Cold War (1946 to 1992)
Focus: 1953 to 1992
Already went over Truman!
Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961)
Brinkmanship: A foreign policy theory
which supported using nuclear arms as
a threat against communist nations that
were seen to be challenging America
or its influence.
Eisenhower Doctrine: Announced by
Eisenhower and approved by
Congress in 1957, this doctrine stated
that a nation could request economic
or military assistance from the US if it
was under attack or threatened by
another state.
http://www.sjsapush.com/ch28.php
"Brinkmanship: Timeline." Mtholyoke.edu. Mount Holyoke College, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
"The Eisenhower Doctrine, 1957." History.state.gov. U.S. Department of the State Office of the Historian, n.d. Web. 18
Mar. 2014.
EXAMPLE
US in Iran (1953)
Overview & US involvement
In 1951: Mohammed Mossadegh (Iran’s PM) nationalized oil which
led to boycott from other nations. As a result of Iran’s faltering
economy, US (CIA), who feared that Iran will soon turn to USSR for
economic assistance, supported a coup for the shah (monarch of
Iran) to replace Mossadegh with Reza Pahlevi in 1953.
Significance
● West secured Iranian oil & prevented USSR from establishing
close ties with Iran
● Iranians resented the Shah’s relationship with US and the US
● Precursor to the Eisenhower doctrine (1957)
Kennedy, D., Cohen, L., & Bailey, T. (2002). The american pageant. (12th ed., p. 901). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pics:
Picture of Mossadegh from http://funnycasino.blogspot.com/2011/02/ousted-regimes.html
British viewpoint of Iran nationalizing Oil from http://headquarters.opinionware.net/nationalization-the-crisis-begins/
Soviet Union explodes first
Hydrogen Bomb (1953)
●
August 20th, 1953: USSR successfully detonates its H-Bomb in
Kazakhstan (about 9 months after the development of the United
States’)
● The bomb was 26 times as destructive as the American atomic bomb
dropped on Hiroshima in 1945!! (Now we are working with nuclear
weapons)
● The USSR was now back at the forefront of the Arms Race even
though they were almost a year behind the US
Significance:
● Showed the Soviet Union’s scientific power: their atomic bomb was
developed by obtaining information by espionage from the United
States…but this was their original design
● Eisenhower took away J. Robert Oppenheimer’s (lead developer of
US atomic bomb) security clearances for fear that he had Soviet
sympathies
● The Nuclear Arms Program was very high in priority to Stalin, which
scared the US for fear that they would use it against us
● The continuation of “scientific races” between the Soviet Union and
the US (ie. The Space Race)
Dr. Andrei Sakharov (left) with Dr.
Igor Kurchatov (right): the leading
physicists of the USSR’s
Hydrogen Bomb
Siegelbaum, Lewis. “1954: Hydrogen Bomb.” Seventeen
Moments in Soviet History. 2014. Soviet History.
Long, Tony. “Aug. 20, 1953: Soviets Say, 'We've Got the
H-Bomb, Too'.” Wired. Aug. 20 2007.
US in Guatemala (1954)
Overview and US Involvement:
The US first began the process of overthrowing the
Guatemalan democratically elected president, Jacobo
Guzman, in 1952 under Truman. The president of Nicaragua
asked for such actions. This coup was revived under
Eisenhower, who feared Guzman due to his communist
sympathies. Opposition armies were trained by the CIA in
neighboring Nicaragua, and by June 27th, 1954, Guzman
fled to Mexico and the US backed Carlos Castillo Armas took
control.
Significance
● First US backed coup of the cold war era.
● Enforced Eisenhower’s foreign policy of actively fighting Armas’s Forces
http://rvanbroekhoven.blogspot.com/20
communism over Truman’s containment policy.
11/02/why-we-do-what-we-do.html
● Set a trend for US interference in Latin American
governments, later seen in Chile.
● Major departure from FDR’s Good Neighbor policy. "Guatemala 1954." Coldwar.org. The Cold
War Museum, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Formation of Warsaw (1955)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/NATO_vs_War
saw_(1949-1990).png
●
8 communists states signed a mutual defense treaty and encouraged the
cooperation between socialist states
● It was formed to counter Nato which posed a threat to the Soviet Union
● The Warsaw pact was created by the Soviet Union’s initiative
● There was already a lot of cooperation between eastern socialist states; the
Warsaw pact was less about creating cooperation, but more about being a counter
to Nato
Significance:
● Led to the first incidences of waged war during the Cold War (i.e.: removing
Hungarian government when they tried to leave the pact (1956) and invasion of
Czechoslovakia (1968)
● NATO feared the Warsaw Pact would realize their weaponry was more dated than
theirs
Trueman, Chris. “The Warsaw Pact.” History
Learning Site.
Curtis, Glenn E. "The Warsaw Pact."
Czechoslovakia: A Country Study (1992): n.
pag. The Warsaw Pact. Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
Geneva Summit Conference (1955)
Overview:
First and only peace meeting in Geneva, Switzerland between the leaders of the
United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union in regards to the issues of the
Cold War.The goal was to promote peaceful coexistence on a global scale. Some
of the major topics that were discussed are East-West trade agreements, tariffs, the
arms race, international security and disarmament policy. Eisenhower promoted his
‘Open Skies’ plan, which called for an international aerial monitoring system which
was intended to prevent nations from stockpiling dangerous weapons, and
eventually lead to the disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction.The plan
was never accepted, but it did lead to President Ronald Reagan's later policy of
"trust, but verify" in relation to arms agreements with the Soviet Union.
Significance:
●
●
●
first and only peace meeting between the “Big Four” in regards to the Cold
War
Revealed a common goal for increase global security.
