The Cold War Begins Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the Cold War?

A cultural exchange program

A peaceful negotiation between two countries

A military alliance

An era of high tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union (correct)

What does the term 'Iron Curtain' refer to?

The division in Europe caused by communism.

What is containment?

A policy that called for resisting the spread of Soviet power and influence.

Who was George F. Kennan?

An American expert on the Soviet Union who worked for containment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A policy to support free nations economically to prevent the spread of communism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Marshall Plan?

A massive American economic aid program to help Western Europe rebuild. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Berlin Airlift?

British and American airplanes delivered supplies to West Berlin in response to the Soviet blockade. Signup and view all the answers

What does NATO stand for?

North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Berlin Airlift take place?

June 1948 until May 1949. Signup and view all the answers

What were the components of George F. Kennan's containment policy?

Military force along with economic aid to strengthen other countries against the Soviets. Signup and view all the answers

What was life like in America after World War II?

Demand for consumer goods and housing spurred the economy, a dramatic rise in the birthrate, and a time of labor unrest. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Chiang Kai-shek?

Leader of the Chinese Nationalists. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mao Zedong?

Leader of the Chinese Communists. Signup and view all the answers

What is McCarthyism?

Joseph McCarthy's tactics of spreading fear and making baseless charges. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in politics in post-war America?

President Truman was criticized, Republicans gained a majority in Congress in 1946, Truman won the presidential election of 1948, and many of Truman's programs were blocked. Signup and view all the answers

How did the U.S. respond to Soviet actions in Europe?

By resisting Soviet attempts to expand its power and influence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cold War Overview

Cold War marked a period of high tension and rivalry primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The term "Iron Curtain," coined by Winston Churchill, described the ideological and political division in Europe due to communism.

Key Policies and Strategies

Containment was a key policy aimed at resisting the spread of Soviet power and influence globally.
George F. Kennan was an American diplomat and specialist who advocated for the containment policy to limit Soviet expansion.
The Truman Doctrine involved U.S. support to free nations to counter the spread of communism, particularly in Greece and Turkey.
The Marshall Plan was a significant economic aid initiative designed to help rebuild Western Europe post-World War II, fostering democratic governance.

Major Events and Reactions

The Berlin Airlift (June 1948 - May 1949) involved British and American aircraft delivering supplies to West Berlin in response to a Soviet blockade.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established as a military alliance among 12 nations for mutual defense against possible Soviet aggression.
Tensions escalated after Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, which prompted the Soviet Union to bolster military resources.

Political Environment

The roots of the Cold War traced back to U.S. suspicions of Soviet intentions during the 1920s and 1930s.
Developments during World War II exacerbated tensions, with Stalin feeling abandoned by the Allies.
Post-war America experienced a surge in consumer demand, a baby boom, and heightened labor unrest.

Domestic Politics

President Truman faced criticism; the 1946 elections saw Republicans gain a majority in Congress, while Truman won the 1948 presidential election despite opposition to his Fair Deal programs.
The formation of the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, and GATT aimed to build a cooperative international framework after the war.

Anti-Communism Sentiment

Chiang Kai-shek led Chinese Nationalists; Mao Zedong was the leader of the Chinese Communists.
The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was established to investigate suspected communist activities in the U.S.
The Hollywood Ten were a group of filmmakers jailed for refusing to cooperate with HUAC's investigations.
Alger Hiss, a government official, was accused of being involved in communist espionage within the U.S. government.
Senator Joseph McCarthy became infamous for his aggressive campaigns against alleged communists, a period known as McCarthyism, characterized by fear-driven tactics and unfounded accusations.

Overall Context

The post-World War II landscape was one of urgency to prevent further communist expansion, shaping U.S. foreign and domestic policies significantly throughout the Cold War era.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms and concepts from the early stages of the Cold War. This flashcard quiz covers significant phrases like 'Iron Curtain' and policies such as 'Containment', helping you understand the historical context of U.S.-Soviet relations. Perfect for students or history enthusiasts looking to review important vocabulary related to this critical era.