Cold WarCold War 1945-19891945-1989

OriginsOrigins Cold War arose from competing Cold War arose from competing

ideologies and goals between the ideologies and goals between the United States and the Soviet Union United States and the Soviet Union following WWII. following WWII. United States-Democracy-Capitalism-Self-Determination

Soviet Union-Communism-Socialism-Domination of Eastern Europe

VS.

19451945

As WWII ended, U.S. tensions with As WWII ended, U.S. tensions with the Soviet Union increased.the Soviet Union increased.

Although the two fought together, Although the two fought together, their differences seemed their differences seemed irreconcilable.irreconcilable.

AdditionallyAdditionally– The U.S. was upset Stalin had signed The U.S. was upset Stalin had signed

non-aggression pact with Hitler.non-aggression pact with Hitler.– Soviets were bitter that they suffered Soviets were bitter that they suffered

most in WWII.most in WWII.

Differences at YaltaDifferences at Yalta

Tensions were evident at the Yalta Conference (FDR, Tensions were evident at the Yalta Conference (FDR, Stalin, and Churchill)Stalin, and Churchill)

Stalin wanted Germany to pay severe war damages; FDR Stalin wanted Germany to pay severe war damages; FDR refused.refused.

Stalin wanted to retain control of Poland.Stalin wanted to retain control of Poland.

At Yalta, Germany was partitioned into East and West Germany. West Germany became democratic after a few years of U.S., British, and French occupation. East Germany remained under the domination of the Soviet Union and did not adopt democratic institutions.

United Nations

Created a body for the Nations of the World to try to prevent future global wars.

April 25, 1945

Truman takes ControlTruman takes Control

When FDR died in 1945, Harry Truman was When FDR died in 1945, Harry Truman was unprepared for the Presidency. unprepared for the Presidency.

FDR hadn’t involved Truman in foreign policy FDR hadn’t involved Truman in foreign policy discussions.discussions.

Potsdam ConferencePotsdam Conference

Truman first met Stalin at the Potsdam Conference.Truman first met Stalin at the Potsdam Conference. Stalin thought Truman weak and inexperienced.Stalin thought Truman weak and inexperienced. Renewed his demand for war payments from Germany Renewed his demand for war payments from Germany

and more control over Eastern Europe. and more control over Eastern Europe.

American Perspective of American Perspective of EuropeEurope

The United States wanted to avoid the way The United States wanted to avoid the way WWI ended, with harsh punishment and WWI ended, with harsh punishment and economic stagnation. economic stagnation.

Hoped Europe would be open to Hoped Europe would be open to democracy and economic opportunity. democracy and economic opportunity.

Soviet View of EuropeSoviet View of Europe

The USSR hoped to establish satellite nations, countries subject The USSR hoped to establish satellite nations, countries subject to Soviet domination, in Eastern Europe.to Soviet domination, in Eastern Europe.

Wanted to spread communism throughout the world, opposed Wanted to spread communism throughout the world, opposed capitalism.capitalism.

Stalin installed or supported totalitarian Communist Stalin installed or supported totalitarian Communist governments throughout Eastern Europe. governments throughout Eastern Europe.

Soviet Takeover of Eastern Soviet Takeover of Eastern EuropeEurope

In the years immediately after WWII, the Soviet In the years immediately after WWII, the Soviet Union took control over most of Eastern Europe.Union took control over most of Eastern Europe.– Albania and BulgariaAlbania and Bulgaria– Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia – Hungary and RomaniaHungary and Romania– East GermanyEast Germany– Finland and YugoslaviaFinland and Yugoslavia

The Iron CurtainThe Iron Curtain

Winston Churchill stated that “an iron curtain has descended Winston Churchill stated that “an iron curtain has descended across the Continent”.across the Continent”.

The “iron curtain” metaphor was used throughout the Cold The “iron curtain” metaphor was used throughout the Cold War to symbolize the global divide. War to symbolize the global divide.

