Chapter 36: The Cold War Begins, 1945-1952 Flashcards
- Which development caused the greatest change in American society in the immediate postwar years: increased affluence, the migration to the suburbs, the entry of women into the workforce, or the baby boom?
Perhaps the most dramatic development in American society during the postwar years was the baby boom. After the war, men who missed their women got married, and the number of newborns drastically increased. Over 50 million babies were born to add to the nation’s population, which was a definite dramatic change. The Baby boom affected the economy, society, and the lives of everyone. As the babies were born, more baby products were sold. As they began to attend school, more teachers were needed and the baby products were in less demand. When the babies grew up, teachers were left unemployed, and on the cycle continued. The change that these births created is expected to put a massive strain on the social security system as the baby boomers retire.
- Was the primary threat from the Soviet Union military or ideological that is, was the danger that the Soviet army would invade Western Europe or that more and more people in Europe and elsewhere would be attracted to communist ideas?
The primary threat from the Soviet Union was ideological. The USSR did not want to be invaded by Germany, and in an effort to combat Hitler’s forces the country created more communist states as a boundary. The US saw this as a threat to their economy, but also to their democratic ideals. The main threat in their minds was not based on the Soviet army’s actions.
- Were there any legitimate concerns behind the red-hunting anticommunism of the late 1940s and early 1950s? How were McCarthy and others able to turn the search for spies and subversives into an assault on freethinkers, adulterers, homosexuals, and others deemed different in some way?
There were some legitimate concerns behind the red-hunting anticommunism, but it was taken to the extreme. As Americans watched the Soviet Union snatch up territory, it was no surprise that they were afraid. There was truth to the negative claims about Communism, as we know now, because many people were mistreated under Stalin’s rule. Yet, America was meant to be a land of freedom, so imprisoning citizens simply for believing in a different political system was hypocritical of the very values Americans were trying to protect. As communists were tried and sent to prison and fear of communism continued to spread, freedoms were snuffed out. They may have been correct in deeming these things sinful or wrong, but they handled them badly.
- Was Truman right to fire MacArthur when and how he did? What would have happened if MacArthur had gotten his way and expanded the conflict with the Chinese?
• When the Americans moved northwards, raising the stakes in the Korean War, Mac Arthur ignored predictions of an effective Chinese intervention, underestimating their strength and ability. This was a major mistake, as in November 1950 the UN forces were repelled. He attempted to retaliate by proposing a blockade of the Chinese coast and bombardment of their bases, but Washington did not want to worsen the conflict. MacArthur did not agree with this, and in response publicly defied the president, forcing Truman to fire him. I believe that Truman was right to fire MacArthur in public view because MacArthur was the one to initially make the issue public, and it was initially his mistake. MacArthur was arrogant and handled the situation unprofessionally. If MacArthur had gotten his way, the situation with the Chinese would have escalated and the United States would have been forced to put even more money into the war. Ultimately, Truman made the right decision.
