Containment Put to the Test
• In 1949, China was going through a major
political change via a Civil War.
– Mao Zedong emerged and established the People’s
Republic of China (communist government)
Mao Zedong
Jiang Jieshi
– Jiang Jieshi’s Nationalist Government was losing
control. (USA supported his party)
Containment Put to the Test
• USA tried to negotiate a peace/power sharing
system between both parties.
– Both declined because they each thought they
could win in a military battle against each other.
• Jieshi led an offensive but spread himself too
thin and eventually his party/military fled to
Taiwan.
• Mao Zedong set up a communist government
in China and this was a defeat of the Truman
Doctrine principle for the USA.
Containment Put to the Test
• With Zedong’s victory the US official policy
became “nonrecognition” we didn’t recognize the
People’s Republic of China as the official
government.
• We issued a trade boycott with China that lasted
more than 20 years until Nixon’s 1972 visit to
China.
Containment Put to the Test
Part II
Vietnam
• 1950 France had been trying to reestablish a
colonialism in Vietnam
– Colonialism:
• The control or governing influence of a nation over a
dependent country, territory, or people
• USA took a neutral stance because we didn’t
want to get into colonialism issues but we
were against communism so we secretly
helped France.
Containment Put to the Test
Part II (Vietnam)
• French set up a puppet government in Saigon
to “rationalize” the USA involvement
– In essence to allow our involvement under the
Truman Doctrine.
• Soviets and China officially recognized Ho Chi
Minh’s Communist Government.
• USA then recognizes the “Mock Government
in Saigon”
Containment Put to the Test
Part II (Vietnam)
• We begin funneling $ and military aid to S.
Vietnam.
• Truman then sends in a small amount of
troops.
• Troops are in Vietnam in various degrees for
the next 25 years!!!
Eisenhower's New Look
vs.
Truman’s Containment Theory
Eisenhower on Containment
• Early in Ike’s Presidency he and Secretary of State John
Foster Dulles continued with Containment.
– They originally had stated they would change the
containment policy though.
• They stated that they EXPECT those under communism
to be set free. (Hoping not to fight)
• This meant it would require Americans to fight.
– No communist nation would ever set it’s citizens free
voluntary.
Eisenhower on Containment
• Eisenhower wanted liberation (meaning getting rid of
communism)
– That would have been TOO COSTLY
• The New Look became the name of the Eisenhower's
Foreign Policy (specifically dealing with the Cold War
and Communism.)
Eisenhower’s New Look
• It dealt primarily with Atomic Diplomacy.
• It basically said massive air attacks on the Soviet
Union with Nuclear Bombs if communism was
aggressively perused anywhere in the world.
– Eisenhower and Dulles though this would keep the Soviets
from action.
– This also allowed Eisenhower to reduce the spending on
conventional military equipment. Thus reducing military
spending while keeping the arms race going.
Eisenhower’s New Look
• Ike and Dulles said this gave the USA more bang for
their buck.
• The cuts in military spending they felt were necessary
to keep the American Way of Life continuing (American
Dream)
Criticisms of the New Look:
• It locked the USA into an all or nothing approach
• Small attacks in 3rd world nations wouldn’t warrant a
full blown nuclear attack against the Soviet Union. Thus
Communism would still expand.
Eisenhower’s New Look
• Ike said this New Look was better and more efficient than
trying to police the whole world.
• Ike and Dulles stated the USA would provide the
hardware to allied nations in certain parts of the world
and they (allied nations) would provide the troops.
• This lead to “pactomania”:
– A period of treaty making during the Cold War.
– USA signed alliances with 42 different nations and treaties with
over 100 countries.
– This helped with geographical coverage of the “New Look”
Brinkmanship
• The notion of going to the brink of war to achieve
peace.
– Basically threaten total annihilation if the opponent
doesn’t do what you wish.
• Brinkmanship was used to help bring an end to the
war in Korea.
– It was used on China not the Soviets)
• Brinkmanship was then used again in Southeast Asia.
(Indochina)
– The countries between India and China….specifically
Vietnam)
Vietnam
Background
• Since 1859 most of Vietnam and Cambodia had been
under French Rule. (Laos came later)
• Various uprisings came from the 1860’s till the 1940’s
with limited success.
• From 1859-1940 Vietnam was under French Colonial
Rule.
• 1940, the French were defeated by the Germans in
WWII.
– This created a German occupational zone in France known as
“Vichy French”
Vietnam
Background
• Vichy French: German run zones in France. (This went
until 1944 when France was liberated)
• Germany still had the final say but France maintained some
control.