ContainmentContainment

The Cold War assumed that the communist Soviet Union The Cold War assumed that the communist Soviet Union and the capitalist United States could not permanently and the capitalist United States could not permanently coexist, one must eventually give way to the other.coexist, one must eventually give way to the other.

America adopted the policy of containment, containing the America adopted the policy of containment, containing the spread of communism.spread of communism.

Some thought this too moderate and demanded action; Some thought this too moderate and demanded action; taking back Eastern Europe.taking back Eastern Europe.

The Truman DoctrineThe Truman Doctrine In 1947, the U.S. stepped in to In 1947, the U.S. stepped in to

support and financially assist support and financially assist Greece and Turkey, who were Greece and Turkey, who were struggling against Soviet struggling against Soviet control.control.

Truman stated, “it must be Truman stated, “it must be the policy of the U.S. to the policy of the U.S. to support free peoples who are support free peoples who are resisting attempted resisting attempted subjugation (conquest)”.subjugation (conquest)”.

Set a Cold War standard- Set a Cold War standard- The The U.S. wouldn’t directly fight the U.S. wouldn’t directly fight the USSR, but would aid countries USSR, but would aid countries who were. who were.

Section 2: Cold War Heats Section 2: Cold War Heats UpUp

As the Soviet Union acquired nuclear weapons As the Soviet Union acquired nuclear weapons and gained increasing control in Eastern Europe, and gained increasing control in Eastern Europe, the tension of the Cold War rose. the tension of the Cold War rose.

Marshall PlanMarshall Plan The U.S. was worried that an The U.S. was worried that an

impoverished Europe would impoverished Europe would turn toward the Soviet Union turn toward the Soviet Union and communism for help.and communism for help.

Passed the Marshall Plan, Passed the Marshall Plan, giving Western Europe more giving Western Europe more than $13 billion in aid, than $13 billion in aid, grants and loans.grants and loans.

Truman wanted it named Truman wanted it named after Secretary of State after Secretary of State George Marshall, a popular George Marshall, a popular man, so that Republicans man, so that Republicans would agree to give the aid. would agree to give the aid.

Marshall Plan

Europe lay in ruins. U.S. launched the Marshall Plan which provided massive financial aid to rebuild European economies and prevent the spread of communism.

Germany and BerlinGermany and Berlin In 1948, the Western In 1948, the Western

Allies combined their Allies combined their portion of Germany into a portion of Germany into a single unit, West single unit, West Germany, a democracy.Germany, a democracy.

East Germany then East Germany then became a communist became a communist state.state.

Berlin lay within the Berlin lay within the Soviet zone.Soviet zone.

Berlin was divided, East Berlin was divided, East Berlin belonged to East Berlin belonged to East Germany, West Berlin to Germany, West Berlin to West Germany.West Germany.

Berlin AirliftBerlin Airlift In 1948, Stalin placed a In 1948, Stalin placed a

blockade around West blockade around West Berlin, banning all Allied Berlin, banning all Allied access to West Berlin.access to West Berlin.

Opposed both to war Opposed both to war and giving up West and giving up West Berlin, Truman decided Berlin, Truman decided to implement an airlift.to implement an airlift.

Flew supplies into West Flew supplies into West Berlin for 15 months, Berlin for 15 months, before the Soviets before the Soviets finally gave up the finally gave up the blockade in 1949. blockade in 1949.

NATONATO The United Nations wasn’t fully effective because The United Nations wasn’t fully effective because

the Soviet Union frequently vetoed all of its the Soviet Union frequently vetoed all of its efforts.efforts.

