The beginnings of the Cold War are rooted in deep set ideological
differences as well as a series of misunderstandings or actions taken
(or not taken) during WWII. As it became increasingly clear that
there would be a competition for power in the new world order both
nations formulated foreign polices designed to limit the expansion of
the other. In the case of the United States the policy was known as
containment. Simply put it was the goal of the US to contain the
spread of Communism. The specifics and implementation of this policy
as well as the Soviet response will be the focal point of today
lesson.
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Cold War
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Diplomatic tension between nations with no actual combat.
Usually refers to the state of tension between the US and
Soviet Union from the late 1940's to late 1980's.
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Ideological differences
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1. Communism versus Capitalism
2. Each economic system calls for the destruction of the
other.
3. Old Russian and Soviet paranoia about being attacked.
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Causes of the Cold War:
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Things the US did
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Things the USSR did
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1. Failure to open up a second front.
2. US ending of lend lease.
3. Dropping of the Atomic Bomb on Japan.
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1. Stalin's refusal to allow free elections in Eastern
Europe.
2. Violation in Potsdam of his agreement made in Yalta.
3. Stalin was a cruel and tyrannical dictator who was no
better than Hitler.
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US Policies
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Containment - keep communism from spreading.
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Actions of President Truman
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Truman Doctrine - finacial aid to nations in need. Ex -
aid to Greece and Turkey, Marshall Plan
Development of NATO - military alliance based on
Collective Security
Berilin Airlift after blockade of Berlin by Stalin
Korean War - US helps South Korea after it is invaded by
Communist North Korea. War ends in a tie.
- US afraid that if one nation fell, others would fall
- domino theory
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Actions of Eisenhower
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Eisenhower Doctrine - massive retaliation. Willingness to
use nuclear weapons
Scared the Soviets
US explodes first H Bomb
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