Mitigated some built up tensions and introduce nations to the benefits of
global free trade
"H-Net Reviews." H-Net Reviews. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. <https://www.hnet.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=4754>.
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/Corbis-42-16748342.jpg?size=67&uid=41591fd4-4af6488d-9f82-f89448e5aeeb
US in Egypt: Suez Canal Incident (1956)
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the
nationalization of the Suez Canal, much to the dismay of BritishFrench enterprise that owned it. Tensions rose, and the US
feared conflict between an ally of NATO and an important Middle
Eastern power. British and French troops (and secret forces in
Israel) kept hinting at force to remove Nasser, and did in October
of 1956. The US publicly condemned the attacks and approved a
UN peacekeeping force to cease fire.
Significance:
● Creation of the Eisenhower Doctrine which allowed the
government to aid countries in the Middle East
● GB and France were kind of bitter that the US shut them
down because we had previously been very close allies
● Britain and France’s place as world powers weakened to
some extent
http://adst.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/suez-troop_move_map416.gif
“The Suez Crisis, 1956.” US Department of State Office of the Historian.
“Suez Crisis.” The History Network. Cold War.
US response to Hungarian Uprising (1956)
Overview and US Involvement
In 1946, Hungary, one of the satellite states of the USSR, staged
an armed revolt for independence. The US funded various radio
stations that gave Hungarians the illusion that if they rose up
against the USSR, the US/UN/NATO would, in time, send military
assistance. Unfortunately for the Hungarians, such promises were
false as the US wanted to avoid war at all costs. The revolution
was crushed.
Significance
● First major challenge to the Soviet Union’s satellite state
system.
● Influenced later revolts in countries such as Romania in the
80’s
● Showed NATO’s refusal to interfere with Warsaw Pact
nations.
A toppled statue of Stalin in Hungary
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/hungarian
_uprising_1956.htm
"The Hungarian Uprising of 1956." Historylearningsite.co.uk.
History Learning Site, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Sputnik launched in Outer Space
(1957)
The Soviet Union, since 1952 had worked on spacecraft, but
Sputnik was the first ever successful artificial satellite in space,
and it brought the first living being (Laika, a dog) to ever enter
space. Sputnik was completely unknown until its launch, so
Eisenhower declared there was a Sputnik crisis and spearheaded
the foundation of NASA. A near mass hysteria broke out about if
the Soviets would be the first technologically.
Significance:
● Marked the beginning of the space race
● US and Soviet Union competition for scientific advances
and discoveries
● Gave Russians a head start
http://media-1.web.britannica.com/eb-media//86/104286-050EE20531B.jpg
"Sputnik." Sputnik. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
Garber, Steve. "Sputnik." Sputnik. NASA History, 10 Oct. 2007. Web. 25
Mar. 2014.
US in Lebanon (1958)
At this point in time, Lebanon was governed by President
Chamillle Chamoun. He was a strong ally of western
powers but he was being challenged by muslim activists
lead by the widely popular Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser
was openly critical of Chamoun’s friendly relations with
the west, and so the United States intervened at
President Chamoun’s request. American troops landed in
beirut in July of 1958, and were gone by October, the
operation was codenamed “Blue Bat.”
Significance:
● clear continuation of American interventionism
in this time period
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/
topic/174262-1950s-german-camo-for-us-forces/
"Moments in U.S. Diplomatic History." Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training.
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
US Places an Embargo on Cuban Sugar
Exports (1959)
Fidel Castro took control of the Cuban government in
1959 and from that point on started making it more
socialist and developing a relationship with the Soviet
Union as US relations deteriorated. The next year,
Eisenhower put embargos on Cuban sugar, oil, and
guns. Castro responded by nationalizing oil refineries, to
which Eisenhower reduced the Cuban sugar quota by
95%
Significance:
● Led to Eisenhower breaking off ALL diplomatic
relations with Cuba in 1961
● US and USSR fighting for allies
● US and Cuba still have strained relations today
http://vanowiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/Lift_Cuba_embargo_by_
Latuff2.jpg/89374367/400x265/Lift_Cuba_embargo_by_Latuff2.j
pg
Dulcinea Staff. “On This Day: Eisenhower Places Embargo on Exports to
Cuba.” Finding Dulcinea. Oct 19 2011.
VP Nixon & Khrushchev meet in Soviet Union and meet
again in Camp David, US (1959)
America and the Soviet Union had agreed to hold conferences and
exhibits in each others country as a friendly diplomatic gesture. In the
Soviet Union, Several impromptu conferences were held with
interpreters in a house built especially for the occasion by Americans
looking to flaunt the success of capitalism. Both men bickered over
who had better technology, and not much else came of the meeting.
At Camp David, no specific treaties or compromises were made but
both sides came to the agreement that general disarmament should
be pursued. It did not prove to be very effective in that it was
basically just an opportunity for Eisenhower and Khrushchev to size
each other up. They did, however, discuss the Berlin situation but did
not meet a consensus. Although they didn’t agree on a political level,
they did interact on a personal level (which was new).
Significance:
● Camp David was the first occurrence of a (albeit little) halt in
the Cold War
● Eisenhower believed that personal diplomacy might ease
tensions
Gergen, David. "The Inner Demons That Drove
Nixon." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970.
Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
"Eisenhower and Khrushchev Meet for
Talks." History.com. A&E Television
Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
Tucker, Spencer C., PhD, and Priscilla Mary
Roberts, PhD. "Camp David Meeting (25–
26 September 1959)." History and the
Headlines. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 25 Mar.
2014.