In 1949, a new organization was formed to defend In 1949, a new organization was formed to defend Western Europe against Soviet attack, the North Western Europe against Soviet attack, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)– U.S.U.S.– CanadaCanada– BelgiumBelgium– BritainBritain– DenmarkDenmark– FranceFrance– IcelandIceland– ItalyItaly– LuxembourgLuxembourg– NetherlandsNetherlands– NorwayNorway– PortugalPortugal

Warsaw PactWarsaw Pact

The Soviet’s response to NATO was to form their own The Soviet’s response to NATO was to form their own alliance, the Warsaw Pact.alliance, the Warsaw Pact.

An alliance with its satellite nations in Eastern Europe.An alliance with its satellite nations in Eastern Europe.

A World Divided: MapA World Divided: Map

Soviet Atomic ThreatSoviet Atomic Threat

By 1949, the USSR had By 1949, the USSR had developed their own developed their own atomic weapon. atomic weapon.

Truman supported the Truman supported the creation of an even creation of an even more powerful weapon, more powerful weapon, the hydrogen the hydrogen (thermonuclear) bomb.(thermonuclear) bomb.

The U.S. tested the first The U.S. tested the first hydrogen bomb in hydrogen bomb in 1952.1952.

China Falls to CommunismChina Falls to Communism WWII had forced Chinese WWII had forced Chinese

Communists (led by Mao Communists (led by Mao Zedong) to cooperate with Zedong) to cooperate with China’s national China’s national government (Jiang Jieshi).government (Jiang Jieshi).

After the war, Mao Zedong After the war, Mao Zedong turned on the government turned on the government and took control of China.and took control of China.

In 1949, Mao proclaimed In 1949, Mao proclaimed the creation of a the creation of a Communist state, the Communist state, the People’s Republic of China.People’s Republic of China.

Cold War at HomeCold War at Home

Fears of Communism Fears of Communism sparked a red scare, sparked a red scare, an anti-Communist an anti-Communist crusade throughout crusade throughout American society.American society.

Accusations of being a Accusations of being a Communist, or Communist, or sympathizer, ran wild sympathizer, ran wild and often violated and often violated Americans’ reputation Americans’ reputation and civil liberties.and civil liberties.

The Loyalty ProgramThe Loyalty Program Truman started an Truman started an

investigation of all of all investigation of all of all federal employees in federal employees in 1947.1947.

Those accused of Those accused of disloyalty were brought disloyalty were brought before a Loyalty Review before a Loyalty Review Board.Board.

Of several million Of several million employees examined, employees examined, only a few hundred were only a few hundred were actually removed, yet the actually removed, yet the accusations damaged accusations damaged many reputations.many reputations.

House of Un-American House of Un-American Activities Committee: HUACActivities Committee: HUAC

The HUAC was formed in 1938, before WWII, but began The HUAC was formed in 1938, before WWII, but began a postwar investigation of Communist infiltration. a postwar investigation of Communist infiltration.

The HUAC attacked the Hollywood movie industry, The HUAC attacked the Hollywood movie industry, which was said to be sympathetic to Communism and which was said to be sympathetic to Communism and the USSR.the USSR.

Hollywood TenHollywood Ten The HUAC called some of The HUAC called some of

Hollywood’s prolific writers, Hollywood’s prolific writers, directors, and actors to directors, and actors to testify.testify.

Asked if they were or had ever Asked if they were or had ever been members of the been members of the Communist Party, many tried Communist Party, many tried to make statements but were to make statements but were denied permission.denied permission.

On this denial of On this denial of Constitutional rights, ten of Constitutional rights, ten of the accused declined to the accused declined to answer questions.answer questions.

They were held in contempt of They were held in contempt of court and sentenced to six court and sentenced to six months to a year in jail. months to a year in jail.

McCarran-Walter ActMcCarran-Walter Act

Senator Pat McCarran believed most Senator Pat McCarran believed most disloyal Americans were immigrants.disloyal Americans were immigrants.

On his urging, Congress passed the On his urging, Congress passed the McCarran-Walter Act in 1952.McCarran-Walter Act in 1952.

Discriminated against regional Discriminated against regional immigrants.immigrants.

