Increasing Cold War Tensions Flashcards
Why was there a growing mood of anti-communism after the Korean War?
McCarthy. He promoted the idea that there was an army of conspirators working within US government, influencing US policies. In 1954 he made the claim that the Reds (communists) had infiltrated the army. Truman was criticised for being too soft on communism and being responsible for the loss of China. He and followers ruined end of 1954, US senate found him guilty.
What was the impact of McCarthyism on Britain and Europe?
Emphasised urgency of moving US policies away from a Eurocentric focus to a more ‘Asia-first’ viewpoint. McCarthy took the view that the Korean War wouldn’t have started if Truman hadn’t failed to recognise the threat of the spread of communism in Asia.
What was Britain’s opinion on McCarthy’s Asia first viewpoint?
Britain didn’t like it. Saw it as dangerous thinking. Britain was concerned about the USA’s more aggressive Cold War thinking and didn’t want to ruin the territorial status quo the creation of NATO had established. Was concerned that Korea might lead to USSR destablishing Europe whilst international community was focused on Asia.
Why was US the dominant force in the UN?
Headquarters was in NY. Pro-Western membership. Only EE state was Poland. Membership was pro-western and capitalist- therefore pro-US interests. USA saw UN as an opportunity to intervene in a global scale however ‘veto’ (members could vote against intervention) was a limitation- exception to veto was Korea. The notion that communism was a global threat and needed a global response became central to US thinking.
What was McCarthyism’s impact on Truman’s view on China?
Truman became more interested in China (something he had lacked in after Sino-Soviet alliance). China had been weakened after K War, since USSR refused to commit their own troops, but were happy to commit Chinese troops.
