Chapter Eight Flashcards
What did Eisenhower (elected 1952) place great importance on? Why?
Developing allies, more so than Truman had done. He did this to compensate for the lack of development of conventional US forces. Wanted to encircle USSR and China with pro-US allies (although this would replace US forces with that of the USA’s allies, reducing military presence).
What happened in 1953 to the Sino-Soviet alliance formed 1950?
It was strengthened as the USSR agreed to provide defence-related tech to China. Khrushhev visited China as a sign of this alliance.
What was SEATO? Which countries should have been included?
Collective defense treaty in Southeast Asia. Response to close Sino-Soviet relations. Although many were not Southeast Asian countries- it included US, Britain, France, New Zealand, Australia. However, some Southeast Asians which should have been included were South Vietnam, Loas, Cambodia and Burma
Why did the USA support a regeneration of Germany?
It saw a strengthened West Germany as a safeguard against communist expansionism. Reliance on the USA would prevent a resurgence of German nationalism and militarism. Adenauer (chancellor) saw this as the best way as strengthening the Federal Republic of Germany.
What happened to West Germany in 1955 and how did the USSR respond?
West Germany was admitted into NATO in 1955. In response, the USSR recognised the sovereignty of the GDR and created the Warsaw Pact- a means for the SU to legitimise its influence in EE just like the US had with NATO.
What was the Warsaw Pact presented as?
Collective security strategy and therefore a non-threatening alliance, but the terms of the pact suggest different- if one state is attacked they all must assist, joint command for arms forces. It was a military reinforcement of USSR’s satellite structure and consolidated pol and econ relationhip between USSR and allies.
What was the continuity between the Truman and Eisenhower (1952) administration?
Belief that USA must retain influence in Asia, Soviet Union was a big threat and seeked expansionism, USA must maintain strong nuclear arsenal and retain sufficient influence in WE.
Which of Truman’s policies did Eisenhower reject?
Truman’s commitment to a major expansion, regardless of cost, of the USA’s conventional forces. Also believed that containment was inefficient= NEW LOOK.
What was the New Look policy?
October 1953. Created by John Foster Dulles. They believed that containment had created a stalemate and Dulles wanted to roll back communism and Moscow’s power, to bring the CW to a successful conclusion for thr US (influence of McCarthy?) Wanted to reduce the dominance of Soviet communism globally.
Despite Eisenhower’s acceptance of the New Look policy, what did he insist?
Could only be carried out through peaceful means. Never attempted to undermine USSR’s sphere of inelucne or ‘liberate’ any pro-Soviet communist states.
What was there an increased reliance on in Eisenhower’s administration?
Nuclear weaponry. Because containment was a strategy that demanded a global reaction to any communist expansion which may occur (McCarthy?)
What was Brinkmanship/
Policy of John Foster Dulles. The use of USA’s nuclear strength to tattmpe to force agreements from communist opponents, up to the very point when a nuclear war might break out with no intention of actually engaging in war.
Why was Indochina important to Eisenhower?
Domino Theory. Southeast Asia was seen as particularly vulnerable to the spread of communism and the USA’s commitment to Vietnam was part of a wider Southeast Asian strategy based on containing communism by defending Japan, SK and Taiwan
What countries made up Indochina?
Cambodia, Loas and North and South Vietnam. Up until Geneva Agrement 1954 they were French Colonies.
Who were the French fighting against in Vietnam? What did the USA want to happen in the War?
Fighting against Communist and Nationalist forces led by Ho Chi Minh. By 1954 US was paying for 75% of War but was determined not to become committed to an unwinnable conflict and sought out diplomatic solution.
