Cold War Tensions Grow

Soviets Blockade Berlin Although Germany and Berlin (the capital) had been divided between the U.S., Soviet Union, Britain and France after WWII, the divisions were not on complete opposite sides. West Berlin (controlled by the US, Britain and France) was situated within East Germany (controlled by the Soviet Union). In June of 1948, the Soviets blockaded all access points into West Berlin (roads, railroads and waterways).

Soviets Blockade Berlin The one method of transportation not controlled by Stalin was the air. So, for a year, Britain and the U.S. airlifted food, fuel, medical supplies and clothing into Berlin. This was known as the Berlin airlift. It demonstrated how far the U.S. was willing to go to protect other countries from the ‘communist threat’.

Cold War Alliances The Berlin airlift also demonstrated that if western countries joined together, they could contain Stalin and the communist threat. In 1949, twelve Western countries formed NATO– North Atlantic Treaty Organization. They declared that an attack against one would be considered an attack against all.

Cold War Alliances In response to West Germany’s joining of NATO in 1955, the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact. Similar to NATO, it included all of Eastern Europe (except Yugoslovia). They all agreed to defend one another and not meddle in one another’s affairs, but the Soviet Union continued to control the other, weaker countries.

Chapter 21, Section 2 The Korean War

Communists Gain Control Prior to WWII, China was gripped by a civil war between Nationalist leader Jiang Jieshi and Communist leader Mao Zedong. Both the Soviet Union and United States sent support to the leaders following the war. The U.S. aid went into the pockets of Nationalist leaders, while millions of Chinese starved. This strengthened Mao’s support with the Chinese people. When Mao seized control of China in 1949, it became known as the People’s Republic of China. Communism was spreading and the Truman administration was seen as letting it happen.

Americans Fight in Korea Following WWII, Korea had been separated into two independent countries, divided along the 38th parallel. The north was communist, the south was noncommunist. Since the policy of appeasement had not worked with the Germans, Truman asked the United Nations for permission to aid South Korea. The resolution was granted.

Americans Fight in Korea Truman moved troops from Japan to Korea. These troops were merely occupation troops and not trained for battle or the harsh conditions. The troops in Korea were commanded by Douglas MacArthur. However, Truman and MacArthur differed in their opinions on how the conflict should be handled. Truman preferred the idea of ‘limited war’ (i.e. fighting until goals were accomplished). MacArthur wanted total victory.

Korean War’s Lasting Effects The Korean War ended in a stalemate for two reasons: Eisenhower’s warning of using nuclear weapons Death of Joseph Stalin in 1953 However, Truman did set two important precedents with the Korean War. Truman was able to commit troops to the conflict without the approval of Congress. Military spending increased to nearly half of the American budget as of 1960.

Korean War’s Lasting Effects In reaction to stopping the spread of communism, Southeast Asian countries formed SEATO- Southeast Asian Treaty Organization. SEATO was a defensive alliance aimed at stopping the spread of communism. It was similar to NATO in Western Europe.