Truman Forieign Policy Flashcards
The grand allaiance
Key Fact: The Grand Alliance consisted of the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain during World War II.
• Reason for Breakdown: Tensions emerged after Nazi Germany’s defeat, due to ideological differences and conflicting post-war goals.
• Key Event: Yalta Conference (February 1945) laid the groundwork but did not resolve fundamental differences between the powers.
Halts conference agreements
Feb 1945
Germany: Divided into four occupation zones (U.S., Britain, Soviet Union, France).
• Spheres of Influence:
• Soviet Union controlled Eastern Europe.
• U.S. controlled Western Europe.
• Britain controlled Greece.
• United Nations: Agreement on the formation of the United Nations.
• Soviet Assistance: Stalin agreed to aid the U.S. in fighting Japan after Germany’s defeat.
• Poland: Stalin promised free elections, but did not fulfill this promise, leading to tension.
• Soviet Reparations: Soviet demand for reparations from Germany.
Post war tensions
Poland and Eastern Europe: Stalin’s broken promise of free elections in Poland, and the USSR’s increasing control over Eastern Europe raised suspicions among the Western Allies.
• Ideological Divide: The U.S. and Britain, as capitalist democracies, opposed Soviet communism, which created growing conflict.
Trumans policy shift April 1945
Event: Truman became President on April 12, 1945, following Roosevelt’s death.
• Key Focus: Transition to a tougher stance on communism and Soviet relations, contrasting with Roosevelt’s more conciliatory approach.
Potsdam conference
July-august 1945
Key Leaders: Truman, Stalin, and British Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
• Key Discussion: Division of Germany and the future of Europe.
• Strained Relations: Truman and Stalin’s relationship was tense, with Truman critical of Stalin’s policies.
Trumans anti communism
Reason for Shift: Truman did not want to appear “soft on communism.”
• Focus: A firm stance against the spread of communism, especially in Eastern Europe.
• Impact: Marked a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, especially toward the Soviet Union.
George Kennan’s containment doctrine
Key Person: George Kennan, U.S. diplomat.
• Key Concept: Containment – a policy to prevent the spread of Soviet communism.
• Key Action: Kennan’s “Long Telegram” (1946) advised that the U.S. should adopt a firm but patient approach in dealing with the Soviet Union.
The Truman doctrine
1947
Key Speech: Truman’s speech outlined U.S. support for Greece and Turkey against communist forces.
• Significance: Officially marked the U.S. commitment to contain communism globally.
• Funding: The U.S. provided $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey.
The Marshall plan
1947
Key Fact: U.S. economic aid to Western Europe ($13 billion).
• Goal: To rebuild war-torn Europe and prevent the spread of communism.
• Outcome: Strengthened non-communist governments in Europe; USSR rejected the aid, reinforcing the East-West divide.
Berlin blockade and airlift
1948-1949
Event: Stalin’s blockade of West Berlin in 1948.
• U.S. Response: Truman ordered the Berlin Airlift to supply the city with food and supplies, avoiding direct military confrontation.
• Outcome: Strengthened U.S.-European alliances and led to the establishment of NATO in 1949.
Formation of nato
1949
Key Fact: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established as a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and Western European countries.
• Purpose: To counter the Soviet threat and provide collective security against potential Soviet aggression.
A superpower emerges
Key Shift: Post-WWII, the U.S. emerged as a global superpower committed to containing communism.
• Key Policies: Containment, the Truman Doctrine, and the Marshall Plan were central to U.S. foreign policy in the late 1940s.
• Impact on Europe: U.S. policies helped shape the post-war order, reinforcing Western Europe’s shift away from communism.
Truman doctrine (definition)
Definition: A U.S. foreign policy aimed at containing the spread of communism by providing economic and military assistance to countries resisting communist influence.
• Key Focus: Greece and Turkey received support to prevent communist takeovers.
• Impact: Marked the beginning of the Cold War policy of containment.
Marshall plan (def)
Definition: An American initiative to provide economic aid to Western European countries to help them rebuild after World War II.
• Key Focus: Offered over $12 billion in aid to 16 European countries.
• Impact: Strengthened Western Europe against communist influence, boosted economic recovery, and promoted capitalism.
Berlin blockade and airlift
Berlin Blockade: Soviet attempt to cut off access to West Berlin, which was located within the Soviet-controlled part of Germany.
• Berlin Airlift: Western Allies’ response, flying supplies into West Berlin for almost a year to circumvent the blockade.
• Impact: Marked a significant early Cold War victory for the West and further solidified Germany’s division.
Creation of nato
Definition: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed as a military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and 10 Western European nations.
• Key Focus: Collective defense against Soviet aggression.
• Impact: The formation of NATO solidified the U.S. commitment to defend Europe, leading to a permanent Western military alliance.
