Key Debates in U.S. Cold War History BTAN 33004 BA 10 September 27, 2011 Session Three: I.

Evolution of Containment Doctrine A. In 1944 and 1948, the Republicans did not challenge Roosevelt's foreign policy; there was a bipartisan consensus. B. NSC-68 ("United States' Objectives and Programs for National Security: A Strategic Reassessment of the World Situation") was published in April 1950. 1). There will be a power struggle between USA and USSR. 2). We can no longer distinguish between global and national security. 3). USA must be world policeman. 4) Since USA has power, it has responsibility to use it. C. June 26, 1950: North Koreans invade South Korea. June 27, 1950: Truman announced aid to French in Indochina. D. The goal of containment was to prevent communism from spreading any further, i.e. not to "lose" any more territory to the Soviet Union or any communist country. We were not going to reverse Stalin's territorial gains. 1) George Kennan (professional diplomat and "father of containment") coined the term containment in "the long telegram" of 1946. Later published in Foreign Affairs in 1947 as "The Sources of Soviet Conduct." Emphasized showing resolve through a range of means, only as a last resort military. 2) Paul Nitze (head of Policy Planning Staff in 1950) emphasized military means. Had more influence on NSC 68 document. 3) John Foster Dulles (lawyer who became Eisenhower's Secretary of State) to defeat Democrats in 1952 presidential elections wanted to propose something bolder than just containment. "Rollback," a "New Look" "Liberation." Some called it "brinksmanship." a) Republicans had been accusing Roosevelt and Truman of "selling out" Eastern Europe, being "soft on communism," and allowing spies to infiltrate the U.S. government. 1) 1950: U.S. State Dept. official Alger Hiss accused of being a Soviet spy (in 1948) and convicted of perjury in 1950. b) "Liberation" rhetoric easy to misunderstand. The Hungarian revolution of 1956 took Eisenhower and Dulles completely by surprise. c) Eisenhower basically continued Truman's policy of containment, but with extra emphasis on psychological operations, the nuclear deterrent, and strategic air power. E. Dwight D. Eisenhower ("Ike") won the presidential elections of 1952 (first Republican to win the White House since Herbert Hoover, 19291933). Served under General MacArthur in the Philippines. During World War II served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe. Much more popular than Truman.

1) Foreign policy expertise. Western Europe as first priority. Refused to recognize Mao's Communist China after Chinese Revolution, 1949. 2) "Munich syndrome" --never allow any more aggression, however small. Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler at Munich in 1938. 3) Avoid isolationism. 4) Importance of psychological warfare. Foster peaceful image to peoples of Africa and Asia. "Chance for Peace" speech, April 16, 1953. U.S. Information Agency established in 1954. Psychological Strategy Board established, led by C.D. Jackson. a) Nuclear deterrence. Adversary must believe you're willing to use nuclear weapons. Nuclear poker. Nuclear tests in Nevada desert. Practice evacuations ("Operation Alert," 1955.) b) Execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg to send message: US government not too weak to punish subversive activity. June 19, 1953. 5). Lack of strong response to McCarthyism. Thought to confront Joseph McCarthy, Senator from Wisconsin, directly would give him more publicity. 6) Fiscal conservatism. Threat of communism is long-term, so we must economize. Communists want us to outspend ourselves on weaponry. Warned of growth of the American "military-industrial complex." 7) Reliance on strategic air power to reduce force levels and defense spending. "More bang for the buck." NSC 162/2 document. F. After the Russians sent Sputnik I into space (October 4, 1957), Democrats accused Republicans of falling behind in the space race. "Missile gap."