cold war Flashcards
(28 cards)
What policy did the USA adopt after WWII?
Containment
The policy replaced isolationism and aimed to stop the spread of communism.
What was the purpose of the Long Telegram (1946)?
To warn Truman that the USA should contain communism.
What did the Truman Doctrine (1947) signify?
The USA would protect any country threatened by communism.
What was the Domino Theory?
The belief that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.
What event led to the division of Korea?
Japan’s surrender in 1945 after WWII.
What was the 38th parallel?
The line that divided Korea into North and South.
What happened in June 1950 in Korea?
North Korea invaded South Korea.
Why did the USA get involved in the Korean War?
To stop Korea from falling to communism and protect Japan’s capitalism.
What was the significance of the UN’s involvement in the Korean War?
The UN agreed to send troops to stop North Korea.
What were some positive consequences of the Korean War for the USA?
Kept Korea divided and protected South Korea from communism.
What were some negative consequences of the Korean War?
4 million casualties, increased tensions with the USSR, and NK remained communist.
What was the Bay of Pigs incident?
A failed US-backed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles in 1961.
What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?
The invasion surrendered in less than 24 hours.
Who was Fidel Castro?
The leader of Cuba who established a communist government.
What did Kennedy do regarding Cuba after taking office?
He formulated a plan to overthrow Castro.
What was the US public’s perception of Kennedy after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
They viewed him as a strong leader for standing up to the USSR.
What were the Thirteen Days?
The period during the Cuban Missile Crisis when the world was closest to nuclear war.
What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis for the USA?
Kruschev removed missiles from Cuba, but Kennedy agreed not to invade.
What was the Geneva Peace Accords?
An agreement to split Vietnam into communist North and anti-communist South.
What did the US fear regarding the elections in Vietnam?
That Ho Chi Minh would win and lead to a domino effect of communism.
What did the Viet Minh do in 1941?
Fought against Japanese occupation in Vietnam.
What was the Strategic Hamlets program?
A failed initiative by Diem to protect villages from Vietcong influence.
What tactics did the Vietcong use?
Guerrilla warfare, ambushes, traps, and civilian involvement.
What was the US’s approach to the Vietnam War?
Large-scale bombing, chemical warfare, and conscription.