NSC-68
Definition: A U.S. National Security Council document outlining the strategy of containing Soviet power and preventing communist expansion globally.
• Key Focus: Advocated for a massive military buildup and increased defense spending.
• Impact: Led to an escalation in the arms race and the militarization of U.S. foreign policy.
Korean War
1950-53
Context: Fought between communist North Korea (with Soviet and Chinese support) and non-communist South Korea (supported by the U.S. and the United Nations).
• U.S. Involvement: Truman’s decision to intervene militarily in defense of South Korea as part of his policy to contain communism.
• Impact: Demonstrated the global reach of the Cold War and further entrenched U.S. military alliances, especially in Asia.
Truman doctrine and containment strategy
Definition: Truman’s broader foreign policy strategy aimed at containing the spread of communism, particularly from the Soviet Union.
• Key Focus: Support for countries resisting communism, direct intervention, and military alliances.
• Impact: Established the U.S. as a global leader in the fight against communism.
The red scare and McCarthyism
Context: U.S. domestic fear of communist infiltration, especially following the Soviet atomic bomb test and the rise of communist governments in Eastern Europe and China.
• Impact: Fueled anti-communist hysteria in the U.S., leading to intense investigations, blacklists, and persecution of suspected communists, both within the government and in society
What key decisions were made at the Potsdam conference in Germany
A: Germany was divided into four zones of occupation controlled by the USA, USSR, Britain, and France. Berlin was also divided into four sectors despite being located in the Soviet zone. Reparations were agreed upon, and efforts to denazify Germany and put Nazi leaders on trial were decided.
What was the Morgenthau Plan, and why was it rejected?
The Morgenthau Plan advocated for dismantling Germany’s industrial capabilities and reducing it to an agrarian state. Truman rejected it, fearing it would repeat the mistakes of the Treaty of Versailles and lead to German resentment and future militarism.
What caused the Berlin blockade and how did the west respond
Stalin blockaded West Berlin in 1948 to prevent the Western Allies from unifying their zones and introducing the Deutschmark. The West responded with the Berlin Airlift, delivering food and supplies to West Berlin for 11 months.
What prompted the creation of NATO
The Berlin Blockade and Soviet aggression led the U.S. and Western European countries to form NATO in April 1949, a mutual defense alliance to protect against Soviet expansion.
What were the main recommendations of nsc-68
NSC-68 recommended increasing U.S. military spending to counter Soviet expansion and adopting a policy of global containment. It argued for active military deterrence against communist movements worldwide.
What was the significance of the Berlin airlift
The Berlin Airlift was a significant victory for the West, showcasing the effectiveness of containment and preventing the fall of West Berlin into Soviet hand
How did NATO expand in 1955
West Germany joined NATO on May 9, 1955, in response to Soviet actions. This prompted the creation of the Warsaw Pact, a Soviet-led military alliance with its Eastern European allies.
How did the ncs-68 impact us military spendings
NSC-68 led to a dramatic increase in defense spending, from $13 billion in the late 1940s to $50 billion by 1953, which strengthened the U.S. military-industrial complex.
How did the fall of china to communism affect us foreign policy
The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 intensified U.S. fears of Soviet expansion and led to a more aggressive approach to containing communism, particularly in Asia
What were the main causes of the Korean War
The Korean War was caused by the division of Korea at the 38th parallel, Soviet and Chinese support for North Korea’s communist ambitions, U.S. anti-communist sentiment, and the global Cold War context.
When did North Korea invade South Korea and what was the result
On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea, triggering a U.S.-led military response under the United Nations to repel the invasion.
What role did NSC-68 play in shaping U.S. military strategy during the Cold War?
NSC-68 shaped U.S. military strategy by advocating for an active military response to Soviet expansion, leading to increased military spending and a shift away from isolationism to global interventionism.
What was NATO’s collective defence principle
NATO’s collective defense principle states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, ensuring mutual protection among its member states, particularly against Soviet aggression.
Why was the Berlin airlift considered a success
The Berlin Airlift prevented West Berlin from falling to Soviet control and demonstrated Western commitment to containing communism, especially in a key symbolic location like Berlin.
How did the Berlin blockade lead to the creation of two German states
After the blockade, the Western Allies unified their zones and created the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in 1949. In response, the Soviet Union established the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1949, officially dividing Germany.
How did china influence the outcome of the Korean War
China’s involvement in the Korean War (1950) escalated the conflict when Chinese troops entered the war to support North Korea, pushing U.N. forces back and prolonging the conflict.
Why was the Korean War seen as an extension of the Cold War
The Korean War was a direct result of the ideological struggle between communism (led by the USSR and China) and capitalism (led by the USA), with both superpowers supporting their respective sides in Korea.
How did the Korean War affect us domestic policies
The Korean War intensified the Red Scare and McCarthyism, contributing to increased anti-communist sentiment and political pressure on President Truman to take decisive action against the spread of communism.
