Cold War Diplomacy 1945 49 Cold War Beginnings
Cold War Diplomacy 1945 -49
Cold War Beginnings – ‘Setting the Stage’ What are nations war aims? • Peace • Victory • Territory • Compensation • Punishment Who are the most powerful nations at end of WWII? • USSR • world revolution and domination? • sphere of influence? • world power status? • USA • world economic & political domination? • more just and democratic existence? Liberation or Occupation? • Who will decide the destiny and future of nations liberated from Nazi tyranny? • the people? – Russia? – USA? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Hp. YCply. Bkn. I Precedents – • Poland (USSR) • Warsaw Uprising? • Katyn Forest Massacre, 1940 • Italy (USA/BR) • Allies did not allow USSR involvement in occupation
Changing Public Perceptions • How did Russia/USA go from allies to enemies? • How do you demonize an ally/enemy? March 1946 – Iron Curtain Speech (W. Churchill) • Why was the speech given? • Was the USSR bent on world domination? Excerpts – • ‘An iron curtain has descended across the continent’ • ‘fifth columns…are at work…in complete obedience…’ • ‘US pinnacle of power…. accountable for the future’ • ‘peril to Christian civilization…(democracy v. totalitarianism)’ • ‘last time I saw (Hitler) coming…no appeasement…’ George Kennan’s ‘Long Telegram’ (1946) • USSR believes in ‘capitalistic encirclement’ • No peaceful coexistence possible • Russian history: traditional sense of insecurity • Ethics mean nothing; ruthless ideology; bent on domination • Logic will not work, only force
Truman Doctrine (1947) “I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures” Harry Truman Never explicitly mentions USSR here, but it is clear boundaries are being drawn Postwar Europe feels the effects of war – Greece and Turkey were politically unstable Harry Truman Containment • Economic, political and military cooperation to contain the spread of communism. • Domino Theory How do you fight communism? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=u 9 k. X 6 Zki. Gu. E American dilemma – step up and onto the world stage or see Greece and Turkey become Communist satellites Failure to act would give the USSR access to the Middle East (oil) and could threaten Suez canal (economics) USA pledges $400 million and materials to both nations in order to “contain” the spread of communism
Marshall Plan Rise of radical elements in society – • Electoral success of Communist Party • Italy (19%) • France (28%) Marshall Plan recognized need for an economically stable Europe as a defense against communism Countries could apply for economic aid if they met basic political and economic freedoms (ie. Capitalism) Conditions were designed to deny access to funds by USSR – Stalin calls it “imperialism” • In W. Europe countries where strong communist parties exist see significant ‘aid’ and thus become – democratic and capitalist nations
Czechoslovakian Coup (1948) Czechoslovakia is a democracy after WWII PM – Edward Benes 1946 – Communists win 38 percent of vote Coalition formed - communist Gottwald 1948 – Gottwald (with support from Stalin) takes control of the government, expelling all non-Communists and eliminates parties Truman called for a resumption of the draft In USA, males b/w 18 and 25 register A large crowd assembled in the Old City Square in Prague listens to a speech by the Czech Communist Prime Minister, Klement Gottwald, following the resignation of twelve ministers of the coalition government. The events prompted a coup d'etat during which then President, Edvard Benes, resigned. Czechoslovakia, February 1948.
