Origins of the Cold War Flashcards
What did Truman tell Congress?
“It must be the policy of the United States to support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outisde pressures”
What did the Truman Doctrine say?
That America should help countries resist communist takeover with economic resources and troops if necessary
Why was the announcement of the Truman Doctrine so significant?
It marked an official change in policy away from isolationism, divided the world in terms of ideology and also showed that the Grand Alliance was finished
What did Truman make clear?
That the US should try to contain communism which becomes central to American foreign policy in the post-war years (e.g. Korea and eventually Vietnam)
What was Hungary like up to 1956?
- 1945 - Soviets take over - ‘free’ elections
- Communists come to power
- Rakosi’s rule - mini-Stalin/’bald butcher’
- Removal of opposition - ‘salami’ tactics
- Resources taken to Russia (coal, oil, etc)
- People unhappy - leads to protests
What were the main events during the Hungarian Uprising?
- Stalin died in 1953
- Khrushchev hinted that Communist control would relax
- Hungarians demonstrated against Communist rule
- Khrushchev appointed a more liberal ruler - Imre Nagy
- Nagy announced reforms such as free elections and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact
- Khrushchev sent the Soviet Army in, thousands killed, Nagy arrested and executed
What was the significance of Hungary Uprising?
- Showed that Khrushchev would use force to maintain control if necessary
- US offered food and medical aid but no military support
- US condemned USSR’s actions and this worsened relations
- Radicals in Eastern Europe were discouraged from following the Hungarians’ example