U-2 Incident (1960)
Overview:
On May, 1st 1960 an American pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was shot down in a high altitude spy plane
by Soviet Russia. The plane was suppose to take pictures of two major missile test sites in Soviet
Union. The pilot was captured, and both sides used him for propaganda. The pilot was convicted for
espionage, but was exchanged later for a Russian prisoner, Colonel Rudolph Ivanovich Abel, who
was a spy for Russia.
Significance:
●
●
●
The U-2 incident had convinced Khrushchev that he could no longer cooperate with
Eisenhower
Raised tensions and led to the failure of the Paris Summit meeting, which was
suppose to discuss disarmament of nuclear weapons
Eisenhower was pleased with the photographs, which showed U.S.S.R’s nuclear
weapons as less advanced than U.S, proving that U.S still had the upperhand
"U-2 Spy Plane Incident." U-2 Spy Plane Incident. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. <http://www.u-shistory.com/pages/h1872.html>.
"U-2 Spy Incident." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/u2-spy-incident>.
Picture: http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0013.shtml
http://timemarcheson.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/1960-the-u2-incident-almanac-ofabsurdities-5-7-013/
JFK (1961 to 1963)
Flexible Response Policy: a defense strategy
implemented to address the Kennedy
administration’s skepticism of Eisenhower’s
policies; called for mutual deterrence at strategic,
tactical, and conventional levels. Gave the US the
capability to respond to aggression across the
spectrum of warfare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdewmAKkWq
A
"Key Issues: Nuclear Weapons: History: Cold War: Strategy: Flexible Response."
Key Issues: Nuclear Weapons: History: Cold War: Strategy: Flexible Response.
N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)
Overview:
April 17th, 1961; 1400 Cuban exiles (known as Brigade 2506) launched an
invasion at the Bay of Pigs on the south coast of Cuba.
Armed with US weapons and backed by the US military
Failed because Cuban planes strafed the invaders, sank two escort ships,
and destroyed half of the exile's air support.
Fidel Castro was aware of Kennedy’s intent to invade
Significance:
Showed US’ fear of communist expansion
Resulted in increased hostilities between the US and the Soviet
Union
Embarrassment for the Kennedy administration
"The Bay of Pigs." - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. N.p., n.d.
Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Berlin Wall is completed (1961)
Overview
On the night of August 12-13, 1961, East German soldiers laid down more
than 30 miles of barbed wire barrier through Berlin.
The Berlin wall, once completed,was topped with barbed wire and guarded
with watchtowers, machine gun emplacements, and mines
Extended 28 miles through Berlin and 75 miles around West Berlin,
separating it from the rest of East Germany.
Tensions resulting in the building of the Berlin Wall were due to the US,
Great Britain, and France joining their occupational zones into one
autonomous entity.
Significance
Symbolized the division of the world
Many attempted to get over the wall or were separated from their families for
years because of it
"Berlin Wall Built." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Overview:
●
●
●
●
American U-2 Plane spotted the Soviet Union building
nuclear missile sites in Cuba; with missiles placed in
Cuba, the US would have less response time and
preparation if a missile was in fact launched at the US
Kennedy decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba
and demanded SU to remove the nuclear missiles
Kennedy and Khrushchev both decided to dismantle the
weapon sites in exchange for US pledge to not invade
Cuba
US also promised to take their nuclear weapons outside of
Turkey
Significance:
●
●
●
Tensions lessened between US and Soviet Union
Nearly led to a nuclear war
US has not invaded Cuba since
"Cuban Missile Crisis." - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
& Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
http://www.johndclare.net/images/Armwrestling.gif
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty & Hotline
Agreement (1963)
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
●
John F. Kennedy supports banning nuclear testing, thinking that it will prevent other countries from
obtaining nuclear weapons.
●
The “Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty” was passed in 1963. The Treaty required signers to avoid testing
nuclear weapons in the atmosphere or over water, and stated that signers should work towards nuclear
disarmament.
Hotline Agreement
●
The Cuban Missile Crisis occurs in 1962, Khrushchev and Kennedy realize how close the U.S. and the
U.S.S.R. were to nuclear war
●
The “Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics Regarding the Establishment of a Direct Communications Link” was passed in 1963.
It stated that each country was responsible for establishing and maintaining communication links
throughout their own country, so as to prevent misunderstandings that could cause nuclear wars.
Overall Significance of the two events
●
Helped ease tensions over nuclear arms and started a trend of disarmament from both sides of the Cold
War. It made the U.S. more powerful. The hotline agreement also may have prevented nuclear war
between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
●
The two events established a slight American dominance as the U.S. was the power with the upper
hand during both negotiations.
“Nuclear Test Ban Treaty” - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
"Memorandum of Understanding Between The United States of America and The Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics Regarding the Establishment of a Direct Communications Link." U.S. Department of State. U.S.
Department of State, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
LBJ (1963 to 1969)
Eisenhower’s Domino Theory
Implemented: Stated that a communist
victory in one country would lead to a
communist takeover in a neighboring
country. US used this to justify the
support of South Vietnam having a
non-communist government, which
brought the US into the Vietnam War.
Tonkin Gulf Incident and start of
Vietnam War (1964)
On August 2,1964, a United States
ship, the USS Maddox was
assaulted by ships from North
Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The United States responded by issuing
the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The Gulf
of Tonkin Resolution allowed the
president the power to intervene with
military force in southeast asia without a
formal declaration of war. This
ultimately led to the start of the Vietnam
war.
