups trained by US military

Invasion failed miserably: US appeared weak and ineffective

JFK uses covert CIA operatives to disrupt Cuban trade, conduct raids, and attempt assassinations of Castro

The Bay of Pigs Incident

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W50RNAbmy3M&safe=active

Castro is angry and Nikita Khrushchev wants to protect his ally near US

USSR installs missiles in Cuba that could strike the US

1962: US spy plane discovers missilesSome want to attack, risking all-out nuclear warKennedy’s advisors meet over tense weekSec. of Defense Robert McNamara recommends

naval blockade to stop any further missile installationJFK demands Khrushchev remove the missiles or the

US will destroy themhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5H-Byt1GZs&saf

e=active

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Announced to the public 8 days after discoveryMilitary on high alert: 180 ships in blockade,

bomber planes stay in the airClosest we’ve ever come to nuclear war: Citizens

are panicked and preparing for nuclear holocaustAfter 4 days: Soviets back down and remove

missilesIn exchange, US removes missiles in TurkeyJFK respected for averting crisisSome tensions reduced; communication to avoid

disasterArms race continues: Both afraid and want to

remain strong

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Practice QuestionThe use of atomic weapons at the end of

World War II fostered fears about their potential use during the Cold War years. These fears were critical in determining the U.S. response to

A. the Marshall PlanB. the Berlin BlockadeC. the Cuban Missile Crisis D. the independence movement in India

Arms Race: Build up military for protection and threatSpace Race: Show power and technological advancementOct. 1957: Soviets launch Sputnik I, 1st manmade object

to orbit EarthSputnik II carries a dog, 6 more Sputniks through 1961

1958: US launches Explorer to orbit Earth 1961: Soviets send first person into space to orbit Earth

Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin Weeks later, US sends Alan Sheppard for 15 minute

flights1962: John Glenn is the first American to orbit EarthJFK decides we must make it to the moon in order to win

Story of Us video

The Space Race

1968: US launches Apollo 8 to orbit the moonJuly 1969: The moon landing is completed by

USApollo 11: Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and

Michael Collins orbit the moon and then walk on its surface

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”

Worldwide TV audience watched in awe

The Space Race

The successful launching of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 signaled the beginning of

A. Americans competing to prove technological superiority over the Soviets

B. The Cold War in the United States C. Soviet aggression in Afghanistan and

China D. Disarmament discussions between the

superpowers

Practice Question

The Vietnam WarVietnam was a French colony in Southeast AsiaCivil war: Communist rebels led by Ho Chi Minh

try to drive out French Imperial govtUS supports French anti-communist regimeEisenhower justifies this based on the Domino

TheoryIf one country falls to communism, all other would

be sure to follow1954: Vietnamese forces defeated French

Temporary treaty divides Vietnam at 17th parallel with Communists in north

Vietnam divided: Elections to be held in 1956 to reunite country under one government =cancelledFearing that commie rebels would win, southern

leader Ngo Dinh Diem cancelled elections Rebel groups formed National Liberation Front

(NLF):Communist Vietcong rebelled in democratic southHo Chi Minh in north helped supply rebels in the southCommunist China also provided aid to Vietcong

Use of guerilla warfare: Hidden, small group attack strategy, sometimes armed civiliansKept track of body counts not land“Victory is around the corner”

The Vietnam War

JFK demands that Southern govt stop corruption in return for US aid and military training1963: 16,000 Us military advisors were in Vietnam, but

Diem did not institute serious reformsSouth Vietnamese govt regularly stole much of the aidTroops were unsuccessful in fighting Vietcong forces

1963: CIA supports a coup to kill Diem and put others in power

Nov. 1963: Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated JFK Lyndon B. Johnson becomes president

The Vietnam War

Johnson believed that communist rebels were a threat to global balance of power

August 1964: Johnson said North Vietnam attacked two US ships and asks Congress to increase troop strength

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: Gives Johnson power to use any necessary action against CommunistsGives him the power to take “all necessary measures to

repel any armed attack against the forces of the US and to prevent further aggression”

