01:512:104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Point Four Program, Nato, United States Information Agency
13 May 2018
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Chapter 29 - America at Midcentury
I. Introduction
Harry Truman introduced a new era that saw the United States and the Soviet
Union move toward war and back again, exhausting their power and influence
in the process.
II. Why the Cold War Began
A. Decolonization
Economic dislocation and the aftermath of disintegrating empires
characterized the world after World War II.
B. U.S. Economic and Strategic Needs
An expanding American economy became part of an activist postwar foreign
policy. In the air age, the United States and the Soviet Union collided as each
attempted to establish defensive positions.
C. Truman’s Get?Tough Style
Truman had a brash and impatient style not suited to diplomacy.
D. Debate over Soviet Intentions and Behavior
Critics charged that policymakers often exaggerated the Soviet threat.
III. Truman’s Cold War: Europe and Global Containment
A. Atomic Diplomacy
The United States pursued a policy of using the atomic monopoly for
leverage.
B. Kennan and Churchill Warn Against Soviet Power
George F. Kennan doubted if Soviets could be trusted, and Winston
Churchill’s “iron curtain” speech solidified many Americans’ fears.
C. Truman Doctrine
In response to a British request for American aid against leftist insurgents in
Greece and Turkey, Truman announced his commitment to stopping
communism.
D. The “X” Article
George Kennan wrote an influential article that argued that the United States
should contain Soviet expansion.
E. Marshall Plan
In 1947, the United States initiated the Marshall Plan, funneling billions of
dollars into Western Europe.
F. National Security Act
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The National Security Act created the Department of Defense, the National
Security Council, the United States Information Agency, and the Central
Intelligence Agency.
G. Fulbright Program and Cultural Expansion
The United States launched what amounted to a “cultural Marshall Plan.”
H. Recognition of Israel
The United States quickly recognized the new state of Israel in 1948.
I. Berlin Blockade and Airlift
In response to the Allied decision to unite their sections of Germany, the
Soviets denied them access to Berlin. Truman responded with a massive
airlift.
J. Point Four Program
In 1949 Truman instituted the Point Four Program to improve food supplies,
public health, housing, and private investment in Third World countries.
K. Founding of NATO
The Berlin crisis and Soviet development of atomic weapons convinced the
western nations to sign the North Atlantic Treaty Organization collective
security accord.
L. NSC?68
In April 1950, the National Security Council issued NSC? 68, a secret
document asking for increased funds and a publicity campaign to gain support
for the expenditures.
IV. Asian Acrimony: Japan, China, and Vietnam
A. Reconstruction of Japan
The United States reconstructed Japan after World War II by providing it with
a democratic constitution, by revitalizing its economy, and by destroying its
weapons.
B. Communist Victory in Chinese Civil War
Despite Jiang Jieshi’s corruption and recalcitrance, the United States
continued to back him against Mao Zedong.
C. U.S. Nonrecognition Policy
Mao defeated Jiang and established the People’s Republic of China. Truman
did not recognize the new republic.
D. Vietnam’s Quest for Independence
The Vietnamese resisted colonialism, and when French authority collapsed
during World War II the Vietminh declared independence in 1945. The Cold
War gave the United States several reasons to reject Vietnamese autonomy.
E. U.S. Aid to France In the War Against the Vietminh
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Document Summary
Chapter 29 - america at midcentury: introduction. Harry truman introduced a new era that saw the united states and the soviet. Union move toward war and back again, exhausting their power and influence in the process. Economic dislocation and the aftermath of disintegrating empires characterized the world after world war ii: u. s. economic and strategic needs. An expanding american economy became part of an activist postwar foreign policy. In the air age, the united states and the soviet union collided as each attempted to establish defensive positions: truman"s get?tough style. Truman had a brash and impatient style not suited to diplomacy: debate over soviet intentions and behavior. Critics charged that policymakers often exaggerated the soviet threat. Truman"s cold war: europe and global containment: atomic diplomacy. The united states pursued a policy of using the atomic monopoly for leverage: kennan and churchill warn against soviet power. George f. kennan doubted if soviets could be trusted, and winston.
