Increasing cold war tensions Flashcards
What events between 1949-1953 contributed to the escalation of Cold War tensions?
The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950.
The Chino-Soviet alliance of 1950.
The communist revolution in China in 1949.
The USSR successfully testing an atomic bomb in 1949.
How did international attitudes increase Cold War tensions?
Stalin became more hostile to the West and imposed a more repressive rule over the USSR and Soviet Bloc countries.
The USA positioned itself as the ‘leader of the free world’ and the ‘world’s policeman,’ using its military and economic power within the United Nations, which antagonized the Soviet Bloc.
What was the ‘Red Scare’ in the USA?
The ‘Red Scare’ was a period starting in 1947 when fears of communist infiltration in the USA led to intense scrutiny and investigations by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC).
Who was Alger Hiss, and why was he significant during the ‘Red Scare’?
Alger Hiss was a US diplomat investigated by HUAC in 1948. He was convicted of perjury in 1950 for passing information to the USSR, fueling fears that American leaders were susceptible to communist influence.
Who was Joseph McCarthy, and what role did he play in the ‘Red Scare’?
Joseph McCarthy was a Republican senator who spread fears of communist infiltration in the US government, military, and film industry. His accusations, many unfounded, increased paranoia during the ‘Red Scare.’
What claims did McCarthy make in his 1950 speech in West Virginia?
McCarthy claimed that:
- Communists had infiltrated the US State Department.
- The Truman administration was too lenient on communism.
- Truman’s failure to act in the Chinese Civil War contributed to the Korean War.
- Communists were present in the US armed forces and film industry.
How did McCarthyism affect US foreign policy?
McCarthy’s influence increased public pressure on foreign policy, emphasizing the need for stronger action in Asia. He criticized Truman’s policies in Asia and linked perceived inaction to the spread of communism, citing the Chinese Civil War and Korean War as examples.
How did McCarthyism impact Britain?
In Britain, fears of communism intensified. McCarthyism reinforced the importance of the ‘special relationship’ with the USA and raised concerns that inaction in Asia could lead to a weakened Europe.
What did McCarthy write to President Truman regarding communist infiltration?
McCarthy claimed, ‘The State Department harbors a nest of communist sympathizers who are helping to shape our foreign policy. I have in my possession the names of 57 communists who are in the State Department at present.’
When was the United Nations (UN) established, and what was the composition of its membership by 1950?
The UN was established in October 1945. By 1950, it had 60 members, most of whom were capitalist and pro-Western.
How did the USA dominate the United Nations?
The UN headquarters was in New York, and much of its funding came from the USA.
The USA’s influence on world trade through the Marshall Plan further reinforced its dominance.
Almost all of Europe (except Spain) relied on American financial support from the Marshall Plan.
Why was the USA referred to as the ‘world’s policeman’?
The USA became a military superpower and saw itself as the defender of the ‘free world.’
Many European colonial nations supported the USA as they sought independence.
The USA’s dominance in the UN increased as Communist China was excluded, and its seat was given to pro-American Taiwan.
What role did veto powers play in the UN?
The UN had five permanent members with veto powers:
USA, Britain, France, China, and the USSR.
These veto powers limited unilateral actions, including those of the USA, ensuring a balance of influence.
How was Communist China isolated in the UN?
Communist China was excluded from the UN, with its seat given to Taiwan.
Despite this, China formed an alliance with the USSR in 1950 and became the largest financial supporter of North Korea.
What was the USA’s stance against China in the 1950s?
The USA maintained a strong military presence in South Korea during and after the Korean War.
It supported Taiwan and Japan to prevent Communist expansion in the region.
These actions contributed to strained relations between China and the West until the 1970s.
