Cold Beginnings
After WWII, tensions grew between the U.S. (capitalism, democracy) and the Soviet Union (communism).
Origins of the Cold War
U.S. and USSR competed in an arms race to build powerful nuclear weapons, creating fear of mutual destruction, while also racing in space, beginning with the Soviets launching the satellite Sputnik and ending with the U.S. moon landing in 1969.
Arms & Space Race
The U.S. strategy to stop the spread of communism
Containment
U.S. negotiated to stop fighting temporarily and allowed American troops to leave Vietnam. Goal was to end U.S. involvement, but fighting between North and South Vietnam continued afterward.
End of Vietnam War
President Nixon claimed many Americans quietly supported the war, despite loud protests
Silent Majority
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed by U.S., Canada, and Western European nations to provide mutual defense against the Soviet Union
NATO
Developed the first successful polio vaccine in 1955. His work helped nearly eliminate polio in many parts of the world and saved countless lives.
Jonas Salk
USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading President John F. Kennedy to order a naval blockade. After tense negotiations with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, the missiles were removed
Cuban Missile Crisis
After French control ended, Vietnam was split into North (communist, led by Ho Chi Minh) and South (U.S.-supported)
Causes of Vietnam War
Television showed graphic war images, creating a “credibility gap” between government reports and reality, turning public opinion
Role of Media
Response to Soviet blockade of Berlin, the U.S. and allies flew in supplies for nearly a year.
Berlin Airlift
he GI Bill provided returning World War II veterans with benefits like education funding, low-cost mortgages, and job support, helping grow the middle class in the U.S
Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944
Led by General Douglas MacArthur under the UN, U.S. forces pushed North Korea out of South Korea, but later faced Chinese troops. Ended in a stalemate and in 1953
Korean War
North Vietnamese forces captured South Vietnamese capital, ending the Vietnam War and uniting Vietnam under communist control
Fall of Saigon
Protests grew, especially among students. Events like the Kent State shootings (1970) increased opposition to the war
Anti-War Movement
US provided over $13 billion to rebuild Western Europe and help prevent the spread of communism
Marshall Plan
Senator Joseph McCarthy accused many Americans of being communists without evidence. His actions created fear and ruined careers until he was censured by the Senate in 1954
McCarthyism
Fidel Castro and Che Guevara overthrew Cuban leader and established a communist government. US responded with Bay of Pigs Invasion to overthrow Castro, but plot was uncovered
Communist Revolution in Cuba
Gave the U.S. president the power to take military action in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war after reported attacks on U.S. ships by North Vietnam. Increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Lowered voting age to 18, influenced by the argument that those old enough to fight should be able to vote
26th Amendment
President Harry Truman promised U.S. support to countries resisting communism
Truman Doctrine
House Un-American Activities Committee, formed in 1938, investigated suspected communists during the Red Scare
HUAC
After WWII, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. North Korea (communist, supported by USSR/China) invaded South Korea (democratic, supported by U.S.) to create a united, communist state
Causes of the Korean War
Surprise attack by North Vietnam and Viet Cong during Tet holiday. Though militarily unsuccessful, it shocked Americans and reduced support for the war
Tet Offensive
1973 law limiting president’s power to send U.S. troops into combat without Congressional approval. Requires the president to notify Congress and withdraw troops after 60 days if not approved
War Powers Act