The Tonkin Gulf Incident ultimately led to the Vietnam War which
was a war to stop the spread of communism in southeast asia. The
Soviet Union resented this because it wanted to promote
communism.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/tonkin-g.asp
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq120-1.htm
US forces in Dominican Republic (1965)
Turmoil in the Dominican Republic
●
●
●
●
Anti-Communist Dominican Dictator Robert Trujillo is assassinated in 1961
Juan Bosch, a liberal, becomes the leader of the Dominican Republic, but is
overthrown due to being despised by the Dominican Military
The Country is thrown into political chaos after Bosch is overthrown
Fidel Castro is suspected of being involved in the country’s affairs
U.S. Response
●
In order to prevent the spread of communism throughout Latin America, Lyndon B.
Johnson sent over 22,000 U.S. troops to restore order in the Dominican Republic
Overall Significance
●
●
●
Didn’t impact relations between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. that much
Paved the way for future American involvement in Latin American countries, like in
Nicaragua and El Salvador
May have caused resentment towards the U.S. from Latin American countries
Source:
"U.S. Troops Land in the Dominican Republic." History.com. A&E Television
Networks, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
http://www.psywarrior.c
om/14JuneMovementD
R.jpg
Outer Space Treaty (1967)
Overview:
●
●
●
Treaty made by United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet
Union
Second of the “non-armament” treaties
Banned the stationing of weapons of mass destruction in
outer space, prohibited military activities on celestial bodies,
and called for peaceful exploration and use of outer space
Significance:
●
After passed, the US and Soviet Union worked together
regarding planning and manning space enterprises
"Outer Space Treaty (1967)." Atomicarchive.com:
Exploring the History, Science, and Consequences of
the Atomic Bomb. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
http://legal.un.org/avl/images/ha/tos/04-l.jpg
Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (1968)
●
●
●
●
agreement between the
United States and Soviet
Union intending to slow
nuclear arms race
ban on nuclear technology
first proposed at the UN in
Ireland (1961)
growing amount of nuclear
weapons rose incentive to
prevent a nuclear war
France, People’s Republic
of China, and a number of
non-nuclear states did not
sign
1)
2)
3)
4)
Provisions
Signers with nuclear
powers would not give
technology to non-nuclear
nations
Non-nuclear nations
would not try to construct
or obtain nuclear
weapons
Abide safeguards from
the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA)
Reviewed every 5 years
"The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968 - 1961–1968 - Milestones - Office of the Historian." US Department of
State. Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Nixon (1969-1974) & Ford (1974-1977)
Nixon Doctrine:
The Nixon Doctrine, created in 1969, was introduced to help allies control
and defend their countries. The Nixon Doctrine forced their allies to provide
their own military military defense, but the United States would offer support
if needed. The US was now acting as acting as a “nuclear umbrella” when
requested. This doctrine was used when the Persian gulf requested military
aid, and the US complied.
Realpolitik:
Realpolitik is a political practice which focuses more on what is practical and
needs to be done than on ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ views or previous doctrines. It
does what is best for the country at hand. It is a basis for American future
foreign policy. This was used in Nixon’s Administration when diplomatic
relations were created with the People’s Republic of China despite their
communist ways and previously instituted doctrines.
"Realpolitik." Princeton University. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
"The Nixon Doctrine Is Announced." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Mar.
2014
picture from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs
/the-fix/wp/2013/01/10/the-fixs-10most-awesome-richard-nixon-photos/
Apollo Missions (1969)
Overview & US Involvement
The apollo missions, consisting of 12 manned missions was created to have Americans
be the first to land on lunar surface and return to earth safely. The first one that landed on
the moon, apollo 11 left earth July 16, 1969 and landed on the moon July 20, 1969 when
Neil Armstrong spoke his famous words “That’s one small step for a man. One giant leap
for mankind.” Once landed, many lunar tests took place such as soil mechanics,
meteoroids, seismic, heat flow, lunar ranging, magnetic fields and solar wind experiments
to learn more about conditions in space. These missions were put into order after the
creation of the National Aueronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and John F
Kennedys challenege in 1961 to get a man on the moon by the end of the decade.
Overall Historical Significance
●
●
●
●
●
First event where Americans visited another world
Established American technological preeminence in the world
Beat the Soviet Union in the “space race”
more knowledge of outer space
Americas democratic technological ways outshone the totalitarianism ways of the
USSR
Brandon. "The Importance of Apollo 11." BMSeifert RSS. Wordpress, 20 May 2012. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Dunbar, Brian. "What Was the Apollo Program?" NASA. NASA, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"The Apollo Program." Human Space Flight (HSF) - Apollo History. NASA, 7 Feb. 2009. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
pictures from:
http://www.spaceviz.com/documentaries/theapolloy
ears/theapolloyears.html
www.softpedia.com
Nixon visit to China (1972)- “The
week
that
changed
the
world”
Historical Overview:
Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit the People's Republic of China since it
was established in 1949. The topics of the talks were mainly centered around
Taiwan and the normalization of diplomatic relations. With Nixon’s meeting, the two
countries agreed to expand cultural contacts and made plans to establish a
permanent US trade mission in China. There were 3 main objectives: embrace
People's Republic of China for peaceful settlement of Taiwan, peaceful settlement
of the Vietnam War and deter Soviet Union's sphere of Communist influence after
the Sino-Soviet Split.
US Response:
The trip was planned to have extensive positive media influence on the US. “Later
interviews with correspondents who traveled with the President show how eager
they were to be on the trip, which some labeled the most important summit meeting
ever.”
