Full set of notes on KQ5 - How effectively did the United States contain the spread of Communism. Includes fully evaluation of their failures and successes in the policy of containment, as well as context of the major events of the Cold War. This includes both the Korean War and the Vietnam War - w...
How Effectively did the United Sates Contain the
Spread of Communism
The Korean War
What were the consequences of each of these events?
- Most of EE under Stalin's control
USA feel threatened by Stalin – communism is getting closer to the West
Might create barriers between EE and WE to stop the spread of communism
To a certain extent USA had to leave some of EE as they have already turned
communist so can’t help them now
• China became Communist in 1949 – now at odds with USA
China was one of USA’s main allies. It is a massive country with a large population
that holds a lot of power so for it to now be communism means the balance of
power between Capitalist and Communist countries has shifted massively
USA need to increase their own productivity because they have less trade
USA may want to find other allies in Asia for trade
• Stalin has announced he also has an atomic bomb
USA has lost its militaristic upper hand, both countries now have the ability to
cause mass destruction.
They may fear that the USSR will share the technology with the other Communist
states
USA may want to improve/develop their weaponry to try and gain an advantage
– invest in their nuclear technology, a new nuclear arms race
They also may try and prove their militaristic power by becoming more
aggressive against communism
• USA (Truman) suspect Stalin is trying to take over other parts of the world, e.g.
Malaya, Indonesia, Burma, Korea
Soon most of the world will be Communist. It may affect trade with America
which may cause the economy to suffer
USA may want to assert their power over these countries before USSR can
Send economic aid to try and stop the spread of communism
May also provide military aid to the anti-communist forces
What was the situation in 1950?
,Korea had been occupied by the Japanese
The surrender of the Japanese was looked after by the Russians in the North and the
Americans in the South.
The country was split in two: The North was Communist, and the South was Capitalist.
After the war, the North was ruled by Communist dictator Kim Il Sung and the South was
ruled by anti-communist (although not very democratic) President Syngman Rhee.
What opportunity did Stalin see?
China turned Communist in 1949 and the North Korean leader persuaded Stalin
and the Chinese that he could take over the South. They agreed to help him
What opportunity did Truman see?
Harry Truman, the US president saw supporting South Korea as an opportunity to
gain dominance over the Soviets without directly attacking them
What else was happening in the Far East?
Soon after the Soviet take-over of Eastern Europe, China fell to Communism
(1949)
- Between 1946-9 America had been pumping money (as aid) into China as
China had been regarded as their main stay (ally) in the Far East, but now
they were faced with a Communist
Moreover, spies had informed President Truman that Stalin was using
Cominform to help communists win power in Malaya, Indonesia, Burma, the
Philippines and Korea
Was this a conspiracy from the Communist countries as they acted together to
spread Communism?
- It is here we can really see the domino theory kick in; so, when the North
invaded the South in 1950 it was time for action
The United Nations
- Set up at the end of WW2 as a replacement for the failed LoN
- . Its founding members were The Republic of China, France, the USSR, the UK, and
the US. All had veto power
- It aimed to: promote peace, encourage free trade, improve world prosperity and
reduce weaponry
, - The Korean war was the most severe test the UN had to face since its inception in
1945. The UN had to successfully deal with this or lose credibility just 5 years after it
had come into being
- US was the biggest contributor to the UN budget. Truman was able to pressure the
UN into acting
- The USSR could have vetoed any decision made but they were Boycotting the UN at
the time (in response to Communist China being forbidden from the UN)
- 16 states including Britain provided troops or support of some kind
- However the majority of troops were American including the Commanding Officer –
Commander General McArthur was American
Events of the War
The beginning of the War
June 25th, 1950, war broke out between North and South when 90,000 North Korean
soldiers invaded the South
By August Seoul, the southern capital, had been captured
By September, all of the south, except for a small section around Pusan (Busan) had
been overrun by Communist forces
The US send advisers, supplies and warships to the waters off Korean
The UN sanctioned war to help liberate south Korea
The US persuaded the UN to agree to a resolution to ‘render such assistance’ to
South Korean ‘as was necessary to restore international peace and security’
The Inchon Landings
Douglas MacArthur, the American General in charge of a UN army (helped by 18
other states) led the attack against the North Communist troops
He planned to attack at Inchon
MacArthur HATED communism
The roll back
The UN/US and South Korea forces had succeeded in driving the North Koreans back
In October 1950, President Truman made the decision (encouraged by MacArthur) to
continue the war and cross the 38th parallel (38th parallel is the line between North
and South Korea)
No longer was this war to contain communism but a war to ‘roll-back’ and ‘contain’
communism
UN, US and South Korean troops continued their advance across the 38th parallel
This was a provocation to Chairman Mao who led a Communist government in China
– just across the border
The US saw the advance as a boost for Cold War morale which would stop any future
threats from the North Koreans – or Communists
Pyongyang, the northern capital was taken
MacArthur continued his advance up to the Yalu River and the border with China
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller meimeiwai. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