Truman vetoed it, calling it “one of the Truman vetoed it, calling it “one of the most un-American acts I have ever most un-American acts I have ever witnessed”witnessed”– Congress passed the bill over the President’s Congress passed the bill over the President’s

veto.veto.

Alger HissAlger Hiss

Alger Hiss was a high-ranking State Department worker.Alger Hiss was a high-ranking State Department worker. Accused of being a Soviet spy.Accused of being a Soviet spy. In 1950, he went on trial for espionage and was convicted of In 1950, he went on trial for espionage and was convicted of

lying to the jury.lying to the jury.– Went to prison for four yearsWent to prison for four years– Case was controversial, and the publicity contributed to widespread Case was controversial, and the publicity contributed to widespread

public suspicion.public suspicion.

The RosenbergsThe Rosenbergs

Julius and Ethel Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, a married Rosenberg, a married couple and members of couple and members of the Communist Party the Communist Party were accused of were accused of passing atomic secrets passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during to the Soviets during WWII.WWII.

Both were convicted of Both were convicted of espionage and espionage and executed in 1953.executed in 1953.

Section 3: The Korean WarSection 3: The Korean War

Often called America’s forgotten war, the Korean Often called America’s forgotten war, the Korean War was the American support of South Korea in War was the American support of South Korea in their war against communist North Korea. their war against communist North Korea.

Dividing KoreaDividing Korea During WWII, Korea was ruled During WWII, Korea was ruled

by Japan.by Japan. At the end of the war, the At the end of the war, the

Allies agreed on a temporary Allies agreed on a temporary solution for Korea…solution for Korea…– Soviet troops accepted Japanese Soviet troops accepted Japanese

surrender north of the 38surrender north of the 38thth parallel.parallel.

– American troops accepted American troops accepted Japanese surrender south of the Japanese surrender south of the 3838thth parallel. parallel.

The division was not meant to The division was not meant to be permanent, but temporarily be permanent, but temporarily divided the country.divided the country.

DivisionDivision

Soon…Soon…– A pro-American government formed in A pro-American government formed in

South Korea.South Korea.– A communist regime was established in A communist regime was established in

North Korea.North Korea. Occupying forces, Soviets and Occupying forces, Soviets and

Americans, withdrew from the Americans, withdrew from the regions in 1948 and 49regions in 1948 and 49

Summer of 1950: N. Korea Summer of 1950: N. Korea InvadesInvades

Many Koreans wanted Many Koreans wanted the countries to be the countries to be reunited.reunited.

In June 1950, North In June 1950, North Koreans crossed the 38Koreans crossed the 38thth parallel in hopes of parallel in hopes of reuniting Korea by force.reuniting Korea by force.

The U.S. assumed this The U.S. assumed this act of aggression was act of aggression was organized by the USSR organized by the USSR and feared the spreading and feared the spreading of communism, of communism, particularly in the wake particularly in the wake of China’s fall to of China’s fall to communism.communism.

UN Police ActionUN Police Action

Truman went to the UN, where he Truman went to the UN, where he gained approval to define North gained approval to define North Korea as an aggressor and deploy UN Korea as an aggressor and deploy UN troops to defend South Korea.troops to defend South Korea.

Truman immediately ordered troops Truman immediately ordered troops into action.into action.

Although the UN was the acting force Although the UN was the acting force in the war, the U.S. made up 80% of in the war, the U.S. made up 80% of the troops.the troops.

General Douglas MacArthurGeneral Douglas MacArthur

General Douglas MacArthur, leader of WWII’s Pacific Theater, was placed in General Douglas MacArthur, leader of WWII’s Pacific Theater, was placed in command in Korea.command in Korea.

MacArthur assumed N. Korea’s quick advance had stretched them too thin.MacArthur assumed N. Korea’s quick advance had stretched them too thin. He initially attacked at Inchon in northwestern S. Korea, attacking enemy He initially attacked at Inchon in northwestern S. Korea, attacking enemy

lines from behind. lines from behind.

