8.2 The Cold War

Containment and Its Global Reach

The U.S. adopted containment to stop Soviet expansion, seen in the Truman Doctrine (aid to Greece/Turkey), Marshall Plan (rebuilding Europe), and NATO. This extended beyond Europe: the Korean War (1950–53) tested containment militarily, splitting Korea at the 38th parallel with no decisive victory.

The Nuclear Arms Race and Espionage

Fear of communism fueled the arms race, with both superpowers building nuclear arsenals and the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Domestically, this anxiety produced McCarthyism, the Red Scare, and events like the Rosenberg case, reflecting fears of Soviet spies and communist infiltration at home.

Vietnam and Shifting Cold War Strategy

Vietnam became the era's defining conflict, as the U.S. escalated involvement under the domino theory. Growing casualties, the Tet Offensive, and media coverage fueled the antiwar movement, eroding public trust in government (the 'credibility gap'). By the 1970s, détente under Nixon eased tensions with the USSR and China.

Key terms

Containment

U.S. Cold War policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism to new countries.

Truman Doctrine

Pledged U.S. aid to nations resisting communism, beginning with Greece and Turkey.

Domino Theory

Belief that if one nation fell to communism, neighboring countries would follow.

McCarthyism

Aggressive, often baseless accusations of communist infiltration in U.S. government and society during the Red Scare.

Détente

Policy of easing Cold War tensions between the U.S. and USSR/China under Nixon, including arms control agreements.

Try an AP-style question

The Korean War (1950–53) ended with…

1. Chinese control of Japan
2. a unified communist Korea
3. a U.S. victory and unification
4. an armistice near the 38th parallel