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The Cold War Monday April 9 th , 2012. Vocab: Communism Cold War Containment Truman Doctrine Iron Curtain Guiding Questions: 1. Why was communism considered dangerous to the American way?. The Cold War Our new enemy is COMMUNISM
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The Cold WarMonday April 9th, 2012 Vocab: Communism Cold War Containment Truman Doctrine Iron Curtain Guiding Questions: 1. Why was communism considered dangerous to the American way?
The Cold War • Our new enemy is COMMUNISM • Remember communism is the equal distribution of wealth and the end to all private property • In theory: Everyone would work together for the good of the group and no one would be richer or poorer than anyone else • In practice: Caused massive poverty, poor production levels, and major corruption • Cold War: The hostile relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States in the years following WWII. • NOT a “hot” war with weapons • Communism vs. Democracy • East vs. West • Does not end until 1991
Why were Communism and the USSR so bad? • Communism • Threatens democracy • People have no freedom • No freedom of the press, religion, choice, etc • Allows for the consolidation of power (Dictatorships) • Very low production levels (no one does their jobs because there is no incentive) • USSR • Widespread corruption • Terror and mass killings • Massive social stratification (HUGE difference between the rich and the poor)
Stopping the Spread of Communism • Containment: Keeping other countries from becoming Communist • Not limited to military force, but also included economic aid. • Ex: Marshall Plan • Truman Doctrine: The United States will support any nation, through economic and military aid, that is willing to fight communism. • Truman helped both the Greek and Turkish government resist Soviet expansion.
Europe after the War • After WWII Europe was divided up by the Yalta Conference • Stalin had the East, American Allies had the West • Stalin outlawed political parties and made it illegal to speak out against him • This division of east and west is known as the Iron Curtain • Coined by Winston Churchill in a speech in Fulton, MO!
Rebuilding Europe • The Marshall Plan • Wanted to rebuild not punish! • Americans were afraid if countries didn’t bounce back they would become Communist • Between 1948 and 1951 the United States provided 17 countries in Europe with over 13 billion to help rebuild. • Brought food, farm equipment. Help build roads, schools, factories, etc. • Created jobs • Even offered aid to the Soviet Union, but Stalin refused • Very Successful!