Northern AdvancementNorthern Advancement MacArthur’s strategy MacArthur’s strategy

worked, UN troops worked, UN troops pushed the N. Korean pushed the N. Korean forces back quickly.forces back quickly.

UN troops began to claim UN troops began to claim the reunification of Korea the reunification of Korea was near.was near.

China did not want a pro-China did not want a pro-Western nation neighbor Western nation neighbor and warned the UN troops and warned the UN troops to stop advancing.to stop advancing.

MacArthur ignored the MacArthur ignored the Chinese.Chinese.

““Home by Christmas”Home by Christmas” In November, 1950, In November, 1950,

MacArthur announced his MacArthur announced his “Home by Christmas” “Home by Christmas” offensive.offensive.

He planned to drive enemy He planned to drive enemy troops across the North troops across the North Korean border into China Korean border into China at the Yalu River and win at the Yalu River and win the war.the war.

However, the Chinese However, the Chinese poured in by the masses to poured in by the masses to stop the offensive and stop the offensive and pushed the UN forces all pushed the UN forces all the way back to S. Korea. the way back to S. Korea.

MacArthur FiredMacArthur Fired

A stalemate occurred, neither side could advance.A stalemate occurred, neither side could advance. MacArthur wanted to open a second front of war by attacking the MacArthur wanted to open a second front of war by attacking the

Chinese.Chinese.– Truman refusedTruman refused– MacArthur criticized TrumanMacArthur criticized Truman– Truman fired MacArthurTruman fired MacArthur

Welcomed home as a hero, told the crowd “old soldiers never die, they Welcomed home as a hero, told the crowd “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”just fade away.”

Stalemate/ConclusionStalemate/Conclusion Post-MacArthur, the Post-MacArthur, the

war continued to drag war continued to drag on for another two on for another two years, into Dwight years, into Dwight Eisenhower’s Eisenhower’s presidency.presidency.

Finally, in 1953, a truce Finally, in 1953, a truce was signed, leaving was signed, leaving Korea divided at almost Korea divided at almost exactly the same place exactly the same place as before the war, the as before the war, the 3838thth parallel. parallel.

Effects of Korean WarEffects of Korean War 54,000 Americans were 54,000 Americans were

killed and 103,000 killed and 103,000 wounded in Korea, wounded in Korea, changing little or changing little or nothing.nothing.

This frustrated This frustrated Americans, who Americans, who wondered what they wondered what they had fought for.had fought for.

The era expanded the The era expanded the military-industrial military-industrial complex, increased the complex, increased the number of U.S. troops number of U.S. troops permanently deployed permanently deployed throughout the world.throughout the world.

TodayToday North and South Korea North and South Korea

remain divided today.remain divided today. North Korea is still North Korea is still

communist, led by Kim communist, led by Kim Jong-il, and a perceived Jong-il, and a perceived enemy of the U.S.enemy of the U.S.

South Korea is a South Korea is a democracy and an ally democracy and an ally of the U.S.of the U.S.

Last year, N. Korea Last year, N. Korea attacked S. Korea in attacked S. Korea in what has been called what has been called one of the worst one of the worst clashes since the clashes since the Korean War.Korean War.

Section 4: The Continuing Cold Section 4: The Continuing Cold WarWar

Joseph McCarthyJoseph McCarthy U.S. Senator from U.S. Senator from

WisconsinWisconsin Began a “witch hunt” of Began a “witch hunt” of

Communists within the Communists within the government.government.

His style of false His style of false accusation and smear accusation and smear tactics became known as tactics became known as McCarthyism.McCarthyism.

His reckless accusations His reckless accusations sparked national fear and sparked national fear and anti-Communist hysteria. anti-Communist hysteria.

