Chapter Five Flashcards
What policy did the USA introduce towards Japan in 1947?
‘Reverse course’. Instead of punishing Japan, the US would focus on the development on democracy and economic reconstruction. e.g price controls, more efficient taxation system.
What did the USA desire to achieve in Japan?
Wanted Japan to be less vulnerable to communist influences in the Far East and remained aligned to the USA. Believed Japan was essential to USA’s power base in Far East
When did Japan’s geopolitical significance to the USA enter a new phase?
February 1950, when China (Mao Zedong) formed an alliance with the USSR. November 1950, China joined North Korea in War against South Korea. Led to the globalisation of containment policy.
What was the San Fransisco Peace Treaty?
- Alliance between Japan and the allied powers.
What control did US have over Japan?
US-Japan Security Treaty 1951 e.g gave USA unrestricted use of military bases in Japan.
What action did the US take within Japan 1952-1954?
Rearmament. Started by Macarthur and when Eisenhower took office in 1953 it increased. Driven by threat in Korea. Although did create some instability within Japan due to pro and anti attitudes so after 1954 (K War ended) US managed it to control instability.
What happened in China 1949?
At the start of 1949 communist victory in Chinese Civil War against Jiang Jieshi’s Nationalist forces. In June the Chinese Communist Party announced its allegiance to the USSR.
What was Mao Zedong concerned about regarding the USA and Taiwan?
Concerned the USA would support an exiled Jiang Jieshi from Taiwan as this would undermine Mao’s aim of a united and intact communist China. Did not believe USA would have interfered in Civil War as it was more interested in Europe than Asia.
What was Dean G. Acheson (new sec of state after Marshall) committed to?
Supporting the KMT (Nationalists) in Taiwan but believed this should be done secretly.
Also committed to doing nothing which may enforce a Sino-Soviet alliance.
What was the ‘Defensive Perimeter Strategy’?
January 1950 just before Sino-Soviet treaty. Included Island which in Acheson’s view were the essential parts of the defensive perimeter of the Pacific and must be held. Criticised for omitting Korea (although was committed to protecting SK)
What was NSC-68?
National Security Council Resolution which stressed the urgency of building the USA’s political, economic and military power. Focused on the globalisation of the Cold War, with a powerful military emphasis on containment. 1950g
Difference between NSC-68 and Kennan’s Long Telegram?
NSC-68 focused on globalisation of CW.
Long Telegram urged the USA to take action against USSR’s actions in Europe.
How was 1950 a Cold War turning point?
NSC-68, loss of China, alliance with Japan, D Perimeter Strategy, NK invaded SK.