What event highlighted the division of Germany and Cold War tensions in 1961
The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 symbolized the division of East and West Germany, physically separating East Berlin (controlled by the USSR) from West Berlin (controlled by the Allies).
Why was West Berlin a flashpoint during the Cold War
West Berlin, located deep in East Germany, symbolized the division between capitalism and communism. Its status as a democratic enclave surrounded by communist East Germany made it a focal point of Cold War tensions
What was the key objective of the Truman Doctrine, and how did it shape U.S. foreign policy?
The Truman Doctrine aimed to contain the spread of communism by providing military and economic assistance to countries resisting communist influence. This policy marked the beginning of U.S. interventionism in global conflicts, particularly in Greece and Turkey.
How did the U.S. respond to Soviet actions in Eastern Europe, particularly in 1947?
The U.S. responded by implementing the Truman Doctrine, providing $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey to prevent communist influence in the region, which marked a significant U.S. intervention in Europe.
What was the role of atomic power in U.S.-Soviet relations during the early Cold War?
The U.S. initially had a nuclear monopoly after WWII, which heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The Baruch Plan (1946) to internationalize atomic energy was rejected by the USSR, fueling the arms race and increasing Cold War tensions.
How did economic competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union contribute to the Cold War?
Both nations feared economic dominance by the other. The U.S. used the Marshall Plan to aid in rebuilding Western Europe and prevent communist expansion, while the Soviet Union sought to control Eastern Europe’s resources to rebuild its own economy.
How did the Marshall Plan contribute to the policy of containment?
The Marshall Plan provided $13.5 billion in aid to Western Europe to rebuild economies, stabilize currencies, and prevent the spread of communism. It was a critical part of the U.S. strategy to contain Soviet influence in Europe.
What was the significance of the U.S. economic interests in the Marshall Plan?
The Marshall Plan helped Europe recover, which in turn created stable markets for U.S. goods. A third of the world’s exports came from the U.S. in 1947, and ensuring European countries could purchase American products was part of the U.S. economic strategy.
How did the shift from economic aid to military aid occur in the early Cold War?
By 1951, 80% of American aid to Europe had become military in nature, reflecting the growing focus on containing communism through military means, especially as tensions with the Soviet Union escalated during the early Cold War period.
What was Truman’s response to the Soviet Union’s expansionist policies in Eastern Europe?
Truman responded by strengthening Western alliances and supporting anti-communist governments, particularly through the formation of NATO and the implementation of the Marshall Plan.
How did Truman’s hardline stance against communism impact the U.S.-Soviet relationship?
Truman’s policies, such as the Truman Doctrine, exemplified his tough stance against communism, which led to the breakdown of relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, contributing to the early tensions of the Cold War.
What was the significance of the Potsdam Conference for post-WWII Germany
The Potsdam Conference in 1945 resulted in the division of Germany into four occupation zones, controlled by the U.S., USSR, Britain, and France. This division laid the groundwork for Cold War tensions in Europe, particularly over the future of Berlin.
Why did Truman reject the idea of dismantling Germany’s industrial capacity after WWII?
Truman rejected plans to dismantle Germany’s industrial base, fearing it could lead to economic instability similar to the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. He aimed to rebuild Germany economically to prevent the rise of extremist ideologies.
How did the Berlin Blockade and Airlift impact U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War?
The Berlin Blockade (1948-1949) and the subsequent Berlin Airlift (led by the U.S.) became a significant flashpoint in the Cold War, symbolizing the division between communist East and capitalist West and intensifying the U.S.-Soviet rivalry.
How did Truman’s presidency shape the early years of the Cold War?
Truman’s aggressive containment policies, including the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the establishment of NATO, played a significant role in defining U.S. foreign policy during the early Cold War years, leading to heightened tensions with the Soviet Union.
What was the significance of the Soviet Union’s rejection of the Marshall Plan?
The Soviet Union’s rejection of the Marshall Plan in 1947 led to the further division of Europe, with the USSR creating its own economic bloc, Cominform. This rejection intensified the Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
What was the significance of the Berlin Blockade and the U.S. response?
The Soviet Union blocked access to West Berlin in 1948, but Truman responded by organizing the Berlin Airlift, supplying West Berlin with food and resources, thereby preventing Soviet control.
What was the purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and how did Truman contribute?
NATO was formed in 1949 as a military alliance between Western democracies to counter Soviet aggression. Truman played a key role in establishing NATO, solidifying U.S. commitment to the defense of Europe.
How did Truman handle the situation in China during his presidency?
Truman supported the Chinese Nationalists in their fight against communism, but after the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949 with a communist victory, Truman faced criticism for not preventing the rise of Mao Zedong’s regime.
