United States Stance Vs. Soviet Union stance
Both Truman and Stalin disagreed about the future of Europe. Truman and the U.S. wanted strong democractic countries in Europe. We wanted our country to be able to purchase raw materials from Eastern Europe. We also wanted them to open markets for American products. Stalin wanted just the opposite. He and the Soviets wanted to spread communism everywhere they could. Stalin wanted full control over Eastern Europe to prevent invasion of their countries territory. He wanted to rebuild Eastern Europe for himself. Stalin then took it upon himself to set up Communist governments in all nations occupied by Soviet Troops.
The korean War
The Korean War also known as the "forgotten war" began on June 25th, 1950. This war began when thousands of North Korean soldiers crossed the 38th parrallel into Soviet territory. This invasion was the first millitary action of the Cold War. The U.S. eventually teamed up with South Korea to aid them in this war. After a while, the fighting had stalled, and not one side was winning the war. Finally in July 1953, the Korean war came to an end. If this war didn't stop as it did in 1953, it could have resulted in World War III involving Russia and China.
The VietNam War
The Vietnam War began in 1954, the year after the end of the Korean War. This war was fought between North Vietnam and its Southern Allies and South Vietnam and its primary ally, the United States. This was a prolonged struggle between forces trying to unify the country of Vietnam under a communist government and the United States trying to prevent the spread of communism. President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973. The war ended on April 30th, 1975.
Bay of Pigs
The Bay of Pigs was an invasion of Cuba in which was intended to overthrow Fidel Castro and the Cuban government. Increased tension between the U.S. government and Castro's regime led to President Eisenhower's decision to break off all diplomatic relations with Cuba. This invasion was a plan approved by Eisenhower's successor, John F. Kennedy.
Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, U.S. leaders and the Soviets began a thirteen day political and military standoff in October 1962. This "crisis" was over the instillation of Soviet nuclear missiles on Cuba. Cuba lies just 90 miles from the shores of the United Sates. President John F. Kennedy notified the American citizens about these missiles. He explained to them his decision to place a naval blockade around Cuba. He made it clear that if necessary, the U.S. would not hesitate to use military force. United States citizens feared the worst, and most people thought a nuclear war was about to break out. However, this war was avoided when the U.S. agreed to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's offer to get rid of the Cuban missiles. In exchange, the U.S. had to promise not to invade Cuba.
Seamus Foley
Marple Newtown High School
Last
Edited: 3/3/13
Marple Newtown High School
Last
Edited: 3/3/13