McCarthy’s Rise to PowerMcCarthy’s Rise to Power

First term in U.S. Senate was unremarkable.First term in U.S. Senate was unremarkable. He needed a platform to define himself for He needed a platform to define himself for

reelection; chose to attack Communism.reelection; chose to attack Communism. In a famous speech he said, In a famous speech he said, “I have here in my hand a list of “I have here in my hand a list of

205 (people) who are known members of the Communist Party who 205 (people) who are known members of the Communist Party who are still working and shaping policy at the State Department.” are still working and shaping policy at the State Department.” – These inflammatory remarks earned him early support and These inflammatory remarks earned him early support and

reelection. reelection.

McCarthyMcCarthy With new power, he With new power, he

became chairman of an became chairman of an investigations investigations subcommittee. subcommittee.

Simply being accused by Simply being accused by McCarthy caused people McCarthy caused people to lose their jobs and/or to lose their jobs and/or reputations.reputations.

Other senators began to Other senators began to fear that speaking out fear that speaking out against McCarthy’s against McCarthy’s unfounded accusations unfounded accusations might brand them as a might brand them as a Communist sympathizer. Communist sympathizer.

Army-McCarthyArmy-McCarthy

McCarthy’s early power made him increasingly reckless in his accusations.McCarthy’s early power made him increasingly reckless in his accusations. In April 1954 he charged that even the U.S. Army itself had been infiltrated In April 1954 he charged that even the U.S. Army itself had been infiltrated

by Communists.by Communists. The Army-McCarthy hearings were televised intentionally so that the The Army-McCarthy hearings were televised intentionally so that the

public could witness McCarthy’s true colors. public could witness McCarthy’s true colors.

McCarthy’s FallMcCarthy’s Fall

The hearings lasted for The hearings lasted for weeks, and the public weeks, and the public was shocked and upset was shocked and upset with McCarthy’s bullying with McCarthy’s bullying tactics and baseless tactics and baseless accusations.accusations.

Losing almost all support, Losing almost all support, he was censured by the he was censured by the Senate later that year.Senate later that year.

He died just 3 years later, He died just 3 years later, in 1957, from liver failure in 1957, from liver failure due to alcoholism.due to alcoholism.

Dwight D. EisenhowerDwight D. Eisenhower Republican Dwight D. Republican Dwight D.

Eisenhower became Eisenhower became President in 1953.President in 1953.

Eisenhower generally Eisenhower generally followed Truman’s followed Truman’s policy of containment.policy of containment.

Wanted to avoid war Wanted to avoid war with USSR at all costs.with USSR at all costs.

When several Eastern When several Eastern European countries European countries revolted in the 1950s, revolted in the 1950s, Eisenhower looked on Eisenhower looked on as the USSR crushed as the USSR crushed the rebellions.the rebellions.

Stalin’s DeathStalin’s Death In 1953, Joseph Stalin died abruptly.In 1953, Joseph Stalin died abruptly. Major Soviet leaders for the remainder of Cold War…Major Soviet leaders for the remainder of Cold War…

– Nikita Khrushchev (1953-64)Nikita Khrushchev (1953-64)– Leonid Brezhnev (1964-82)Leonid Brezhnev (1964-82)– Mikhail Gorbachev (1985-91)Mikhail Gorbachev (1985-91)

Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia In 1953, Eisenhower In 1953, Eisenhower

officially ended the Korean officially ended the Korean War.War.

Meanwhile, the U.S. was Meanwhile, the U.S. was giving military aid to France giving military aid to France in order to retain control of in order to retain control of their colony, Vietnam.their colony, Vietnam.

An international conference An international conference eventually divided Vietnam.eventually divided Vietnam.– Like Korea, the north became Like Korea, the north became

Communist and the south Communist and the south anti-Communist.anti-Communist.

The U.S. began giving aid The U.S. began giving aid to South Vietnam.to South Vietnam.

