Assessment #1: The Cold War by Kendall Douville

22 May 1947: Signing of the Truman Doctrine

2096308 — 2025-01-16 18:51:07 UTC

The Truman Doctrine involved the United States sending aid to Greece and Turkey to prevent them from falling to the influence and pressure of the Soviet Union. This aid was mostly financial and did not involve direct military force or aggression. To Truman, sending aid to these countries was essential to prevent the “domino effect” that was occurring throughout Europe: the fall of each country, one by one, to Communism.

5 January 1957: Signing of the Eisenhower Doctrine

2096308 — 2025-01-16 19:18:06 UTC

The Eisenhower Doctrine permitted any nation under attack by a Communist state, more specifically the Soviet Union, to request direct aid from the United States’ government. Eisenhower originally proposed the doctrine in response to Soviet aggression in the Middle East, especially in Egypt and Syria, which was threatening the United States’ potential influence in the region. The Doctrine was never officially enacted but rather signed into effect as a threat to the Soviet Union, displaying American fortitude and steadfast willingness to resist Communism.

1948-1949: The Berlin Airlifts

2096308 — 2025-01-27 19:00:27 UTC

The Berlin Airlifts were the culmination of the United States’ response to Stalin closing off and isolating Berlin in June of 1948. Although there was much controversy surrounding the decision to aid Berlin, Truman decided that it was ultimately necessary in the interest of protecting Europe, and more specifically Germany, from the spread of Communism and Totalitarianism. These Airlifts ultimately saved the city of Berlin and was able to promote the American reputation.

1 May 1960: Crash of the Powers' U2 Spy Plane

2096308 — 2025-01-28 17:40:00 UTC

U2 flights successfully gathered inside information from Soviet Military compounds for many years and brought much valuable intel back to the United States, making them aware that Soviet capabilities were less advanced than previously predicted. However, when Francis Powers’ plane was hit by a Soviet missile in 1960, the Soviet Union found out about the secret flights and any hopes of successful peace negotiations were destroyed. After this, the relationship between the US and the USSR became even more unstable.

15 September 1950: The Battle of Inchon

2096308 — 2025-01-28 17:42:08 UTC

On September 15th, American General MacArthur launched a counteracting surprise on the North Koreans, driving them way back over into the North. This attack was able to successfully recapture the capital of South Korea, Seoul, in a single day, and prevented the South from being overtaken by the North. The recapture of Seoul worked in the political interests of the United States as it was able to slow the spread of Communism past the border of North Korea.

27 July 1953: Creation of the Demilitarized Zone

2096308 — 2025-01-28 17:54:19 UTC

Since 1951 the Korean War had remained at a stalemate, and the United States attempted to initiate peace talks between the North and the South. An armistice was signed, the 38th Parallel was reestablished, and a Demilitarized Zone was created. To this day, the demilitarized zone remains a barrier between the hostility of the North and South, allowing both to coexist despite their vastly different governments and political ideals.

4 October 1957: Launch of Sputnik

2096308 — 2025-01-29 05:11:49 UTC

Sputnik was created by the Soviet Union and was the first satellite to ever be launched into space. The launch catapulted the USSR ahead of the US in the ongoing competition for military and technological superiority, initiating the Space Race and creating great pressure on the United States to match Soviet capabilities. It would eventually lead to the creation of many organizations like NASA and increased investment in United States’ scientific studies.

9 February 1950: McCarthy Gave His Famous Wheeling Speech

2096308 — 2025-01-29 17:48:45 UTC

On February 9th 1950, McCarthy stood before a crowd and violently attacked the State Department, accusing at least 57 members of secret allegiance to the Communist party. His fear-mongering attacks began to spread terror throughout the US: people began turning in their own neighbors out of fear of being reported a Communist. McCarthy’s speech eventually led to the Red Scare, a period of high tension and unsettlement throughout the entire United States.

19 June 1953: The Execution of the Rosenbergs

2096308 — 2025-01-29 18:34:34 UTC

Julius and Ethyl Rosenberg were executed on June 19th, 1953 for their alleged espionage and for providing the USSR with secrets about the US Atomic Bomb. However, their conviction was extremely controversial as there was not much evidence proving them guilty. Their deaths came to symbolize the great divide in American politics brought about by McCarthyism, as well as the extreme fear of Communism that had captivated the US.

27 June 1952: Signing of the Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran Act)

2096308 — 2025-01-29 20:13:23 UTC

The McCarran-Walter Act was signed into effect in 1952 with the goal of introducing ‘selective’ immigration. While the Act was rooted in preventing the spread of communism and was eventually approved by Congress, it was controversial and did not have the support of President Truman. The effects of the Act began to ripple throughout the US as Americans remained highly suspicious of Communism, and many immigrants were threatened and discriminated against.