U.S. II: Chapter 37 Notes - The Cold War; Postscript and Study Questions

CHAPTER 37 NOTES: THE COLD WAR BEGINS – 1945-1952

“America stands at this moment at the summit of the world.” –Winston Churchill

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OVERVIEW:

WWII ended American isolationism – the U.S. was now the world’s most powerful nation.  The United States offered substantial financial assistance to rebuild Europe via its 1947 Marshall plan, and in 1949 it joined NATO, breaking a 150-year tradition of avoiding such treaties.   The postwar arrangements in Eastern Europe sparked disagreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, and they squared off in a battle of ideologies – democracy vs. communism – that became known as the Cold War.  China became communist in 1949 and complicated the picture.  Truman formulated his Doctrine of supporting peoples resisting communism.  The United States became involved in the Korean War (1950-1953) as part of its effort at “containment” of communism. At home, American freedoms suffered in the McCarthyism of the 1950s as people were accused of communist sympathies.

WWII also ended the Great Depression in the U.S.  America emerged from WWII with the world’s strongest economy.  The country embarked on a period of economic growth and prosperity that would last throughout the rest of the 40s, the 50s, and the 60s, as long as energy costs remained relatively low.  Americans experienced high standards of living, and a “baby boom” helped increase the population dramatically.  Liberal presidencies (except for Eisenhower) meant many generous government programs for Americans.  Postwar Americans were on the move - people moved out to the suburbs in great numbers, and many Americans relocated to the Sunbelt.