36 The Cold War Begins
Essential Questions Outline the personalities and structures that framed the beginning of the Cold War after the end of WWII. Summarize the events in Europe that characterized the start of tensions between the U.S. and U.S.S.R., and how the two countries responded. Explain how events in Asia became fronts in the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Assess the impact of international tensions on the domestic front in the U.S. Evaluate the U.S.'s postwar economic situation and its impact on society within the United States.
33. Harry Truman
Bess Truman
Worries, Foreign and Domestic
summary Post-war America had to deal with the increasing animosity between the US and the USSR in addition to reverting to a peacetime economy.
The New President
Conservatism, Prices, and Strikes
Discuss What domestic challenges did the US face post-WWII?
A Flourishing Economy
Summary The 1950s were a time of growth and prosperity, but it was not felt equally by all Americans.
A Turn Against Intolerance
African American Aspirations
summary Although there were definite signs that equality was increasing between men and women, whites and blacks, there were still many obstacles to overcome.
Discuss In what ways did WWII encourage more tolerance?
STOP SUMMARIZ E QUESTION
Election of 1948
The Fair Deal
summary Truman won the 1948 elections and brought new support to the Democratic Party. Truman’s domestic plan, the Fair Deal, was limited by congressional opposition. Truman’s foreign plan was encouraged by continued fears of communism.
Subversion and Security
summary The real threat of spies in the US great fear that manifested in attacks on American civil liberties of many different people. The trials added to the fear of America but also intensified anti-Communist sentiment and added to the American identity.
Discuss In what ways are the examples of spying and espionage similar and dissimilar to modern day events like WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden’s actions?
STOP SUMMARIZ E QUESTION
The Emergence of the Cold War
The Doctrine of Containment
summary The approach that the US took in dealing with the Cold War was multilateral, in addressing the military, economy, industry, and politics of the time.
Foreign Affairs
Korea and its Consequences
June 27, July 1953 Korea and its Consequences
summary $54 billion. Americans: 54,246 killed; 103,284 wounded Korean (North and South): 800,000 killed Chinese: 900,000 killed 2 million civilians killed due to US carpet bombing The “Forgotten War”
Discuss Could the Korean Conflict have been prevented or shortened through diplomacy? Support your answer.
STOP SUMMARIZ E QUESTION
Discuss Containment was the best foreign policy for the US post-WWII. Support, modify, or refute this statement, citing historic examples for support.
Discuss What mistakes did Truman make in his foreign and domestic plans, and what success do you see?