Cold War

1. Cold War The time period between 1945 and 1989 which was marked by an arms race between the two super powers, Communist Soviet Union and democratic US.

2. Beginnings Fear of Communism due to differing ideologies Arms race: constant threat of nuclear war

3. Divided Europe Potsdam Conference divides Europe and creates UN. FDR and Churchill are disappointed that Stalin refuses to allow free elections in Poland. Stalin begins creating the Soviet Union by annexing countries in the Eastern Bloc Winston Churchill calls the division between democratic “free” countries and Communist countries the “iron curtain”. This was particularly obvious in Berlin, which was divided by the Berlin Wall. America and the democracies would create NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and promise to fight together under the threat of Communism. As a response, Stalin would create the Warsaw Pact (Treaty of Friendship), which linked together all Communist countries.

5. Responses Truman Doctrine- America is obligated to militarily to help any country that might fall to Communism. This operated on the domino theory which stated that if a country fell, all of the countries around it would also. Followed the “long telegram” which stated that the Soviets would only respond to force. Marshall Plan (European Recovery Plan)- lend money to countries that might possibly choose Communism. (rebuilt Germany, Turkey and Greece) Berlin Airlift- an attempt by Americans to send needed supplies in to Communist occupied East Germany. This was part of the Marshall Plan. Which plan do you think would be most effective? Why?

7. Responses Continued By believing the Domino Theory, Americans were forced to practice containment, or the idea that Communism should not be allowed to spread at all costs. This theory would lead to the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. When China fell to Communism, America was forced to step up military presence in Asia. Another method of practicing containment was through the practicing of brinkmanship, or pushing the Soviets to the brink of war by threatening nuclear destruction.

8. Containment and the Korean (forgotten) War Korea was divided by the Allies after WWII along the 38th parallel. Eventually, North Korea fell to Communism. In June 1950, North Korean invaded South Korea with the intent of spreading Communism through out Asia. The UN, believing in the Domino Theory, supported US intervention, in hopes of containing the spread of Communism. The United States entered the war in 1950 and was able to push back the North Koreans to the 38th Parallel. From 1950-1953, America and Korea fought to a stalemate. General MacArthur argued that America should attack Communist China. President Eisenhower disagreed and MacArthur was fired. Was this a victory?

9. Fears at home Life after WWII in America was going well. Many families were experiencing economic prosperity (Leave it to Beaver life style). Men attended college of the GI Bill, women experienced the ability to work outside the home and the average family was considered to be middle class. This was the invention of the TV, tv dinner, the growth of Little league and a life marked by consumerism. As Americans watched Communism slowly spread, they began to panic. The United States entered what was known as the 2nd Red Scare. No one played on this fear better than Joseph McCarthy who convinced Americans that there were Communists surrounding them in their every day life. Government agencies such as the CIA were created in an attempt to keep Americans safe McCarthy created the HUAC (House of UnAmerican Activities Committee) to try and root out Communists. He attacked members of government, Hollywood and even the military.

10. ...from 'Good Housekeeping Magazine', 13th May 1955THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious dinner ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. he has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Be happy to see him. Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him but the moment of is arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late, or goes out to dinner or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. have a warm or cool drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. remember he is the master of the house and as such will always excercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. A good wife always knows her place.

12. Rosenbergs Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were known Communist affiliates. They were accused of passing information to the Soviet Union about the creation of the H bomb. Ethel’s brother claimed to have given information to Julius from his time working at Los Alamos, NM The Rosenberg’s were found guilty of treason during wartime (a capital offense) and were electrocuted in 1953. There is much speculation that, bare minimum, Ethel Rosenberg had nothing to do with the treason. The information that was passed by Julius was almost entirely useless. Many of the testimonies used against the Rosenbergs were false or misconstrued What other case have we talked about that involved the persecution of people because they were different than the average American?