Chapter 8: Alliances Flashcards
When was Eisenhower elected US president?
1952
What did Eisenhower place a great importance on?
Developing allies. More so than Truman had done.
Why do Historians believe Eisenhower put a greater emphasis on developing allies?
To compensate for the lack of development of conventional US forces.
What did Eisenhower want to happen to the USSR and China?
Wanted to encircle them with pro-US allies.
What was a consequence of Eisenhower’s strategy?
US forces would be replaced by those of the USA’s allies, reducing the US military presence in Western Europe.
What happened in 1953 to the Sino-Soviet alliance, formed in 1950?
In 1953 it was strengthened. The USSR agreede to provide defence-related technology to China. Krushchev visited China as a sign of their alliance.
What was SEATO?
A collective defence treaty, as a response to close Sino-Soviet relations.
Who were the members of SEATO?
Many were not Southeast Asian countries. The countries, unlike NATO, were spread out over a wide area. US, Britain, France, Thailand, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and Philippines.
What states were not included in SEATO that may be regarded as in need of protection?
Burma, South Vietnam, Loas and Cambodia.
What did Konrad Adenauer, first chancellor of the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) see as the best way of strengthening his country?
To align West Germany to the Western powers.
Why did the USA support a regeneration of Germany?
Saw a strengthened West Germany as a safeguard against communist expansionism, whilst a reliance on the USA would prevent a resurgence of German nationalism and militarism.
What happened to West Germany in 1955?
It was admitted to NATO.
What was the USSR’s response to the FRG’s entrance into NATO?
The USSR recognised the sovereignty of the GDR (East Germany) and created the Warsaw Pact.
What does the FRG’s entrance into NATO demonstrate?
Underlines the USA’s commitment not only towards the centrality of Germany but also the concept of regional alliances designed to contain communism effectively.
What was the Warsaw Pact?
A means for the Soviet Union to legitimise its influence in Eastern Europe, just as NATO had legitimised US influence in Western Europe.