Later, the public discovered two US ships provoked the attack by helping attack the north

US never declares war, but we are heavily involved in the war

The Vietnam War

Rolling Thunder: Consistent bombing of North Vietnam by the US from 1965-1968Destroy infrastructure without ground invasion of the North

Jan. 1968: Tet is the Lunar New Year holiday in VietnamBoth sides announced a two day cease-fire to celebrateThe Tet Offensive: North Vietnam and the Vietcong

launch a surprise attack on the south during holiday weekendAttack military and civilian command and control centers

throughout South VietnamTurns the tide of war: Now we realize that we may lose

People who had supported war begin to question our continued involvement

The Vietnam War

Practice QuestionFollowing World War II, France attempted to re-establish

control over its colony, Indochina, which included Vietnam. Leaders of the Vietcong, a communist-supported independence movement in Vietnam, fought against France’s efforts to retake the colony. The United States viewed this conflict as part of the Cold War and aided France. This U.S. action was based on which policy?

A. a policy of opposing colonialismB. a policy of helping Japan rebuild its economyC. a policy of containing the spread of communismD. a policy of participating in United Nations’

peacekeeping efforts

Protesting Vietnam2.2 million are drafted into the war: Can fight

in a war at 18 but can’t vote until they’re 21Civil Disobedience: Break a law to call

attention to a perceived injustice Example: Burn draft cards to show they see

law as unfair1971: 26th Amendment: Vote at 18 starting

1971Draft dodgers: Refuse to serve, many flee to

CanadaBaby boomers protest in large numbers

Why they protest: Distrust of Govt: War never declared, Gulf of TonkinHypocritical: Not allowing self determination or

supporting true democracyMeddling in foreign affairs: Costing $ and livesMorally opposed to war:

Sending the poor to fight for the rich govtFirst televised war shows brutality and killing civiliansUS used chemical weapons like Napalm and Agent OrangeReports of US military abuses: My Lai massacre

1968: Mass murder of 400-500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including men, women and children, by US troops

Not reported in US for a year Many were gang-raped or had their bodies mutilated 26 soldiers charged with the crime, only one convicted and

sentenced to life, but only served three years

Protesting Vietnam

More bombs dropped here than both Allies and Axis dropped in WWII

Protesting VietnamMost protesters were students

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)Hippies: Peace, love, and protest songs

1970 Kent State Shootings: 4 students killed by National Guard while peacefully protestingChant “Hey Hey LBJ! how many kids have you killed

today?”1971: Pentagon papers show govt had been lying for

years1968 Democratic National Convention: Riots in

Chicago outside, politicians debate inside Johnson won’t run again: Humphrey or MuskieOn the news: Protesters and police fight in the streetsChant “Hell no, we won’t go!” about the draft

Over next 11 years until the fall of Saigon in 1975:About 58,000 US military personnel died in VietnamFour Presidents tried to prevent rebels from gaining

control and reuniting it under communismUS efforts failed: 1976 Vietnam was united under

Communism and became a Soviet allyStill communist today

Controversial war sparked by fear resulted in:Large-scale, sometimes violent, protests at home Over 3-4 million Vietnamese deathsWidespread distrust of the government

The Vietnam War

The burning of draft cards by those who objected to the Vietnam War is an example of civil disobedience because it was an action that

A. was protected by the U.S. Constitution. B. was intended to draw the attention of the

media. C. violated a law that the protesters

considered to be unjust. D. expressed a point of view that was

unpopular at the time.

Practice Question

The End of the Cold War1985: Mikhail Gorbachev is the Premier of the USSR

Soviet people are poor and unhappy: Can’t afford to continue the arms race

Enacts reforms to provide more freedoms to the peopleMoves from command economy to mixed economyReduces control of the satellite nations

1990: Reunification of Germany Ronald Reagan “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!”

1991: Satellite nations begin to declare independenceStruggle for control of new govts in Eastern Europe

Dec. 1991: Communist party and Soviet economy collapses and disbands