Eisenhowers new look policy

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

-Developed in 1953, was Eisenhowers attempt to continue Trumans policy of containment.
-Focused on the use of nuclear weapons and was intended as a way for the US to meet its Cold War military obligations.

Question 2

Massive retaliation

Answer 2

-Increased reliance on nuclear weapons which was the most cost-effective method of guaranteeing their security + most effective method to actually winning the Cold War.

Question 3

NSC 162/6 report of OCT 1953

Answer 3

-Emphasised that the most effective way to deter aggression against W.Europe was for the US to forcefully display its determination to use nuclear weapons + its nuclear superiority.

Question 4

Brinkmanship

Answer 4

-A strategy designed to convince your opponent that there is a risk of war or actual conflict.
-Showing no sign of backing down, instead to try force the other side to back down or face the consequences of actual war.
-The US would use their nuclear power to attempt to force agreements from their opponents.

Question 5

Opposition faced due to the New Look Policy

Answer 5

-Army+ navy leaders= angry about ensuing reductions in manpower and ships.
-New group of defence analysts, working in privately funded (often by defence industries) foundations.
-Critics denounced the new look policy, calling it ‘a dangerous gamble’—> would force the US to choose between a humiliating climb down or unleashing of mutually devastating nuclear exchange w/ USSR.
-Demanded that the US maintain sufficient conventional strength= enable them to intervene in land conflicts where nuclear warfare would be inappropriate.