• So in 1940 when France went under German occupation,
this meant that the French Colonies in Vietnam became
“Vichy French”
– This meant that France now (1940-44) helped Japan (who was
part of the German Axis powers) in their invasion into French
Indo-China (AKA=Vietnam Expedition)
– The French still basically ran Vietnam (Indochina) but the
authority still ultimately rested with Japan and Germany.
Vietnam
Background
• Vietnam (Indochina) feared they couldn’t fully trust
the French because the authorities were held captive
(interned) by the Germans and Japanese.
• The French Colonies in Vietnam then decided to
control themselves independently in 1945.
– Viet Minh: Group who originally wanted independence
from French and then later from Japan rule. (Starting in
1941)
Vietnam
Background
• Viet Minh: (Early Days)
– Lead by Ho Chi Minh
– The USA supported the Viet Minh and Ho Chi Minh in their
attempt to escape Japanese Rule. (Prior to 1945)
– We supplied them with arms, and supplies etc. (all prior to
1945)
– The problem was Japan surrendered unconditionally to the
Allied forces in 1945.
– Viet Minh (and Ho Chi Minh) felt this was the perfect
opportunity to claim their independence.
Vietnam
Background
• Viet Minh: (Early Days)
– In September 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared the Democratic
Republic of Vietnam. (this was in name only)
• He even quoted the US Declaration of independence saying “All
Men Are Created Equal” and “We have the right to pursue
happiness”
– Problem: The victorious Allies (USA, Great Britain, and the
Soviet Union all agreed that with the defeat of
Germany/Japan, Indochina (Vietnam) would return to
French rule.
• We didn’t consult with Ho Chi Minh and didn’t recognize the
Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Vietnam
Background
• The French didn’t really have much of an army or
supplies anymore because they were under German
Control (Vichy French)
• The Decision:
– British troops would occupy southern Vietnam
– Chinese Nationalists: Would come down from the north to
eventually retake all of Vietnam.
– This was turning bad for Ho Chi Minh and his idea for a Free Vietnam.
– British troops landed at Hanoi and provided weapons to former French
troops who were “interned” there. This helped gain a force to retake
Vietnam.
Vietnam
Background
• Ho Chi Minh decided to try to
negotiate with the French for
control.
– He wanted a Free Vietnam zone
within French Control)
• In Jan. 1946 Ho Chi Minh won
elections in North and Central
Vietnam. He was gaining
popularity and support.
Vietnam
Background
• In March, Ho Chi Minh signed
an agreement with France for
the French to replace the
Chinese Nationalists in their
effort to rid Japanese (in an
attempt to eliminate the
Chinese from any control in
Vietnam)
– This was in exchange for the
French recognizing the Democratic
Republic of Vietnam. (as a Free
Republic in a French Zone)
Vietnam
Background
• Then shortly after in March
1946 the French landed in
Hanoi and threw out the Viet
Minh.
– Thus eliminating any truce or
recognition of a “free Vietnam” in
a French Zone.
– The Response??
Vietnam
Background
• The Viet Minh went into guerilla warfare against the
French & British soldiers in Vietnam.
– The Viet Minh largely weren’t well equipped until 1949
when the Chinese Revolution occurred thus providing
them with ample military supplies.
• 1950, communist nations recognized “The
Democratic Republic of Vietnam”
– Lead by Ho Chi Minh
• Shortly after non-communist nations recognized
“Vietnam” lead by emperor Bao Dai
Vietnam
Background
• By 1954 USA was funding almost 80% of the war
effort in Vietnam.
• This French Struggle in Vietnam lead to the 1st
Indochina War.
– USA didn’t get directly involved. We simply supplied the
French with military aid.
– The USA did consider using 3 Tactical Nuclear weapons in
support of a French invasion.
– USA agreed to join with troops if the British joined the fight.
– The British didn’t and the USA decided against the use of
Nuclear Weapons.
Vietnam Background
French vs. Indochina
• Soviet Union greatly supported the Viet Minh
and did so in large amounts.
• The USA started to realize the French chance for
victory was slim.
• 1954 (MAY) the Battle of Dien Bien Phu marked
the defeat of the French in Vietnam.
• The Geneva Accords which followed helped
divide the country.
• Dien Bien Phu Documentary
Geneva Agreement
• July 1954
• France and the Viet Minh would cease fire
• Vietnam would be TEMPORARILY divided at the 17th
parallel.
• Viet Minh would be in the North
• France would be in the South
• Civilians would be given the opportunity to move
freely between the 2 separate states.
• They were to hold free elections but the elections
were stopped in the South because they feared a
communist victory.
Geneva Agreement
• During this time the USA used over $90 million to
relocate as many as 2 million Vietnamese civilians
from the North to the South.