Overall Historical Significance:
This ended a 25 year period of silence between the two “foes.” The Cold War
experienced significant change as it saw a change in the PRC perspective allowing
them to join us and rally against the Soviet Union. Today, we have a prevalent
trade relationship with China which was established by our policy of open trade
during this time
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
“This was the week that changed the
world, as what we have said in that
Communique is not nearly as important
as what we will do in the years ahead to
build a bridge across 16,000 miles and
22 years of hostilities which have
divided us in the past. And what we
have said today is that we shall build
that bridge." -President Nixon
Moscow Summit SALT I & ABM Treaty (1972)
Historical Overview:
The ABM Treaty was created as a result of the SALT. SALT created a temporary
solution to the impending arms race and created the Interim Agreement which
limited strategic offensive missiles. This made room for the ABM which
was a more permanent and reasonable solution. Under its terms, the
United States and the Soviet Union limited the development and
deployment of ballistic missile defenses in order to calm the arms race
and ease international tensions.
US Response:
Positive/neutral! Americans were willing to do anything to refrain from further global
confrontations.
Overall Historical Significance:
ABM Treaty didn’t do a perfect job at slowing the arms race but for nearly
two decades of the Cold War, it held its own and no nuclear powers
surfaced. It’s greatest contribution is the fact that is successfully
negotiated between two nations the positive effects of withholding nuclear
power despite the fact that both nations were willing and able to utilize it
to their advantage.
"Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty." Answers. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
US
involvement in the Yom Kippur War (1973)
Overview and US Involvement
The war fought by Arab states, mainly Egypt and Syria, against
Israel, was quickly supported on each side by the US and SU
(with the US supporting Israel). It became another battle between
the two countries, leading to almost war between them. Nixon
was credited with essentially saving Israel from total-destruction.
Eventually an armistice was established by the United Nations.
Significance
● Nixon is still highly regarded in Israel today
● Quickly fight off Soviet threat in Middle East
● Preserve United Nations’ declared region of Israel as a
home for Jews
● Egypt eventually rejected Soviet influence
"How Richard Nixon Saved Israel." The New Nixon. The Nixon Foundation, n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
War Photo: http://www.jspace.com/news/articles/yom-kippur-war-39-years-latervideo/11083
US involvement in Chile (1973)
Overview and US Involvement
Chile socialist President Salvador Allende was overthrown by the
people the national police. The CIA helped the people with air
raids and other attacks for the coup, and Allende suicided
eventually.Once the new government was in power with the
military in control, the US immediately recognized it.
Significance
● Fight against socialism, victory for capitalism
● Provide for a better world
● Showed US would continue to help its Latin American
neighbors
Kornbluh, Peter. "Chile and the United States: Declassified Documents Relating to the
Military Coup, September 11, 1973." Chile and the United States: Declassified Documents
Relating to the Military Coup, September 11, 1973. National Security Archive, n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
Allende Picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Allende
US funding for Angola (1974)
Overview and US Involvement of the Angola Crisis:
The independence of Angola, a previous Portuguese colony, was in the hands of three military
movements that had been fighting for the colony’s independence since the 1960s. The three
main movements were the “Popular Movement for Liberation of Angola (MPLA),” “National Front
of Liberation of Angola (FNLA),” and, finally, the largest and most supported, “The National Union
for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).” The three had planned to work towards
independence together, however, with the radically different political ideologies, civil war was
bound to come. This is where the United States got involved.The civil war in Angola became a
“Cold War Battleground” for the United States and the Soviet Union. Both nations were delivering
military assistance to their favored unions ( of similar govt. policy). The US sent resources to the
FNLA and the UNITA, not the MPLA because of it’s Marxist affiliation. Thus, the Soviet Union
aided the MPLA. However, during the period of the Angola crisis, the two nations were in an era
referred to as the detente in which the two had reached a series of agreements that aimed to
reduce tensions. However in the eyes of the US, the Soviet Union interacting with the Third
World countries was breaking these series of agreements. Thus, Angola increased tensions
between the powerhouses. In the end, the US Congress did not support the war efforts in Angola
or the relation with the South African Apartheid, thus the Soviet Union gained.
Cuban and Angolan soldiers
Overall Historical Significance:
●
●
●
●
The Angola crisis led to increased tensions between the Soviet Union and the United
States.
The United State’s failure in Angola intensified the competition in the Third World.
Contributed to the failure of the detente
Ended period of temporary peace between the US and Cuba
"The Angola Crisis 1974–75 - 1969–1976 - Milestones Office of the Historian." The Angola Crisis 1974–75 1969–1976 - Milestones - Office of the Historian. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Mayaguez Incident (1975)
Overview:
The Cambodian army (Khmer Rouge)
captured the container ship S.S Mayaguez along with its 39
crew members in international waters. When they weren’t
released per Ford’s request, Ford decided to act quickly to
rescue the crew, hoping to avoid a long drawn out incident.
He sent 131 Marines with the Air Force to rescue the crew,
however the Cambodians put up a significant fight, killing a
total of 14 Americans. After sending another 100 Marines to
reinforce the first group, the crew was rescued unharmed,
with the total casualties for America at 18 dead and 50
wounded.
U.S. Response:
The U.S. Marines and other fighting forces
directed by Ford acted quickly and prevented the escalation
of the incident into something much worse.
Overall Significance:
This incident came just after the U.S. had
withdrawn from Vietnam. The fight in Koh Tang was the last
fight in Southeast Asia for the U.S. military forces.The
Mayaguez incident was Ford’s first test to see how well he
functioned as Commander in Chief.
