Chapter 7: US dominance in the UN Flashcards
When did the UN come into being?
Agreed at Yalta June 1945. Formally came into being in October 1945.
Who were the members of UN?
It had a pro-Western membership, and was therefore the USA’s natural ally. Majority of the USA’s Western European allies were part of NATO along with India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Which country reinforced UN’s status as a US ally?
Greece, a state that had triggered the introduction of the Truman Doctrine.
What were the members later to be the beneficiaries of?
Economic aid from the USA through Marshall Aid.
What happened regarding China and the UN, further enhancing the USA’s dominance?
China, a communist state from 1949 was denied from taking China’s seat in the UN- instead, it was given to Taiwan. So a potential challenge to US dominance was excluded.
Who was the only EE state part of the UN?
Poland. This became one of the few allies the USSR had in the UN.
What was the Security Council?
The executive decision-making arm of the UN. It consisted of five permanent members: USA, Britain, France, China and the USSR. These countries had the power of veto, taking away some of the USA’s power.
What was the pattern of veto between 1946 and 1955?
China- 1, France- 2, Britain- 0, USA- 0, USSR- 75
What did the US see the UN as an opportunity for?
As a vehicle for intervention on a global scale, in order to enhance its own foreign policy aims e.g Korea.
What view became central to US thinking?
The notion that communism was a global threat, and therefore needed a global response.
What happened in the UN during the Korean War?
After the invasion of South Korea, the Security Coucnil (without USSR) met and passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and return of the Northern fores to the North. When they did not withdraw, the USA called another meeting which called upon UN members to aid South Korea in its struggle with the North.
Who was the UN force that entered Korea made of?
Composed predominantly of US troops and commanded by General MacArthur.