• Most of these were Catholic
– USA used propaganda saying “The Virgin Mary is going
South”
– The USA did this to gain support in the non-communist
South.
– Epic Video Tribute
– We were soldiers
Cold War Problems Elseware
IRAN
• 1953
• An Iran Nationalist Government had taken control of oil
fields previously operated by the British.
• They exiled the Shah of Iran.
• The USA feared this new government might sell Oil to
the Soviets and join the Communist force.
• USA with the help of Britain and Iran overthrew the Iran
Nationalists and helped restore the Shah of Iran to
power.
Cold War Problems Elseware
IRAN
• This assistance gave USA 40%, Britain 40%, and
the Dutch 20% of Iranian oil production.
– Meaning Soviets would get no oil from Iran.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Guatemala
• 1953
• Jacob Arbenz was elected President. He wasn’t communist
himself but he had communist officials in his government.
• He took land belong to an American Fruit corporation for a
land reform.
• USA cut off aid and recruited a military movement from
Honduras.
• USA airlifted supplies and bombed Guatemala’s capital.
• Arbenz fled. USA helped establish a new government and the
land was returned to the USA company.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• The Suez Canal was originally built by Egypt and France
in 1869.
• It was very strategic in location.
– It connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean
• Late 1875 Egypt went through a financial crisis and sold
some of it’s shares of the Suez Canal to Britain
• Then 1888 the Canal was declared a “neutral zone” but
remained under British Protection.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• Then during WW I
Britain and France
closed the canal to
Allied forces.
• WW II the Suez Canal
became important for
oil shipping. (The
British stronghold on it
weakened)
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• 1947 Britain withdrew from Palestine and brought
it’s problems in the Suez to the UN
• USA and Soviets wanted to create a Jewish “Israel” in
the Palestine area near the coast.
• 1948 Israel declares independence.
• Instantly Arab armies attacked to restore all of
Palestine as a Muslim area.
• Israel asked for a truce and USA and Soviets made it
happen.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• During the truce Soviets flew in military supplies and
equipment.
• When the truce broke the Israelis beat back the Arab
Muslims….badly.
• They drove them out of the Israel Jewish state and
took more land from Palestine.
• 1949 a “peace was established”
• Israel was successful because of Soviets muscle and
American diplomacy.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• Over 700,000 Palestinians were “displaced” because
of the advancing Israeli armies.
• 1952 Gemal Nasser came to power in the Egypt with
the USA help.
– USA offered $270 Million to build Aswan Dam in the Nile
River. (Help flooding areas)
– This was done to show the Arab nations we support both
sides.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• Israel was supported by the Soviets until 1955.
– Then the Soviets shifted their alliance to the Arabs. (Egypt)
• 1955 Dulles arranges the Baghdad Pact.
– USA, Britain, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan.
• (Iraq, Iran) Egyptian foes.
– It was to also keep the Soviets out of the Middle East
– Nasser was angry because it was bringing the Cold War to
the Middle East.
– This also troubled him because he saw it as a challenge to
make Egypt the leader of the Arab world.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• 1955 Israel again
attacks the Egyptian
Arabs near Gaza.
• Nasser asked the USA
for arms.
– USA said no.
• Nasser then asked the
Soviets.
– They said yes.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• USA responded to the Soviet/Egyptian arms deal by
withdrawing it’s offer for $270 million for the Aswan
dam project.
• May 1956, Nasser officially recognizes China.
• July 1956, Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal.
– This crippled Britain’s economy (they depended on
revenue from the canal)
– Britain asked the USA for military help.
• USA declined.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Trouble in the Suez
• Britain makes a secret pact with France and invades
Egypt in an attempt to retake the Canal.
– USA threatens Britain with economic sanctions.
– Soviets threaten to invade Egypt (mad at Britain)
– Soviets then offer to fund the Aswan dam project
• This gives them a strong hold in the Arab world
• Eventually Nasser paid Britain and France for the
Canal.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Hungary 1956
• Decided to leave the Warsaw Pact.
– Warsaw Pact was the agreement between 8 East European
Countries. (Mostly a defense treaty)
• Soviet responded by invading Hungary killing over
30,000 people.
• Hungary asked for USA help. Eisenhower declined.
• Risk of WW III was too great to try to free an Eastern
European Country from Soviet oppression.
Cold War Problems Elseware
Eisenhower Doctrine 1957
• A country being threatened by Communist forces could
request ECONOMIC and MILITARY Aid from the USA.
– This was done to protect the Middle East from the Soviets
implementing Communism.
– It was used 2x.
– 1. Jordan: To protect the government from Egypt invasion.
– 2. Lebanon: To protect from an Egyptian Nasser threat.
There has never been a fix to the Arab-Israeli conflict