Peruod 8 1945-1952 3/31/2025 Flashcards
(85 cards)
What is the Truman Doctrine? When was it passed
A policy established in 1947 to implement containment against communism.
What prompted the Truman Doctrine?
The communist uprising in Greece and Soviet demands for the Dardanelles in Turkey.
How much financial aid was provided to Greece and Turkey under the Truman Doctrine?
$400 million.
What was the purpose of the aid under the Truman Doctrine?
To assist ‘free people’ against ‘totalitarian’ regimes.
What was the Marshall Plan?
A program established in 1947 that provided $12 billion in aid to Western Europe.
Why did the Soviets reject the Marshall Plan?
They were against capitalism.
What was one effect of the Marshall Plan by the 1950s?
Western Europe became self-sustaining.
What was a significant economic effect of the Marshall Plan on the U.S.?
Bolstered U.S. prosperity through increased exports.
What was the result of the Marshall Plan on U.S.-Soviet relations?
Increased rift and tension between the U.S. and Soviets.
What was the Berlin Airlift?
An operation where the U.S. dropped supplies into West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.
When did the Soviet blockade of Berlin occur?
In June 1948.
What was the outcome of the Berlin Airlift?
Stalin lifted the blockade in May 1949.
What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?
An alliance of ten European nations, the U.S., and Canada formed to work outside the Soviet Union’s veto power
NATO was established to provide collective defense against the Soviet threat.
Who was the Supreme Commander of NATO?
Eisenhower
Eisenhower played a crucial role in the establishment and leadership of NATO.
What was the Soviet response to NATO?
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact was a collective defense treaty among the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies.
What significant legislation was passed in 1947 related to national security?
National Security Act
This act led to the creation of the Department of Defense, the Air Force, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
What council was created to develop foreign policy during the Cold War?
National Security Council
The National Security Council was pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy in response to the Cold War.
What agency was established as part of the National Security Act?
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The CIA was created to gather intelligence and conduct covert operations.
What major development in atomic weapons occurred in 1949?
Soviet Union Tests First Atomic Bomb
This event marked the beginning of the nuclear arms race during the Cold War.
What was the purpose of the secret report NSC-68 issued in 1950?
To outline the need for a strong military response to the Cold War
NSC-68 recommended a significant increase in defense spending.
By how much did the report NSC-68 propose to increase defense spending?
4x defense spending
This recommendation aimed to bolster U.S. military capabilities against the Soviet Union.
What percentage of GNP did NSC-68 suggest should be allocated to defense spending?
20% of GNP
This was a dramatic increase in military expenditure relative to the overall economy.
What was a key strategy to convince the public regarding defense spending?
Convince public spending was necessary
Public support was crucial for justifying increased military budgets.
What was a key objective of alliances with non-communist countries during the Cold War?
To counter Soviet influence
Alliances aimed to create a united front against the spread of communism.