Division of Germany was divided into French, British, US and Russian occupation zones and partly annexed by Russia and Poland Austria was also partitioned as such until 1955 Berlin is located deep within Soviet controlled East Germany and was accessible only by a single road, or by air Partitioning of Germany and Berlin was to be a temporary measure only, but fragile relations between East and West prevents any permanent solution Result - Citizens of Germany disadvantaged
Berlin Blockade May 1948 – June 1945 USA, Britain, France establish economic cooperation and currency reform in their sectors Plans set in motion to establish independent West German state – constitutional assembly Stalin needs to respond to “containment” USSR established blockade of all rail, canal, road links into and out of West Berlin and by cutting off power from East to West Berlin 2. 1 million citizens of W. Berlin left helpless Question for western allies was how to respond? Stalin seeks control of all of Germany – Should western allies call his bluff? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=CZid. Bq 8 QS-g
Operation Vittles US Army – send an armoured column up the road running the blockade (likely meant war) Operation Vittles – idea was a massive airlift to supply West Berlin 1 plane lands every minute delivering 2 million + tons of supplies Stalin is pressured to respond or back down 60 B-29 Atomic Bombers moved to England (a bluff, as the US had only a handful of A-bombs) May 1949 – Stalin backs down! Huge boost to West and showed Stalin wanted to expand influence, but not at the cost of war. West German state established, later German “Democratic” Republic (E. Germany) Germany remains partitioned until 1990
Rival Alliances: NATO and Warsaw Pact Deterrence – based on idea that a strong military force, including better nuclear weapons and other technologies, can ensure the other side will not attack. NATO (1948) – West intends to meet Soviet expansion and to prevent war through collective security. USA agrees to rearm W. Europe and lead in defense of Western world W. Germany joins NATO in 1955 Warsaw Pact (1955) – Soviets and their “satellites” set up military alliance modeled after NATO Military command established in Moscow A “balance of power” is now complete
The Case of Tito and Yugoslavia Communist partisan during WWII - fought Nazis Received little aid from Allies (east or west) and feels no real alliance to either camps during initial stages of Cold War Stalin demanded Tito fall in line with USSR; however, Tito would refuse him Tito kicked out of COMINFORM Defiance showed Stalin and world that USSR would have difficulty controlling nations that were not directly connected to the USSR and thus susceptible to the use of force Tito rules Yugoslavia until his death in 1980 Josip Broz Tito 1892 -1980
Other Military Alliances NATO was only one part of the new strategy of international organizations and military alliances designed to contain communism. Other included – 1948 - Organization of American States (OAS) was established to “achieve peace and justice and to promote American solidarity. ” Initially, it was a US dominated vehicle. 1954 – Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) was created to stop communist expansion in Southeast Asia and was used to justify American intervention in Vietnam. 1955 – Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) or Baghdad Pact Mutual defense policy against USSR for Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Britain and USA. 1957 – North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) between Canada and the USA established nuclear tracking, warning and control stations across the Arctic. Essential to US to have sufficient warning time of any Soviet bomber raid – WHY? USSR and Eastern USA were surrounded by military alliances or mutual defense treaties backed by US arms. The USA was now committed to the defense of 42 nations around the world.
Bipolar World Review Q. What was the Truman Doctrine? What was its impact on the Cold War? Q. Explain the policy of containment? Do you think this was an effective way to deal with the Soviet Union? Q. Briefly explain the objectives, terms and results of the Marshall Plan. Q. What was the impact of the coup in Czechoslovakia in 1947 on the Cold War. The Berlin Blockade and Airlift in 1948? Q. In your opinion, could the Cold War have been avoided?
Cold War Politics in the 1950 s
The United Nations April 1945 – San Francisco Conference • Mission is to create a world where unilateral decisions are replaced by multilateral decision-making Structure • General Assembly • Every nation has a vote (moral voice) • No real power • Security Council • USA – Britain – France – USSR – China (veto) • 10 rotating non-permanent members • ‘Resolutions’ on security issues Objectives • Peacekeeping and Security • Human Rights • 1948 – Universal Declaration of Human Rights • Econ. development and humanitarian assistance • UNICEF/UNHCR/IMF/World Bank John Humphrey
Korean War (1950 -52) End of World War II North Korea liberated by USSR South Korea liberated by USA assumes that North and South will reunite once regions had been “normalized” USSR established pro-Moscow communist regime in North and US responds by backing a “democratic” government in the South 38 th parallel divides the two nations June 1950 – North Korea invades South Korea North calls it “war of liberation” – uses Soviet supplied tanks and aircraft “Domino Effect” – USA pledges support to S. Koreans under Truman’s containment policy and rushes US troops from Japan (led by Mac. Arthur)
