Test 3 Flashcards
Describe the origin of conflict in Greece at the beginning of the Cold War
Conflict had been building during WWII, divide amongst communist and non communists orientated resistance groups.
Once common enemy is gone they set upon each other.
British had occupation force but cannot maintain it.
What motivated our concern with Greece at the beginning of the Cold War
Greek communists were getting weapons and money funneled through Yugoslavia
Truman was concerned that the communists would win, and the SU communist regime would have access to mediterranean and have dagger pointed toward Turkey.
Dean Acheson, Secretary of State, said we must do something. Truman embraces the policy of containment
Truman wants to intervene in Greece. How does he do so?
Needs authorization from Congress. To sell to his constituents, gives Truman Doctrine Speech.
US must commit itself to supporting free peoples resisting attempted subjugation - we don’t want the cradle of democracy to crumble
Spells out American policy for the Cold War for the next two to three decades
How did we intervene in Greece? What was the result?
Sent weapons, money, advisors (not war)
Non-communists eventually won with our support in brutal fighting
Some of Greece is still communist to this day and resents the US
Describe the state of Europe after WWII. What was the US concern?
A destroyed continent, war caused devolved nations and displaced persons, difficult winters and political chaos.
It was apparent that if this continues Europe is going to go in the direction of desperate poverty.
How did the US respond to the economic crisis in Europe post WWII?
The Marshall Plan. To Europe “Tell us what you need”.
George Marshall was the current Secretary of State and believed the US needed to sponsor a program.
What were the reasons behind the Marshall Plan?
1) Help the US Economy, most of our exports go to Europe and we need their economy in good shape
2) Only with strong economies will countries be able to ward off SU and communism (containment)
3) PR program for US
What was the key country in the Marshall Plan? Why?
Germany. Potential strongest country in Europe with an uneasy division along occupation zones.
Germany was drifting toward permanent division, and revitalizing it would antagonize the Soviets and hopefully avoid that division.
Describe the Soviet participation in the Marshall plan
US offered them participation but they turned it down and created the molotov plan to rebuild Eastern Europe, it didn’t go anywhere.
Marshall plan becomes Western European orientated, which is what we wanted
Why was the Marshall plan a hard sell?
17 billion dollar plan that could be perceived as just a giveaway program
What eventually sold the Marshall Plan?
Events in Czechoslovakia, where communists killed prominent leaders and took power by force
Czechoslovakia could be thought of the doorway to the west, and the recent history with the Munich pact added extra baggage.
How successful was the Marshall Plan?
Very successful, saw a 33% increase in GDP with 13.5 billion spent
Describe the significance of the Marshall Plan from a US historical perspective at that point
Would never in the past have done this, it showed how the American economic concept could succeed, provided economic containment and postured as altruism
What were the two major changes to the US armed forces by Truman after WWII?
National Security Act and Executive Order 9981
Describe the National Security Act
Reorganized the armed forces.
1) Creates independent Air Force not part of Army
2) Creates department of Defense
3) Creates joint chiefs of staff
4) Creates the Central Intelligence Agency
Describe the Department of defense
All other services are subservient to DOD
Adds cabinet member secretary of Defense
Describe the joint chiefs of staff
Chairman of the join chiefs is theoretically the president’s number one military advisor, but in reality it is usually the secretary of defense
Supposed to rotate between branches but it’s up to the president
Describe executive order 9981
Desegregates the armed forces
Beginning of more opportunity for African Americans, and allows for greater talent base
Soviet action in Berlin by Stalin
Blockade, Stalin didn’t want the western allies in Berlin
No more road, water, or rail access
What were the options for Truman after the Soviet blockade of Berlin?