The Middle EastThe Middle East Prior and during WWII, Prior and during WWII,

many had called for the many had called for the creation of a Jewish state creation of a Jewish state in Palestine, the Biblical in Palestine, the Biblical home of the Jews.home of the Jews.

After WWII and the After WWII and the holocaust, pressure for a holocaust, pressure for a Jewish state intensified. Jewish state intensified.

In 1948, the UN created In 1948, the UN created two states in the area, two states in the area, one Jewish and one Arab.one Jewish and one Arab.

Israel/PalestineIsrael/Palestine

Arab’s also thought the land Arab’s also thought the land rightfully theirs, and attacked Israel rightfully theirs, and attacked Israel in 1948.in 1948.

The UN mediated new borders.The UN mediated new borders. The U.S. supported Israel and the The U.S. supported Israel and the

Soviet Union generally backed Arab Soviet Union generally backed Arab interests. interests.

Middle East Oil Middle East Oil In 1956, Egypt sought In 1956, Egypt sought

Soviet support so the U.S. Soviet support so the U.S. and Britain cut off their and Britain cut off their aid.aid.

In response, Egypt seized In response, Egypt seized the British Suez Canal, a the British Suez Canal, a vital waterway that vital waterway that allowed Europe access to allowed Europe access to Middle East oil.Middle East oil.

Britain and France Britain and France attacked Egypt but attacked Egypt but withdrew on Eisenhower’s withdrew on Eisenhower’s persuasion after Soviet’s persuasion after Soviet’s threatened “dangerous threatened “dangerous consequences” for the consequences” for the invasion. invasion.

Latin AmericaLatin America

In 1954, the CIA helped overthrow the government in In 1954, the CIA helped overthrow the government in Guatemala thinking their leaders were radicals. Guatemala thinking their leaders were radicals.

The takeover restored the United Fruit Company, which The takeover restored the United Fruit Company, which had been seized by the Guatemalan government.had been seized by the Guatemalan government.

Nuclear Arms RaceNuclear Arms Race Soviet Union successfully Soviet Union successfully

tests its own hydrogen tests its own hydrogen bomb.bomb.

Eisenhower adopted a Eisenhower adopted a policy of deterrence, policy of deterrence, “deterring” war by “deterring” war by building up massive building up massive amounts of nuclear amounts of nuclear weapons.weapons.

New hydrogen bombs New hydrogen bombs were 750 times more were 750 times more powerful than the bomb powerful than the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. dropped on Nagasaki.

Nuclear Arms RaceNuclear Arms Race

BrinkmanshipBrinkmanship

Secretary of State, John Dulles, explained that Secretary of State, John Dulles, explained that America must be willing to go to the “brink” of war America must be willing to go to the “brink” of war to defend its interests, without crossing into war.to defend its interests, without crossing into war.

““The ability to get to the verge without getting into war is the necessary art.” -The ability to get to the verge without getting into war is the necessary art.” -DullesDulles

SputnikSputnik

Americans used airplanes Americans used airplanes to carry bombs, Soviets to carry bombs, Soviets focused on long-range focused on long-range rockets, intercontinental rockets, intercontinental ballistic missiles, ICBMs.ballistic missiles, ICBMs.

In 1957, The Soviets used In 1957, The Soviets used a rocket to launch a rocket to launch SputnikSputnik, the first satellite , the first satellite to orbit the Earth.to orbit the Earth.

This caused panic among This caused panic among Americans that Soviets Americans that Soviets had superior technology.had superior technology.

U-2 IncidentU-2 Incident

In 1960, the Soviets used a guided missile to shoot In 1960, the Soviets used a guided missile to shoot down an American U-2 spy plane over Soviet territory.down an American U-2 spy plane over Soviet territory.

Plane was 15 miles high, and assumed to be safe.Plane was 15 miles high, and assumed to be safe. Event shattered U.S. confidence.Event shattered U.S. confidence.