“Limited War” Outbreak of War – N. Korea captures most of country cornering the S. Koreans an US troops in the perimeter around Pusan UN Security Council – US introduces resolution branding N. Korea as the aggressor and demands withdrawal – • Soviets did not veto because Soviets were boycotting UN over US refusal to allow China’s communists to take seat at UN Under US leadership, UN embarks on first major test of global collective security September 1950 – • US forces land at Inchon • Mac. Arthur breaks out of the Pusan Perimeter • N. Koreans retreat to Chinese border
Liberation or Containment? Liberation or containment? Mac. Arthur sees himself liberating the S. Koreans from communism and wants to push into China. Truman sees this as an exercise in containment and only wants to push the Koreans past the 38 th parallel. China enters war in 1950 sending 300 000 men as UN forces approach the Yalu River UN forces in retreat, Seoul falls to communists Mac. Arthur and Truman class over political vs. military objectives in Korea and over Asian communism Mac. Arthur advocates using nuclear weapons against Chinese, but how would Stalin respond? Mac. Arthur is fired by Truman http: //users. erols. com/mwhite 28/korea. htm
United Nations Peacemaking or United States Peacemaking? Was effort in Korea an American or UN military operation? UN was involved only because USA decided it should be and the USSR had not been in a position to use its veto on the Sec. Council Only 16 nations of the 51 member nations participated – all of these participants were friends of the USA • USSR learns to ‘veto, ’ rather than ‘vote’ 1953 – Armistice – New US President – Eisenhower ends hostilities, but not the war 38 th parallel becomes a “demilitarized zone” https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=7 u. K_at. Vem-M UN Forces in Korea USA Army 50% Navy 86% Air Force 93% UN 10% 7% 2% South Korea 40% 7% 5%
The “Red Scare” of the 1950 s Early Challenges to Containment – • Russia and the ‘Nuke’ (1949) • Communist China (1949) • Sino-Soviet Alliance • Paranoia sweeping the USA, as several Soviet spy rings are uncovered in North America and Western Europe • Republican senator Joseph Mc. Carthy heads a senate committee to investigate “un-American activity. ” Q. Who defines what “un-American activity” is? • Mc. Carthy goes looking for “commies” in all aspects of American society. The accused are brought before the committee and “questioned” about their past activities and “encouraged” to “names. ” • These trials are often referred to witch-hunts or the American equivalent of Stalin’s “show trials. ” • Tension between East and West is at a breaking point as neither nation is talking and both are looking to expand their “spheres of influence. ”
Eisenhower, Stalin and Kruschev (Republican) inaugurated President in 1953 Campaigned against “Communism, Korea and Corruption” Former Five Star General and hero of the Second World War Stalin is dead – March 6, 1953 De-Stalinization begins – • breaking the “cult of personality” Nikita Kruschev takes over as the Communist Party leader In a “secret speech” at the 20 th Party Congress, Kruschev addresses Stalin’s reign by showing respect, but also the need for change – ‘De-Stalinization’ • Kruschev praises Stalin’s economic reforms, but denounces his autocratic rule (purges) • Quotes Lenin “there are many roads to communism” • CCCP needs new members • Eastern Europe more ‘freedom’ • Developing world is a breeding ground for communism
‘Peaceful Co-Existence? ’ ‘Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you. ’ Nikita Kruschev (1957) Geneva Conference (1955) • Austrian Peace Treaty (1955) • Austria – ‘normalized’ Camp David Summit (1959) • No agreement on Berlin US Secretary of State J. F. Dulles • ‘containment’ to weak • US must win back territory lost to USSR Sputnik (Space Race), 1957 • America shocked – • Rest of world in awe of Soviet technology • Arms Race? • Rockets (A-Bomb) • Satellite technology Is USSR a nation that can compete with USA?
False Hope for the Satellites Poland (1956) • Stalinist puppet dies 1 month after Stalin • Workers strike: civil rights, work conditions • Crackdown by hardliners (outrage) • Wladyslaw Gomulka (reformer) • Moscow struggles w/ response to protests Kruschev/Gomulka Compromise – • ‘National Communism’ • Loyalty to Moscow (Warsaw Pact) Soviet T-54 tanks in Budapest Hungary (1956) • Unrest – Repression under hardline leader – Standard of Living • Rise of Imre Nagy – personal and political freedoms (liberalization) • relaxed police surveillance • increased production of consumer goods • non-communists in government • Nagy replaced by Moscow, then re-appointed in response to protests • Nagy opts out of Warsaw Pact • Kruschev orders re-invasion of Hungary (Suez Crisis? !!) • 30 000 Hungarians killed fighting Soviets • 22 000 imprisoned 200 000 refugees flee Hungary • Nagy arrested, tried and executed
Suez Crisis, 1956 • Arab Nationalism • Egyptian President – • Gamal Nasser • USSR Military Aid • Aswan Dam • US pulls funding • Nasser too ‘pro-Soviet’ • Suez Canal ‘nationalized’ • Egyptian take-over of British and French investor-owned Suez Canal • Israel, Br. & France withdraw • Egypt threatens to bar Israeli ships from • United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) using canal / Nasser seen as anti-Israeli • Expanded role for UN • Israel invades Sinai • Britain & France drop paratroopers to retake possession of Suez Canal USSR sends letter threatening use of nuke Eisenhower to British: ‘Have you gone mad? !’ • Middle East becomes a major arena of Cold War/Superpower competition • Eisenhower Doctrine = New Imperialism?