Option 1: go to war, you have a right to be in west Berlin
Soviets have 100 divisions in eastern europe, we have around 1
War scare
Option 2: leave Western Berlin
not really containment
Option 3: airlift supplies
Describe the Berlin airlift
Chancy, had to do it on the fly a round the clock airlift with many logistic challenges
Food, clothing, medicine, operation little vittles
Aided the American brand and went on for a year, soviets eventually realize the western Berliners are better off than they were before
A lot of time American presidents choose the middle choice for following containment
Emergence of NATO, description
As conflict in Berlin is occurring
First military alliance in peacetime, between Non communists states in Europe with some exceptions (Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland)
Millions of Americans will serve in europe
Events in the Middle East post WWII
Restlessness in North Africa and Middle East
-Ottoman Empire was authority until end of WWI
WWII accelerated the pace of Arab and jewish nationalism that led to a showdown in Palestine
Survivors of holocaust wanted to go to palestine, considered it their homeland, didn’t feel welcome in Europe
-led to zionist movement, potential civil war in palestine
GB changes in involvement in the Middle East post WWII
Withdrew from their responsibilities due to domestic concerns. Turned the problem of a palestine civil war over to UN
UN involvement in Middle East
Russia just wants to make serious inroads for oil, America is ambivalent. Three major powers pledge to leave Iran which had been jointly occupied in the war
Conundrum for US in Palestine post WWII
We cannot associate ourselves with the establishment of jewish homeland in Palestine as we need good relations with the Arabs, but it is a moral question of whether we need to stand up for the Jews.
We also cannot yield the ground to soviets and allow soviet expansion in the Middle East.
Truman is hearing passionate arguments from both sides
Israeli war of independence
Israelis declare independence, starts a war
Arab neighbors immediately attack, they were given a compromise but wanted the whole thing
Israelis win, conquer large amount of land
Worlds reaction to Israeli war of Independence
US first to recognize as legitimate country, SU was second for more immoral reasons
American involvement in Chinese Civil War
Marshall had gone to China to try and broker a settlement but it was a dismal failure
Truman administration didn’t want communists to win but didn’t want to get involved in a major war on Asian Continent right after WWII
Result of Chinese Civil War
Communists won, Chiang Kai Shek left to Taiwan
China was our ally, now they weren’t. America is stunned.
Massive turning point in the Cold War, shifted the focus to Europe
Domestic actions by US after WWII, Trumans first term
What led to post war economic boom?
Servicemen’s Readjustment act or GI Bill
6 billion dollar tax cut
Taft Hartley act
First two led to post war economic boom
Servicemen’s readjustment act or GI Bill
Rewarded veterans for their service:
Health benefits, establishment of VA, Loans, Educational benefits (showed how American life had changed from when land used to be the valuable thing)
6 billion dollar tax cut Truman
Leads to massive job creation and business growth; had been pent up demand during the war for consumer products
Taft Hartly act
Vetoed by Truman but overridden, ended closed shops (compulsory union membership)
Allowed the president to delay any strike that might endanger national safety or health
Truman and Civil Rights
Had been a civil rights explosion post WWII:
baseball desegregated, anti lynching laws
Truman believes in full equality for American citizens, but doesn’t want to split his party. Eventually he decides to be pro civil rights, which does split the party into the Dixiecrats who claim desegregation wouldn’t work.
Truman’s 1948 election
Dixiecrats are new form of pro-segregationist democrats.
Thomas Dewey is republican candidate, seems like he will win but Truman barely wins in big upset through tireless campaigning
Trumans goals for “Fair Deal”
Wants Nationalized healthcare, public housing, social security, repealing taft Hartley
Gets expansion of Social security benefits, public housing, permission of congress to admit 200,000 displaced persons
What two events in 1949 set the tone for Trumans second term?
Russia detonating their first nuclear bomb, and the communists winning the Chinese civil war
Led to a crisis of confidence
What were the two main beliefs in the US with regard to the increasing communist threat?
That the main communist weapon is subversion, and that the only way the US could lose the Cold War is subversion
What was the influence of the GI Bill on education?
