The Cold WarChapter 21, Section 1

Roots of the Cold War

Though they had been allies during WWII against Nazi Germany, the relationship between the Soviet Union and the U.S. had been steadily breaking down since Stalin seized power.

The following 46 year conflict (1945-1991) would become known as the Cold War. It was ‘cold’ because the two countries never engaged in active combat.

Alliances and Leaders

Throughout the 46 years of the Cold War, both countries saw new leaders. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower,

Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush all served during the Cold War.

The U.S. remained militarily with democratic countries such as Great Britain and France. ▪ The Soviet Union aligned with other

communist nations such as China, Cuba and North Korea.

Roots of the Cold War

The two countries differed politically and economically. The U.S. has a democratic gov. believing

in free elections, economic and religious freedom, and the ability to own private property.

The Soviet Union had a communist gov. in which citizens could not worship as they pleased, own private property or express their opinions.

Roots of the Cold War When these government styles are applied

to economics, they look as follows: U.S. (capitalism) people can own their own

business and property; competition is promoted; free market system in which citizens can decide how to spend their money.

Soviet Union (communism) government has complete control over the economy; gov. controls means of production; few choices and everyone shares goods and services equally.

Roots of the Cold War Both countries also disagreed at the Yalta

conference on how post-war Europe should be structured. Stalin wanted a divided Germany to keep

it weak and for the Soviet Union to occupy Eastern Europe. ▪ These Eastern European nations would

become satellite states, or ‘spheres of influence’.

The U.S. and Great Britain wanted a stronger, united Germany and independent nations in Eastern Europe.

Cold War Divisions

While delivering a speech at Fulton College in Missouri, Winston Churchill remarked that an ‘iron curtain’ had descended upon Europe, dividing democratic and communist countries. On one side, you had Eastern Europe,

the other, Western Europe.

Cold War Divisions

Eastern Europe, led by the Soviet Union, had a communist ‘sphere of influence’. They did not allow democratic elections

like they had promised at the Yalta Conference.

Western Europe, led by Great Britain with the U.S. as an ally, had a democratic sphere of influence.

Meeting the Soviet Challenge Truman stood by the motto ‘The buck

stops here.’ meaning that the president made tough decisions, and thus was accountable for them.

Truman agreed with American diplomat George F. Kennan’s policy of containment to stop the spread of communism in Europe and around the world. This would require the biggest resource of the

U.S.– money!

Truman’s Response

Truman’s first response to communism became known as the Truman Doctrine. It stated that the U.S. would supply money to any nation struggling against communism.

Secondly, for the Truman Doctrine to work, the U.S. had to provide the money. In 1948, Congress approved the Marshall

Plan, which gave countries in Europe over $13 billion in aid to stop communism.

Soviets Blockade Berlin

Although Germany and Berlin had been divided between the U.S., Soviet Union, Britain and France after WWII, the divisions were not on complete opposite sides. West Berlin (US, Britain and France) was

situated within East Germany. In June of 1948, the Soviets

blockaded all access points into West Berlin (roads, railroads and waterways).

Soviets Blockade Berlin

The one method of transportation not controlled by Stalin was the air.

So, for a year, Britain and the U.S. airlifted food, fuel, medical supplies and clothing into Berlin. This was known as the Berlin airlift.▪ It demonstrated how far the U.S. was

willing to go to protect other countries from the ‘communist threat’.

Cold War Alliances The Berlin airlift demonstrated that if western

countries joined together, they could contain Stalin.

In 1949, Western countries formed NATO– North Atlantic Treaty Organization. They declared that an attack against one would be

considered an attack against all. In response to West Germany’s joining of NATO in

1955, the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact. Similar to NATO, it included all of Eastern Europe (except

Yugoslovia). They all agreed to defend one another and not meddle in one another’s affairs, but the Soviet Union continued to control the other, weaker countries.

Cold War Alliances

In response to West Germany’s joining of NATO in 1955, the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact.

Similar to NATO, it included all of Eastern Europe (except Yugoslovia). They all agreed to defend one another and not meddle in one another’s affairs, but the Soviet Union continued to control the other, weaker countries.

Chapter 21, Section 2

The Korean War

Communists Gain Control Prior to WWII, China was gripped by a civil war

between Nationalist leader Jiang Jieshi and Communist leader Mao Zedong. Both the Soviet Union and United States sent support

to the leaders following the war. The U.S. aid went into the pockets of Nationalist leaders, while millions of Chinese starved. This strengthened Mao’s support with the Chinese people.

When Mao seized control of China in 1949, it became known as the People’s Republic of China. Communism was spreading and the Truman

administration was seen as letting it happen.

Americans Fight in Korea • Following WWII, Korea had been

separated into two independent countries, divided along the 38th parallel. • The north was communist, the south was

noncommunist. • Since the policy of appeasement had not

worked with the Germans, Truman asked the United Nations for permission to aid South Korea. The resolution was granted.

Americans Fight in Korea

Truman moved troops from Japan to Korea. What was the problem with these troops? However, these troops were merely occupation

troops and not trained for battle or the harsh conditions. The troops in Korea were commanded by

Douglas MacArthur. However, Truman and MacArthur differed in

their opinions on how the conflict should be handled. Truman preferred the idea of ‘limited war’ (i.e. fighting until

goals were accomplished). MacArthur wanted total victory.

Korean War’s Lasting Effects

The Korean War ended in a stalemate for two reasons: Eisenhower’s warning of using nuclear weapons Death of Joseph Stalin in 1953

However, Truman did set two important precedents with the Korean War. Truman was able to commit troops to the conflict without

the approval of Congress. Military spending increased to nearly half of the American

budget as of 1960. In reaction to stopping the spread of communism,

Southeast Asian countries formed SEATO- Southeast Asian Treaty Organization. SEATO was a defensive alliance aimed at stopping the

spread of communism.

Lasting Effects (cont’d)

And of course, who could forget… The hit television show M.A.S.H.!!! First

aired in 1972, though.