What was the significance of the creation of the United Nations under Truman’s leadership?
Truman supported the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars, marking a major shift toward global diplomacy in U.S. foreign policy.
How did the U.S. respond to the Soviet detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949?
The Soviet Union’s successful detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 led Truman to approve the development of the hydrogen bomb, escalating the arms race between the U.S. and the USSR.
What was the purpose of the U.S. involvement in the Korean War under Truman?
Truman intervened in the Korean War (1950-1953) to prevent the spread of communism, following North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, and to uphold the policy of containment.
How did Truman’s foreign policy impact the relationship between the U.S. and Japan?
After World War II, Truman’s policy helped Japan rebuild economically and politically under U.S. guidance, eventually leading to Japan becoming a key U.S. ally in Asia during the Cold War.
What was the significance of the Truman Doctrine in the context of the Cold War?
The Truman Doctrine marked the official start of U.S. policy to contain communism worldwide, providing economic and military aid to nations threatened by communism, starting with Greece and Turkey
What was the primary objective of the U.S. occupation of Japan following WWII?
The occupation of Japan aimed to demilitarize the country, rebuild its economy, and establish a democratic government, setting the stage for Japan’s recovery and alignment with the U.S. during the Cold War
How did Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan affect U.S.-Soviet relations?
Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs on Japan in 1945 without consulting the Soviet Union increased tensions, as Stalin saw it as a demonstration of U.S. nuclear superiority and a threat to Soviet security.
How did the U.S. react to the Soviet Union’s expansion in Eastern Europe after WWII?
The U.S. responded by strengthening alliances in Europe through the formation of NATO, providing financial aid through the Marshall Plan, and supporting anti-communist governments to prevent Soviet expansion.
What was the significance of the 1947 “National Security Act” under Truman?
The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. military and intelligence agencies, creating the Department of Defense, CIA, and National Security Council, strengthening U.S. national security and Cold War strategy.
What role did Truman’s presidency play in the beginning of the arms race?
Truman’s decision to develop the hydrogen bomb in response to the Soviet Union’s atomic bomb test in 1949 marked the beginning of the nuclear arms race during the Cold War.
How did Truman deal with the Soviet Union’s blockade of Berlin in 1948?
Truman initiated the Berlin Airlift, an air supply mission that delivered essential goods to West Berlin, breaking the Soviet blockade and demonstrating U.S. commitment to defending Western Europe.
How did Truman’s foreign policy impact U.S.-Latin American relations?
Truman’s policy towards Latin America focused on strengthening hemispheric security and economic relations. The U.S. supported the creation of the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1948 to promote cooperation and prevent communist influence.
How did the Soviet Union’s post-WWII policies in Eastern Europe contribute to the Cold War?
The Soviet Union’s installation of communist governments in Eastern Europe after WWII raised fears in the U.S. of Soviet expansion, prompting the U.S. to adopt a policy of containment
What was the primary goal of the Truman Doctrine?
The Truman Doctrine aimed to contain the spread of communism by supporting countries resisting communist influence, particularly in Greece and Turkey.
How did Truman respond to the Soviet Union’s actions in Eastern Europe after World War II?
Truman took a tough stance against Soviet expansion, viewing it as part of a broader attempt to spread communism. This led to the development of containment policies like the Truman Doctrine.
What was the significance of the Marshall Plan?
The Marshall Plan provided financial aid to rebuild Western Europe after WWII, preventing the spread of communism by stabilizing European economies and fostering political stability.
What was the impact of the Soviet Union’s rejection of the Marshall Plan?
The Soviet Union rejected the Marshall Plan and prevented its satellite states from accepting it, leading to the establishment of the Soviet-controlled economic bloc, Cominform.
What was the “Iron Curtain” speech, and how did it relate to Truman’s foreign policy?
Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946 described the division of Europe into communist and non-communist spheres, which supported Truman’s policy of containment in Europe.
How did Truman view the role of atomic power in U.S.-Soviet relations?
Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs against Japan and the subsequent atomic monopoly created tensions with the Soviet Union, which feared American nuclear dominance.
How did Truman’s foreign policy contribute to the start of the Cold War?
Truman’s policies, including the Truman Doctrine and his tough stance on communism, contributed to escalating tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, leading to the Cold War.
What was Truman’s response to the Greek Civil War and its significance in Cold War context?
Truman supported the Greek government in the civil war, fearing communist expansion, which marked the start of the U.S. policy of containment in the Cold War.
What was the role of economic aid in Truman’s foreign policy?
Economic aid, like the Marshall Plan, played a key role in Truman’s policy of containment by stabilizing Europe economically to prevent communist influence.
How did the Soviet Union respond to U.S. efforts to rebuild Western Europe?
The Soviet Union viewed U.S. economic assistance through the Marshall Plan as a threat and rejected it, leading to further division between the East and West