Higher education is democratized, no longer for the elite. Changed the culture of campus (no hazing vets)
Describe the actions taken in due to early red scare hysteria
The Federal employee loyalty program made people pledge they were not affiliated with the communist party
Alger Hiss is accused of being a communist by a former communist
-The American activities committee formed earlier investigates him
Joseph Macarthy sees anti-communism as a issue he could build a constituency on and begins sowing fear and making general reckless accusations
Go into more depth on Joseph Macarthy
Republican, former marine intel officer
Makes a speech declaring having a list of 205 communists high in the Truman administration
Subpoenas people using power of federal government, sells a big conspiracy
Kingmaker for candidates, endorses some and condemns others
Creates a poisonous politcal environment
What was the very important Truman policy initiative that set the stage for the Cold War?
NSC 68
Calls for
1) Immediate military buildup on the part of the United States and its allies
2) Assume defense of the non communist or free world
35 billion dollar defense budget, showed that the cost for containment would be high in both bodies and money
Korea at end of WWII
Had been taken control by Japan, jointly occupied by Roosevelt and Stalin at end of WWII
Setup to Korean War
We had sent two divisions at end of WWII to disarm Japanese soldiers and quell civil war
Communists (Kim Il Sung) had Pyongyang and Anticommunists (Syngman Rhee) had Seoul
As Cold War sets in the Soviets support the north and we support the south, though not as much which created an imbalance of power towards the north
How did the invasion of South Korea start?
Kim Il Sung traveled to Moscow and Beijing asking for support to launch war against South Korea, both give permission (esp Mao, who will be more influential)
The communists powers believe that since USA didn’t provide the South Koreans with many weapons, we won’t be invested in a war
Describe the invasion of South Korea (militarily)
Three pronged attack: One for Seoul, one down central spine, one down coastline.
North Korean Army is crashing down border with hardly any resistance, Seoul goes down
Trumans reaction to the invasion of South Korea
He is obligated to get involved per NSC 68.
The crisis allows him to do three things:
1) Pursue containment (after initially deploying air strikes we realize we need boots on the ground)
2) Use US navy power to strengthen Taiwan (concern that South Korea is first of many moves by Communist power)
3) Prove to the Mcarthyists that he is tough on communism
UN involvement Korean War
The war in Korea will be decided by the UN Security Council
China doesn’t get a vote and the Soviets are boycotting because of it
NATO forces are sent by allied countries
What were the three main lessons America faced after the War in Korea?
1) There were limits to US power
2) Total victory is not always attainable or desirable, as it might have to come from total nuclear war
3) Containment is costly in money and bodies
War in Korea, first job of Commander Macarthur
Hold the Pusan perimeter is South Korea and reinforce with troops (many from Japan, underprepared) and Airstrikes
War in Korea, first American offensive
Flanking amphibious invasion of Seoul, allowed for breakout of Pusan perimeter and fight to liberate Seoul
Very successful, North Korean troops are in retreat
UN Mandate Korean War
To restore the original line on 38’ parallel
Why did we not follow the UN Mandate for the Korean War?
It was thought we had the opportunity to pursue a rollback of communism and take out North Korea
Describe the decision to attempt a rollback policy in the Korean War
Truman and MacArthur agrees on the premise that MacArthur says China won’t get involved
Emergence of Chinese involvement in the Korean War
Mao Zedong filters in men to the disbelief of MacArthur, eventually launch massive offensive against UN forces
Chosin Reservoir battle
Chinese desperately trying to overwhelm the drastically outnumbered UN troops
Attack at night with huge waves of assaults, UN just trying to maintain a perimeter in the freezing cold
Second communist invasion of South Korea
Seoul is taken over again, now engaged in a land war ion the asian continent with China
Chinese suffer 100,000s of casualties but have the bodies, they were planning on getting into the war
UN forces are pushed back south of Seoul
US Reaction to second communist invasion of South Korea.
Truman’s goal vs MacArthurs?
