The Cold WarMonday April 9th, 2012

Vocab: 1.Communism2.Cold War3.Containment4.Truman Doctrine5.Iron CurtainGuiding Questions: 1. Why was communism considered dangerous to the American way?

The Cold WarOur new enemy is COMMUNISM

Remember communism is the equal distribution of wealth and the end to all private property In theory: Everyone would work together for the good of the group

and no one would be richer or poorer than anyone else In practice: Caused massive poverty, poor production levels, and

major corruptionCold War: The hostile relationship between the

Soviet Union and the United States in the years following WWII. NOT a “hot” war with weapons

Communism vs. DemocracyEast vs. WestDoes not end until 1991

Why were Communism and the USSR so bad?

CommunismThreatens democracyPeople have no freedom

No freedom of the press, religion, choice, etcAllows for the consolidation of power (Dictatorships)Very low production levels (no one does their jobs because

there is no incentive)USSR

Widespread corruption Terror and mass killingsMassive social stratification (HUGE difference between the

rich and the poor)

Stopping the Spread of Communism

Containment: Keeping other countries from becoming CommunistNot limited to military force, but also included

economic aid. Ex: Marshall Plan

Truman Doctrine: The United States will support any nation, through economic and military aid, that is willing to fight communism. Truman helped both the Greek and Turkish

government resist Soviet expansion.

Europe after the WarAfter WWII Europe was divided up by the Yalta ConferenceStalin had the East, American Allies had the West

Stalin outlawed political parties and made it illegal to speak out against him

This division of east and west is known as the Iron Curtain

Coined by Winston Churchill in a speech in Fulton, MO!

Rebuilding EuropeThe Marshall Plan

Wanted to rebuild not punish!Americans were afraid if countries

didn’t bounce back they would become Communist

Between 1948 and 1951 the United States provided 17 countries in Europe with over 13 billion to help rebuild. Brought food, farm equipment. Help

build roads, schools, factories, etc.Created jobsEven offered aid to the Soviet

Union, but Stalin refusedVery Successful!