Lecture 7 Flashcards
Tehran Conference
The Tehran Conference was a meeting between U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin in Tehran, Iran, between November 28 and December 1, 1943.
Though military questions were dominant, the Tehrān Conference saw more discussion of political issues than had occurred in any previous meeting between Allied governmental heads. Not only did Stalin reiterate that the Soviet Union should retain the frontiers provided by the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact of 1939 and by the Russo-Finnish Treaty of 1940, but he also stated that it would want the Baltic coast of East Prussia. Though the settlement for Germany was discussed at length, all three Allied leaders appeared uncertain; their views were imprecise on the topic of a postwar international organization; and, on the Polish question, the western Allies and the Soviet Union found themselves in sharp dissension, Stalin expressing his continued distaste for the Polish government-in-exile in London. On Iran, which Allied forces were partly occupying, they were able to agree on a declaration (published on December 1, 1943) guaranteeing the postwar independence and territorial integrity of that state and promising postwar economic assistance.
Finally, the three leaders issued a “Declaration of the Three Powers Regarding Iran.” Within it, they thanked the Iranian Government for its assistance in the war against Germany and promised to provide it with economic assistance both during and after the war. Most importantly, the U.S., British, and Soviet Governments stated that they all shared a “desire for the maintenance of the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Iran.”
Roosevelt secured many of his objectives during the Conference. The Soviet Union had committed to joining the war against Japan and expressed support for Roosevelt’s plans for the United Nations. Most importantly, Roosevelt believed that he had won Stalin’s confidence by proving that the United States was willing to negotiate directly with the Soviet Union and, most importantly, by guaranteeing the opening of the second front in France by the spring of 1944. However, Stalin also gained tentative concessions on Eastern Europe that would be confirmed during the later wartime conferences.
From feedback
Meeting in late 1943 between FDR, Stalin, and Roosevelt.
Agreed on: opening a second front in Europe; Stalin to enter war v Japan after German defeat
Discussed post war fate of Iran (invaded by Sov/GBR although neutral)
Discussed Turkey- tried to get it to enter the war
Discussed Poland – future eastern borders
Implications:
Superpower meddling/great power management
Drawing borders is a favourite pastime
Chinese Civil War
The Chinese civil war began in 1927, and ran until 1937 when there was a pause in hostilities as both sides fought Japan. This fight was not particularly coordinated or cooperative. At the end of the war in 1945 the civil war begins again in earnest. The invasion of Manchuria by the USSR provides an obvious assist to the communists. The Soviets end up swiftly in control of all Manchuria because of the speed of the Japanese military collapse. The Japanese military leave behind a considerable amount of military gear, and Manchuria is conveniently located near communist strongholds. This gives an immediate boost to the communists. The American position in relation to the war is surprisingly nuanced. The US is supporting nationalist troops, they are aware that communist victory looks likely as early as 1947. President Truman releases the China White Paper in 1947 which argues that the civil war must be settled by the Chinese and the US cannot determine the outcome. By 1949 Communist victory is assured and the KMT have moved to Taiwan (the first major unsettled/argued over flashpoint we will meet in today’s lecture).
China White Paper
The ability of the PRC and the United States to find common ground in the wake of the establishment of the new Chinese state was hampered by both domestic politics and global tensions. In August of 1949, the Truman administration published the “China White Paper,” which explained past U.S. policy toward China based upon the principle that only Chinese forces could determine the outcome of their civil war. Unfortunately for Truman, this step failed to protect his administration from charges of having “lost” China. The unfinished nature of the revolution, leaving a broken and exiled but still vocal Nationalist Government and Army on Taiwan, only heightened the sense among U.S. anti-communists that the outcome of the struggle could be reversed. The outbreak of the Korean War, which pitted the PRC and the United States on opposite sides of an international conflict, ended any opportunity for accommodation between the PRC and the United States. Truman’s desire to prevent the Korean conflict from spreading south led to the U.S. policy of protecting the Chiang Kai-shek government on Taiwan.
38th Parallel
Division of north and south Korea. Armistice agreed July 27 1953. a security flashpoint in Asia. Material devastation of Korean peninsula. Makes it clear Chinese and North Korea are allies. Globalisation and militarisation of Cold War.
The war ends with an armistice (laying down of arms) not a formal peace treaty on 27 June 1953 – and is technically still under an armistice. This explains why the border situation between NK and SK remains so tense – border returned to the 38th parallel.
At this point clear that the Chinese/US relationship is broken and unlikely to recover. The Soviet Union and China are more closely allied.
From feedback
The 38th Parallel marked the line between US and USSR occupation of Korea after WWII. The collapse of Japane upon surrender in 1945 led to the two countries splitting the peninsula and the development of two different regimes. Those in the North – led by Kim Il Sung – crossed the 38th P in 1950, sparking the Korean War. The UN/US forces, fighting with the South, crossed back over the parallel later on, pushing closer to the K-C border, which brought the Chinese into the war. The 38th P is also used to refer to the armistice line which ended the KW in 1953 and still exists today. In other words, the term is closely linked to the KW.
This war was an important driver in shaping future characteristics of the CW. It solidified perceptions of a communist bloc in Asia, and strengthened the view that communists were all the same. It allowed the US to raise their defence budgets, enabling higher defense spending for the rest of the CW. It was also the first military clash of the CW, setting up the idea of a globalised war. It became important for the US to fight communism worldwide, and demonstrate resolve to prevent future communist expansion.
Unresolved border situations are hotspots
Differences of the war in Asia – long period of lack of settlement
Solidifies the fact that the Cold War is militarized and global – impact on future crises
US containment now military – means increased spending, shift in policy to containing everywhere and with military means.
Kuomintang
Chinese civil war, the K government splits into two factions, left and right wing factions. While initially the same party, by 1927 the coalition dissolves into civil war.
There are two Chinas operating: Kuomintang (KMT): Chinese nationalists under Chiang Kai Shek; Communist China(CCP) under Mao. Both have different interests. CCP supported by USSR; KMT by the US (although with some ambivalence). USSR invades August 1945 via Manchuria, near Communist zones of control – so this is an advantage to the CCP
From feedback
Chinese Nationalist Party established in 1919. Officially the sole ruling party 1928-1949 but in practice not much control (warlords/CCP). Retreat to Taiwan.
Implications
WWII in Asia is different
Chinese power vacuum during the first half of the 20th century
Problems of recognition/support – which China?
Demonstrates some of the inconsistencies in US policy towards China at the end of WWII
Ongoing ‘unresolved’ issue of WWII – Taiwan.
Change in US policy to come (next week!) – diplomatic recognition of China.