"Factsheets : Final Combat: The Mayaguez Incident at Koh
Tang." Factsheets : Final Combat: The Mayaguez Incident at
Koh Tang. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id
=14414
"The Mayaguez Incident: Testing America's Resolve in the
Post-Vietnam Era." The Mayaguez Incident Testing Americas
Resolve in the PostVietnam Era. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
http://www.mayaguezincident.com/
Fall of Saigon (1975)
Overview and US Involvement
During 1973 and 1974, Nixon and the leaders of Northern Vietnam
tried to negotiate peace. However, things did not work out. Forces
continued to pound down on South Vietnam. Towards the end of the
Vietnam war, as the forces from the North approached Saigon, it
seemed apparent that the United States and South Vietnam stood
no chance. In 1975, the United States pulled out of Saigon, the
capital of Vietnam, causing the area to fall to North Vietnamese
forces.
US Response
The United States was expecting the fall to occur eventually, so
troops were pulled out at the last minute. This shows the lack of
confidence had by US and SV troops.
US troops are being evacuated from
stations in Saigon.
Overall Historical Significance
The fall of Saigon represented the end of the Vietnam War for the
United States, and it symbolized the transition of Vietnam into a
Socialist Republic governed by communists. It also led to a
decrease in support for US involvement in foreign affairs.
Coppola, Kaitlin. "The Cold War Museum." The
Fall of Saigon. Coldwarmuseum.com, n.d. Web.
20 Mar. 2014.
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)
Human Rights Policy
When Jimmy Carter was elected to presidency, he implemented a
new foreign policy. This policy focused on supporting human rights
in foreign nations. Carter held that we, the United States, should
stay true to our morals when dealing with foreign nations. Carter
sought after giving foreign peoples the privileges (freedoms) which
the US people were accustomed to. Jimmy Carter believed that the
individual should be protected from the power of the state. The
Carter administration held foreign nations in the incompetence in
their people with human rights. The actions taken by the United
States to push for human rights range from criticizing a nation’s
practices to suspending economic/military aid.
"Carter's Foreign Policy - Short Histor
- Department History - Office of the
Historian." Office of the Historian . U.S
Department of State, n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
"Miller Center." American
President: Jimmy Carter: Foreign
Affairs. University of Virginia , Web.
19 Mar. 2014.
Panama Canal Treaties (1978)
Overview:
● The panama canal treaties, also known as TorrijosCarter treaties, repealed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla
Treaty of 1903, giving Panama the control of
Panama Canal after 1999.
● Prior to the treaty, there was a lot of tension
between US and Panama over the control of the
canal, but Panama was willing to reach an
agreement with US.
Significance:
● The canal ownership was transferred in 1999 and
the canal’s neutrality was guaranteed. Also the
relationship between US and Panama got better,
since they had tensions over the control of the canal
before the treaty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama
"The Panama Canal and the
Torrijos-Carter Treaties - 1977–
1980 - Milestones - Office of the
Historian." Https://history.state.gov/.
Office of the Historians, 31 Oct.
2013. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Camp David Accords (1978)
Overview:
● It was a series of agreements at Camp David
which lasted 13 days while Jimmy Carter
witnessed it.
● Fell apart in 1981 following Sadat's
assassination
Significance:
● It brought peace between Israel and its
neighbor Arab countries, especially with
Egypt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Davi
d_Accords
"Camp David Accords." Wikipedia.
Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Mar. 2014.
Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
US against apartheid in Africa (1978)
Overview:
● Beginning in 1948 the Nationalist party implemented
intense segregation laws in South Africa.
(Apartheid)
● The US was anti apartheid. Both US and GB
stopped trade temporarily with South Africa.
● UN passed resolution 1761, which established the
United Nations Special Committee against apartheid
and called for imposing economic and other
sanctions on South Africa.
Significance:
● This helped to end the apartheid. South Africa knew
they couldn’t survive as a completely independent
nation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik
i/Apartheid
"Apartheid." Wikipedia. Wikimedia
Foundation, 23 Mar. 2014. Web. 23 Mar.
2014.
Soviet Union invades Afghanistan (1979)
Historical Overview:
Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in late December of 1979. The
Soviets invaded Afghanistan to support Afghanistan’s communist
party. The USSR wanted to extend its power through
converting/keeping other nations communist. The marxist
government in Afghanistan held close ties with the Soviets, so when
rebellion arose the USSR sent in troops to attain influence in the
region.
U.S. Response:
The United States continued to supply the rebellion with munitions.
Overall Historical Significance:
This is significant because the United States supported the rebellion,
so this was a case of the Soviets and Americans fighting through
Afghanistan. The United states supplied the rebellion with supplies
to fight the Soviets with. The Afghan War ended in a stalemate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SovietInvasio
nAfghanistanMap.png
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica.
"Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979)."
Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
US boycotts Moscow Olympics (1980)
In December 1979, the Soviet Union intervened in
Afghanistan, a struggling country with a pro-Soviet
government, while the US was in the midst of arms
negotiations with the USSR. The US was furious and
threatened to boycott the Moscow Olympics if the Soviet
troops were not removed. The USSR refused to leave
Afghanistan, so the boycott occurred. The boycott had
no impact on Soviet policy, and the USSR remained in
Afghanistan for nearly ten years. Tensions increased
between the US and the USSR, as the boycott was a
public insult to the Soviets. The boycott was disliked by
Olympians, and wasn’t seen as a great decision by
Carter.
"Carter Tells U.S. Athletes of Olympic Boycott." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
"The Failed Carter Boycott of the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics." Breitbart News Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
Http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2008/08/a-brief-history-of-olympic-dis-8.php. Web.