End of Eisenhower Era U 2 Spy Plane Incident • Paris Summit (1960) • • U 2 shot down by missile over USSR USA denies existence of ‘U 2’ USSR produces Gary Powers (pilot) Kruschev demands apology – USA refuse Berlin – What to do with Berlin? Military Industrial Complex ‘In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. ’ Pres. Dwight Eisenhower, 1961 What impact does military spending have on society?
John F. Kennedy ‘Camelot’ • the kingdom, of the best and brightest Militarist • ‘Missile Gap’ Freedom Doctrine • financial & military aid to developing world Vienna Summit (1961) • Kruschev demands finality to Berlin/Germany • ‘He beat the hell out of me’ Kennedy • Kruschev/USSR frustrated by ‘drain’ to West Berlin • ‘Brinksmanship’ • Kruschev warns of nuclear conflict • Kennedy – ‘We would not disagree if East Germany cuts access. ’ Berlin Wall (1961) • Berlin cut in half; surrounds West Berlin, corridors to If communism is such a superior system, why is a wall of this magnitude needed to keep its citizens from escaping?
Cuban Missile Crisis https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=z. Ob. Ckl. M 5 LPw Cuba (1959): Fidel Castro (right) • Cuban rebels overthrow Cuba’s pro-US leader in a revolution • US reacts angrily by imposing trade & economic sanctions on Cuba Bay of Pigs (1961) • CIA organize invasion by Cuban exiles • Kennedy hesitates in granting air cover for mission – • Invasion force easily defeated and captured • Kennedy viewed as weak from within (CIA, Joint Chiefs of Staff) • Significance: Castro turns to Kruschev for support • With Castro’s support, Kruschev places missiles in Cuba • Why does Kruschev decide to put missiles in Cuba? !! • To defend Cuba? • To create a new balance of power? • Missiles in Turkey? • Was this politics or aggression?
Thirteen Days Summer, 1962 – • U 2 spy plane photographs construction of missile site 16 -21 Oct 1962 – • Three Options Emerge: White House • ‘Hawkish’ – bomb or invade now • ‘Dove’ – negotiate and go to UN • ‘Owl’ – blockade and ultimatum ‘Brinksmanship’ – • the practice, especially in international relations, of taking a dispute to the verge of conflict in the hope of forcing the opposition to make concessions • Attack Cuba? – USSR attacks Berlin? – Russia invades Europe? – USA/USSR Nuclear War? • Kennedy’s administration wanted – at least as it was perceived by the public – a clear victory, not a tempered one https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=N 8 h. LWDdv. Bm 8 https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=KJu. Kpf_8 IJ 0 https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=NHVpuh. Ap. SC 0
Blockade and Quarantine 22 -25 Oct 1962 • Public is informed (Kennedy addresses nation) • Blockade of Cuba • Soviet ships sail, then retreat/USSR backs down Behind the Scenes – Two Telegrams from Moscow i. Conciliatory: Will move weapons if US promise not to invade Cuba ii. Hawkish: Withdraw missiles from Turkey Kruschev’s letter to Kennedy – ‘Mr. President, you and I ought now pull on the ends of the rope in which you have tied the know of war, because the more the two of us pull, the tighter that knot will be tied. ’ 28 Oct 1962 • Kennedy responds to first message • Secret negotiations between Robert Kennedy and Moscow agent • US agree not to invade Cuba; remove missiles from Turkey
Aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis • Direct communications (phone) established • Kennedy’s ‘Pax Americana’ • What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war…. I speak of peace because of the new face of war. Total war makes no sense in an age when great powers can maintain large and relatively invulnerable nuclear forces and refuse to surrender without resort to those forces. • Nuclear Diplomacy • Test Ban Treaty (1963) • Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968) • Kruschev is dismissed as the Leader of the USSR (1964) • Why? • Cuba Missile Crisis? • ‘De-Stalinization’ • Poland (56), Hungary (56) • Agricultural policies (Virgin Lands) • Sino-Soviet Split End of Peaceful Coexistence? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=HZVR-DKERhc
Kennedy Assassination, Nov. 1963 The Oliver Stone Conspiratorial Thesis (‘JFK’) • Kennedy shot by exiled Cubans angry at his betrayal • Kennedy shot by ? For reduction of troops in Vietnam • Kennedy speaking about ‘peaceful coexistence’ • Kennedy a threat to military elite in USA? OR • Kennedy shot by lone gunman (Lee Harvey Oswald) • Kennedy elected as a ‘hawk, ’ increases military spending • Kennedy increases US involvement in Vietnam, even overthrow the Vietnamese President Oliver Stone’s Take – http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GSw 9 sjq. YK_I Magic Bullet – http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=DSBXW 1 -VGm. M
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