Truman asks for emergency war powers from Congress and NFC 68 type powers
Truman reverts back to containment but MacArthur still wants rollback and total victory over the asian continent
What were the war making powers given to Truman after the second communist invasion of South Korea?
1) Reintroduction of Selective Service
Draft is back
2) 50 billion defense budget
ceiling for NFC 68 but now we’re beginning with that
3) Sending more troops overseas
6 divisions to europe
defend against eastern european communist regime
assure NATO partners, guard against soviet threat
Dwight Eisenhower commands them
4) Double the number of air groups in US air force
5) US army goes from 1 million to 3.5 million
What were the two main questions for NATO allies as to reaction of second communist invasion of South Korea?
1) Should we try and go over the parallel again?
2) Should we try and use nuclear weapons?
Causes political disagreements in america
Second liberation of Seoul
Communist forces spend themself with staggering loses, US forces decide not to go past parallel besides a few key military locations.
Stalin offers truce, which Truman rejects
Why does Truman reject Stalins initial truce?
1) He fears that if the crisis goes away you’ll still have the problem and not have implemented nsc 58
2) Worried that Mccarthy guys are going to attack him for giving up victory in Korea
Truman and MacArthurs disagreement at the border after second liberation of Seoul
Truman orders MacArthur to halt at the perimeter, MacArthur advances and defies commander in chief
Truman has to fire MacArthur, who wants to have a presidential campaign after
What happens after MacArthur continues to advance past the 38’?
There is a bit of back and forth, eventually everyone realizes that rollback is not possible. MacArthur is succeeded by Matthew Ridgeway and starts to lose support.
Describe the last few years of war in Korea
War drags on for a couple more years at the MLR ‘Main Line of Resistance’. Americans are still drafted
What are the two main points of negotiation at the end of the Korean War?
1) Where is the border going to be? (Communists test how much we want to maintain the border)
2) Both sides want they’re POWs back (An issue cause some communists don’t want to go back)
Eisenhower’s run for office
Decides at the last minute to campaign, now premier military personality compared to MacArthur, gets a resounding victory and republicans get the White House back
Political changes in the Cold War at the beginning of Eisenhower administration
Stalin dies which results in lessening of Cold War tension, post stalinist political chaos
Eisenhower’s first public attitude towards the Korean War
Hints about escalating the war now that Stalin is dead, drives the communists to renegotiate
Korea after the Korean War
Two Koreas til this day; still a hostile situation
The Americans will continue to have a military presence in South Korea, their troops get way better as South Korea functions as a military regime for decades
North Korea does very well for a few decades until economic collapse, remains under Chinese influence
Four Major American Legacies of the Korean War
1) containment triumphs until Reagan
2) cold war is fought on the periphery, not between US, China, SU
Proxy wars are steam valves for tensions
Korea, Vietnam, Afganistán (70s,80s), Angola, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador
3) National Security State / Military Industrial complex is here to stay
NFC 68 solidifies it, wartime footing during peacetime
defense industry is major component of economy
4) US is going to make its own decisions in Cold War
If european powers had had their way the war would have been over earlier, they would have accepted armistice that stalin proposed
Characteristics of Eisenhower
Was apolitical publicly but private republican, opponent of new deal as a budget hawk
Earned a reputation as a hero due to command of Normandy invasion
“Dynamic conservative”
What does it mean that Eisenhower is a “dynamic conservative”?
Stays out of the way, no big taxes, not going to dismantle new deal
What were some domestic achievements of the Eisenhower administration?
Expansion of Social Security Benefits - threatens to leave his own party bc the other republicans don’t want it
Raising the minimum wage
Unemployment benefits
Cuts federal budget, cuts taxes
Reduces farm subsidies
Interstate highway act
Describe the Interstate highway act
Eisenhower was inspired by Hitlers autobahn and a US convoy to west coast where he experienced how poor the US road infrastructure was
41,000 miles of highway that changes the nature of this country (tourism, troop mobilization, growth of cities, growth of shops near roads)
