Truman and the Cold War

Question 1

What was the US’s initial view of communism?

Answer 1

The US feared communism as a threat to democracy and capitalist ideals.

Question 2

When did the US recognize the USSR?

Answer 2

The US officially recognized the USSR in 1933 under Roosevelt.

Question 3

What was the relationship between Roosevelt and Stalin during WWII?

Answer 3

It was a ‘marriage of convenience’ to defeat Nazi Germany.

Question 4

Why did the Cold War begin?

Answer 4

Tensions rose due to ideological differences and Soviet expansion.

Question 5

Who formed the Grand Alliance in 1941?

Answer 5

The US, UK, and USSR formed the Grand Alliance to defeat the Axis Powers.

Question 6

Why was the US distrustful of Stalin?

Answer 6

The USSR’s expansion into Eastern Europe in 1944 and Stalin’s secrecy regarding atomic bombs.

Question 7

How did the US view Soviet expansion?

Answer 7

The US saw Soviet expansion as a direct threat to Europe’s stability and democracy.

Question 8

What was the power balance after WWII?

Answer 8

The US emerged as the most powerful country, while the USSR was severely weakened.

Question 9

How many Soviet casualties were there during WWII?

Answer 9

The USSR lost around 30 million people during the war.

Question 10

Why was the US economy untouched by WWII?

Answer 10

The US mainland was never directly involved in combat, preserving its industrial base.

Question 11

What was the US’s position on Eastern Europe after WWII?

Answer 11

The US opposed Soviet control over Eastern Europe and its communist governments.

Question 12

What was the debate on Cold War causes?

Answer 12

Orthodox: Stalin’s aggression; Revisionist: US economic interests; Post-Revisionist: mutual misunderstandings.

Question 13

What was the Truman Doctrine of 1947?

Answer 13

It was a US policy aimed at containing communism, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey.

Question 14

What did Truman’s speech justify?

Answer 14

It justified US intervention to prevent the spread of communism worldwide.

Question 15

What was the George Kennan Telegram?

Answer 15

A 1946 telegram urging a policy of containment against Soviet expansion.

Question 16

How did the Truman Doctrine affect Europe?

Answer 16

It led to increased US involvement in European recovery through the Marshall Plan.

Question 17

How much did the US give in the Marshall Plan?

Answer 17

The US provided $13 billion in aid to Western Europe to prevent communism.

Question 18

Why did NATO form in 1949?

Answer 18

NATO was created to protect Western Europe from Soviet expansion after the Berlin blockade.

Question 19

What criticisms did the Truman Doctrine face?

Answer 19

It was criticized for creating unrealistic global commitments without limits.

Question 20

What was the Rio Treaty of 1947?

Answer 20

A collective security agreement where an attack on one nation would be considered an attack on all.

Question 21

Why was the OAS created?

Answer 21

The Organization of American States was formed in 1948 to combat communism in Latin America.

Question 22

How much US aid did Latin America receive during Truman’s presidency?

Answer 22

Latin America received only $79 million in aid from 1949-53, compared to billions for Europe.

Rest of the world received $18 billion

Question 23

Why did the US dismiss Latin American requests for aid?

Answer 23

The US prioritized Europe’s recovery, fearing communism there more than in Latin America.

Question 24

What was the McCarran Act of 1950?

Answer 24

It required communists to register with the US government or face imprisonment.

Question 25

What was the purpose of Executive Order 9835?

Answer 25

It was issued in 1947 to investigate the loyalty of federal employees for communist affiliations.

Question 26

How many investigations occurred during the Red Scare?

Answer 26

Between 1947-52, 3,000 investigations and 14,000 inquiries were conducted. ## Footnote McCarthy led the investation of 500 government workers, 600 teachers, and 150 professors lost their jobs. 1952

Question 27

What was the effect of McCarthyism on American society?

Answer 27

McCarthyism led to the firing of government workers and a climate of fear and suspicion.

Question 28

How did McCarthy use the Red Scare for political gain?

Answer 28

He accused many Democrats of being communists, using fear to win political support.

Question 29

How did McCarthy’s career end?

Answer 29

His credibility fell after he attacked respected figures and became unprofessional.

Question 30

What was the impact of the Cold War on American culture?

Answer 30

It led to censorship, bomb drills for children, and increased anti-communist propaganda.

Question 31

How was entertainment affected by the Cold War?

Answer 31

Entertainment became increasingly controlled, promoting anti-communist views in films and music.

Question 32

How did the Red Scare impact the media?

Answer 32

The media became a tool for anti-communist messages, censoring left-wing views.

Question 33

How did children learn about communism during the Cold War?

Answer 33

Schools held bomb drills, and children were taught about the dangers of communism.

Question 34

How did the FBI and Justice Department act during the Red Scare?

Answer 34

They conducted thousands of investigations, mirroring Gestapo tactics, to root out communists.

Question 35

What was the role of Joseph McCarthy in the Senate?

Answer 35

McCarthy led investigations, accusing government officials and academics of communism.

Question 36

How did McCarthyism affect unions?

Answer 36

Many union members were accused of being communists, and some were blacklisted or fired.

Question 37

What was the public reaction to McCarthy’s accusations?

Answer 37

Public fear led to many accepting McCarthy's accusations without question.

Question 38

How did the McCarthy hearings affect the government?

Answer 38

The hearings caused political paralysis and fear, with many public servants losing their jobs.

Question 39

Why was McCarthy’s downfall inevitable?

Answer 39

He lost credibility after targeting respected figures and became known for his unprofessional behavior.

Question 40

How did the Cold War shape American foreign policy?

Answer 40

It led to interventions in Latin America, Europe, and Asia to contain communism.

Question 41

How did the US view communism in Latin America?

Answer 41

The US viewed communism in Latin America as a direct threat to its interests and influence.

Question 42

How did Latin America react to the Truman Doctrine?

Answer 42

Latin American countries were disappointed by the lack of economic aid, feeling exploited.

Question 43

Why was McCarthy’s career in the Senate short-lived?

Answer 43

His aggressive tactics and false accusations eventually turned public opinion against him.