Iranian Hostage Crisis (1980)
On November 4th, 1979, the U.S Embassy in Tehran was invaded by Iranian students who
were islamic revolutionaries. More than 60 Americans were in the building, and
subsequently taken hostage. The invasion took place because the United States had
allowed the Shah of Iran to take asylum in America, and much of Iran wanted him to be
returned so he could be tried for his crimes and forced to repay the billions of dollars they
claimed he stole. The United States responded by putting economic sanctions on Iran,
while negotiating diplomatically. When nothing happened, President Carter put together a
rescue mission, called “Desert One”, which failed. The hostages were eventually released
when Khomeini’s government (the man who had taken over after the departure of the
Shah) decided that the hostage situation was no longer beneficial to Iran. The official
release occurred just after Carter left the White House. The crisis made the American
public view Carter as weak and ineffective, and lessened the international fear of the
United States as a world power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8bC1DEYbI4
"American Experience: The Iranian Hostage Crisis." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) & George Bush
(1989-1993)
Evil Empire Speech: Ronald Reagan’s speech is
known as being an attack towards the Soviet Union.
Reagan ultimately degraded the Soviet Union’s
government. Reagan wanted to match the Soviet Union's
strategic military capabilities.
Reagan Doctrine: The foreign policy in the Reagan
Doctrine was implemented by the Reagan administration
to oppose the global influence of the Soviet Union during
the Cold War.
"Reagan Doctrine." Princeton University. N.p., n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
Strategic Defense Initiative discussed publicly (1983)
This was anti-ballistic missile program to prevent other
countries (especially the SU) from attacking the US with
missiles. This was the US’s response to possible nuclear
attacks. Weapons used were lasers, subatomic particle
beams, and electromagnetic rail guns.
Significance:
● This program was dropped because legislators and
congressmen thought it would raise tensions
between the SU and the US.
● Although the system was thought to be
impenetrable, political pressure caused the program
to be a failure from the beginning.
"The Cold War Museum." Cold War Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Soviet Union shoots down a Korean commercial
airliner over Soviet airspace (1983)
Korean airlines were going from New York City
to Seoul. As it was flying into Russian airspace,
the plane crossed over the Kamchatka
Peninsula. The Soviet Union had sent 2 fighters
to intercept the plane, and the plane was
instantly shot down. All 269 passengers were
killed on the plane.
As a result of the takedown, there was
●
●
an increase in Anti-Soviet sentiments especially in
the U.S.
a change in U.S. tracking systems for planes
leaving Alaska
"Korean Airlines Flight Shot down by Soviet Union." History.com. A&E
Television Networks, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"Korean Air Lines Flight 007." Wikipedia. Wikimedia
Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Soviet Union boycotts Olympics in LA (1984)
The Soviet Union boycott of the 1984 Olympics was
cause by a culmination of two things. First, America did
not attend the 1980’s Olympics in Moscow due to the
Soviet’s presence in Afghanistan so the Soviet Union’s
boycott was merely retaliation. Another factor in the
boycott was that Soviets believed that there was “antisoviet hysteria” going on in America.
Significance:
● 14 other countries followed the Soviet Union and boycotted as well
"1984 Summer Olympics Boycott." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2014. Web.
20 Mar. 2014.
History Channel, “Soviets announce boycott of 1984 Olympics- History.com This Day in
History.” Accessed April 7, 2013.
CIA provides arms to Contras in Nicaragua
& gets involved in El Salvador (1980s)
● President Reagan had accused Sandinistas of
making Nicaragua a base for the Soviet Union
but also with sending weapons to El Salvador.
● The president sent over an advisor that
supported the pro-American government of El
Salvador.
Significance:
● The CIA provided Contras with money and
materials to overrun the Sandinistas.
"Understanding the Iran-Contra Affairs - The Iran-Contra Affairs." Understanding
the Iran-Contra Affairs - The Iran-Contra Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Reagan gives “Evil Empire” speech (1983)
In Ronald Reagan’s “Evil Empire” speech, he talks about
the evils in the world, and saying that the Soviet Union
was the “evil empire.” The Soviet Union was being
publicly announced as an enemy. This speech definitely
did not help the relations between the United States and
the Soviet Union. He said the collapse of communism
was assured. He assured the people that democracy
was the only way to “keep alive this best hope of man.”
Significance:
● Regan would not allow people in the United States
to support communism because it was evil.
Democracy was seen as the best system of
government.
"Regan, "Evil Empire," Speech Text." Voices of Democracy. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"Evil Empire." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
US in Grenada (1984)
Along with Cuba, Nicaragua and Jamaica, Grenada was
seen as a communist government. Reagan was concerned
about a 10,000 ft. runway being constructed by the Cubans,
which he feared would be used as a base for Russian
bombers, so he declared an invasion on Grenada.
Furthermore, there were approximately 200 American
medical students on the island and the Reagan wanted to
avoid a hostage situation. The invasion was completely
unorganized and the overall success of the invasion was
entirely due to Grenada’s lack of army, not American
prestige.
Significance:
● The U.S. was able to prevail while the communists were severely hurt
● The United Nations believed that the U.S. was trying to enforce
imperialistic ideas which was what the Russians were doing
"Invasion of Grenada." Wikipedia. Wikimedia
Foundation, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"United States Invades Grenada." History.com. A&E
Television Networks, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Mikhail Gorbachev becomes leader of Soviet Union
(1985)
He was the last leader of the SU. He was also one of
their youngest leaders, at 54 years. His main efforts were
to use glasnost and perestroika to revitalise the country.
He wanted the country to become a more modern social
democracy. Gorbachev was the first leader to be born
after the Revolution.
Significance:
● He tried to reform the old party by introducing
glasnost (openness), perestroika (restructuring),
demokratizatsia (democratization), and uskoreniye
(acceleration of economic growth).
"More Information About: Mikhail
Gorbachev." BBC News. BBC,
n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Soviet Union initiates glasnost and perestroika (1985)
In Russian perestroika means restructuring, and glasnost
means openness. Glasnost allowed writers and
journalists to push beyond the limits that Gorbachev and
his deputies had approved, freedoms were expanded.
This undermined public confidence in the ability of the
countries leaders to give the SU prosperity. Perestroika
was the first attempt to “democratize” the SU. In some
elections, the secret ballot was being used. There was
also the limited introduction of free-market mechanisms.
Significance:
● Much of the government resisted perestroika
reforms due to wanting to maintain control.
● The government attempted to make the country
have a system similar to democracy.
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Mikhail
Gorbachev." Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia Britannica, Jan.-Feb. 2014. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
Intermediate-Range Forces Treaty (1987)
Required the U.S. and the Soviet Union to give up all
of their powerful and nuclear weapons. Allowed for 20
short-notice inspections per year, as well as
inspection and inventory of missiles 30-90 days after
initiation of the treaty. As a result many powerful
missiles were destroyed.
Significance:
● Marked the first time that large world powers
agreed to limit weapons and open themselves up
to inspections on the matter
"The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
at a Glance." Arms Control Association. ACA, Feb.
2008. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
"The Moscow Summit 20 Years Later." The Moscow
Summit 20 Years Later. The National Security Archive,
n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Gorbachev announces USSR’s policy of
nonintervention in Eastern and Central America (1989)
Gorbachev wanted to improve relations with the US. He
wanted nuclear non-proliferation with America. Also in
Gorbachev’s speech he stated that he would not resort to
previous Soviet Policy by interfering with satellite states/
Warsaw pact territories in eastern Europe, and with this it
allowed the satellite states to reform their government as
well as hold multiparty elections if they wanted to.
Significance:
● The result of Gorbachev’s new policy was the end
of communism in Eastern Europe and eventually by
1992 the Soviet Union collapsed.
"Perestroika: The Word That Changed the
World." RT. N.p., 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 20 Mar.
2014.
Formation of NAFTA
● The North American Free Trade Agreement aka NAFTA was eliminated
the majority of tariffs on products traded among the United States, Mexico
and Canada, due to these tariffs being removed it encouraged trade
amongst the three countries.
● The overall significance of NAFTA would be that the economy of America
has grown 54% since the adoption of NAFTA and 25 million new jobs were
created as well therefore NAFTA is seen as a positive aspect of foreign
policy.
"North American Free Trade Agreement."
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Mar.
2014. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
Fall of Berlin Wall & Reunification of Germany (19891990)
Historical Overview:
The Berlin Wall was a wall which surrounded Western Berlin from Eastern
Germany. Germany was broken up into four parts at the close of World War II.
Eastern Germany was controlled by the USSR while Western Germany was controlled
by Great Britain, France, and the United States. Because Berlin was the nation’s
capital, it was also broken up into four sectors. The areas controlled by France, Great
Britain, and the United States would united into Western Berlin. The USSR created
this wall to stop democratic influences from leaking into Eastern Germany. The wall
would eventually fall on November 9, 1989. This would help to lead to the reunification
in 1990. Germany was reunified when the Federal Republic of Germany (West
Germany) united with The German Democratic Republic (East Germany).Treaty on
the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany was signed in Moscow on September
12, 1990. Under this treaty, the allied troops stationed in Germany left in 1994.
US Response:
The United States helped to reunite Germany following the fall of the Berlin
Wall
Historical Significance:
This event helped to ease the Cold War tensions because the question of what
to do with Germany was ended between the Four Powers. This decreases the amount
of disagreement between the US and the Soviets.
"Berlin Wall."
Wikipedia.
Wikimedia
Foundation,
n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2014.
Operation Desert Storm (1991)
Historical Overview:
Also called the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm was a
war waged by thirty-four countries (led by the United States)
opposed to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf
War. This was the first incident where the United States was
actually involved in the Middle East.
US Response:
The United States sent in troops to Kuwait to push out Iraq.
The U.S. spent a total of sixty billion dollars in this operation
Overall Historical Significance:
This operation is historically significant because the
US lead the largest group of countries since WWII against a
threat. This operation would also lead to a war in Iraq in the next
decade.
"Desert Storm."
Wikipedia.
Wikimedia
Foundation, n.d.
Web. 24 Mar.
2014
Gorbachev resigns (1991)
After Gorbachev resigned in 1991, there were
immediate changes, for example, the Cold War
ended and the USSR separated. In Gorbachev’s
farewell speech, he talks about why he resigned,
and his main motive to resignation was the
development and creation of the CIS. Even before
the development of the CIS, Gorbachev had lost
his power in the Soviet Union and the economy
had become unstable.
"Gorbachev Resigns as President
of the USSR." History.com. A&E
Television Networks, n.d. Web. 24
Mar. 2014.
USSR dissolved into 15 separate nations by end of the
year (1993)
Historical Overview:
In December of 1991, the USSR began to dissolve into fifteen
separate nations. During this month, representative from eleven of the
Soviet union’s provinces met to discuss the breaking up of the USSR.
The fifteen nations created the Commonwealth of Independent States
to replace the USSR. One of the main causes of this dissolution is the
radical reform which was created during Gorbachev’s presidency. The
fall of the USSR represented the fall of communism's greatest empire.
U.S. Response:
This was seen as a victory for the United States and democracy in
general. The United States was ecstatic about the fall of the USSR
because it signified the end of the Cold War as the US was now the
world’s only superpower.
Overall Historical Overview:
This haltered the spread of communism and helped the spread of
democracy. The dissolving of the USSR changed the status of the
world and it’s nations disputes.
"Fall of the Soviet Union." History.com. A&E
Television Networks, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
"The Cold War Museum." Cold War Museum.
N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.
The End?
Not Yet
,but this one is!