The The ColdCold War, Part War, Part OneOne

United Nations to VietnamUnited Nations to Vietnam

Origins of the Origins of the UnitedUnited Nations Nations In 1945, near the end of World War II, the In 1945, near the end of World War II, the AlliesAllies

founded the United founded the United NationsNations as an international as an international organization to promote world organization to promote world peacepeace and progress. and progress.

The United Nations replaced the The United Nations replaced the LeagueLeague of Nations of Nations as a means for the world’s nations to try to as a means for the world’s nations to try to prevent future global wars. prevent future global wars.

The The UnitedUnited States immediately joined the United States immediately joined the United Nations. After World War II the American people Nations. After World War II the American people believed the United States had an important role believed the United States had an important role to play in maintaining the peace. to play in maintaining the peace.

This belief contrasted sharply with the American This belief contrasted sharply with the American feeling after World War I, when the United States feeling after World War I, when the United States refused to join the League of Nations.refused to join the League of Nations.

The Rebuilding of The Rebuilding of JapanJapan

American forces occupied Japan after its American forces occupied Japan after its surrender in August 1945. surrender in August 1945.

Under American direction, Japan soon Under American direction, Japan soon adopted a adopted a democraticdemocratic form of form of government, resumed self-government government, resumed self-government (governed itself), and became a strong (governed itself), and became a strong allyally (friend) of the United States. (friend) of the United States.

The Iron Curtain FallsThe Iron Curtain Falls At the end of World War II, Europe lay in ruins. At the end of World War II, Europe lay in ruins.

SovietSoviet forces occupied most of forces occupied most of EasternEastern and and Central Europe and the eastern portion of Central Europe and the eastern portion of Germany. Germany.

AmericanAmerican, British, and French forces occupied , British, and French forces occupied WestWest Germany. The Allies partitioned Germany. The Allies partitioned (divided) Germany into (divided) Germany into EastEast and and WestWest Germany. Germany.

In a few years West Germany became In a few years West Germany became democratic and resumed self-government. democratic and resumed self-government.

East Germany remained under the domination East Germany remained under the domination of the Soviet Union and adopted a communist of the Soviet Union and adopted a communist instead of a democratic government. instead of a democratic government.

The Origins of the Cold WarThe Origins of the Cold War Soon after World War II ended, the Cold War Soon after World War II ended, the Cold War

began. began. The Cold War was an uneasy peace after World The Cold War was an uneasy peace after World

War II, marked by a fierce rivalry between the War II, marked by a fierce rivalry between the United United StatesStates and the Soviet and the Soviet UnionUnion. .

One might call the Cold War a One might call the Cold War a warwar of of wordswords between the United States and the Soviet between the United States and the Soviet Union, which lasted from the end of World War Union, which lasted from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Cold War set the framework for global The Cold War set the framework for global politics for forty-five years after the end of politics for forty-five years after the end of World War II. World War II.

It also influenced American domestic politics It also influenced American domestic politics (issues inside the U.S.), the conduct of foreign (issues inside the U.S.), the conduct of foreign affairs, and the role of the American affairs, and the role of the American government in the economy after 1945. government in the economy after 1945.

Cold War, cont.Cold War, cont. The Cold War was basically a competition The Cold War was basically a competition

between two very different ways of between two very different ways of organizing government, society, and the organizing government, society, and the nation’s economy. nation’s economy.

The United States and the Soviet Union The United States and the Soviet Union possessed very different fundamental possessed very different fundamental values. values.

The The AmericanAmerican-led western nations believed -led western nations believed in in democracydemocracy, , individualindividual freedom, and a freedom, and a free free marketmarket economic system based on economic system based on private ownership of property. private ownership of property.

Cold War, contCold War, cont In contrast, the Soviet Union and its allies In contrast, the Soviet Union and its allies

believed in a believed in a totalitariantotalitarian government government (dictatorship) ruled by the (dictatorship) ruled by the communistcommunist party party and a communist (socialist) economic and a communist (socialist) economic system.system.

SocialismSocialism is an economic system in which is an economic system in which the government owns and controls the the government owns and controls the means of production. means of production.

For example, in a socialist nation the For example, in a socialist nation the government might own the power plants, government might own the power plants, transportation and communication transportation and communication companies, mines, and steel mills. companies, mines, and steel mills.

ContainmentContainment Soon after World War II, the United States Soon after World War II, the United States

adopted the adopted the antianti-communist policy of -communist policy of containmentcontainment. .

Containment was the post-World War II Containment was the post-World War II American American foreignforeign policy that sought to policy that sought to check the expansion of the Soviet Union check the expansion of the Soviet Union and communism through diplomatic, and communism through diplomatic, economic, and military means. economic, and military means.

In short, under the containment policy In short, under the containment policy the United States tried to the United States tried to containcontain or or restrict restrict communismcommunism to those countries of to those countries of the world where it already existed. the world where it already existed.

The The TrumanTruman Doctrine Doctrine After the Soviet Union had spread After the Soviet Union had spread

communism to the nations of Eastern Europe communism to the nations of Eastern Europe at the end of World War II, President Harry S. at the end of World War II, President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine.

The Truman Doctrine was President Truman’s The Truman Doctrine was President Truman’s promise that the promise that the UnitedUnited States would States would defenddefend free peoples from subversion (overthrow of free peoples from subversion (overthrow of the government) or outside pressure. the government) or outside pressure.

Thereby, the Truman Doctrine set precedent Thereby, the Truman Doctrine set precedent that the “that the “containmentcontainment of of communismcommunism” would ” would serve as the basic principle of American serve as the basic principle of American foreign policy throughout the Cold War. foreign policy throughout the Cold War.

The Marshall PlanThe Marshall Plan Under containment, the United States would not Under containment, the United States would not

try to roll back communism, but rather keep try to roll back communism, but rather keep communism from spreading and to resist communism from spreading and to resist communist aggression (attacks) into other communist aggression (attacks) into other countries. countries.

The Truman administration followed the The Truman administration followed the announcement of the Truman Doctrine with the announcement of the Truman Doctrine with the Marshall Plan. Marshall Plan.

The Marshall Plan was a massive American The Marshall Plan was a massive American financialfinancial aid program announced in 1947 to help aid program announced in 1947 to help EuropeanEuropean nations recover economically from nations recover economically from World War II.World War II.

Yet, its purpose was not only to Yet, its purpose was not only to rebuildrebuild European European economies, but also to prevent the spread of economies, but also to prevent the spread of communismcommunism. .

NATONATO To place military force behind the containment To place military force behind the containment

policy the United States and its allies formed policy the United States and its allies formed the the NorthNorth Atlantic Atlantic TreatyTreaty Organization, Organization, commonly known as NATO. commonly known as NATO.

NATO acted as a defensive NATO acted as a defensive militarymilitary alliance alliance between the United between the United StatesStates and and WesternWestern European countries to prevent a European countries to prevent a SovietSoviet invasion invasion of Western Europe. of Western Europe.

Since the creation of NATO in 1949, it has Since the creation of NATO in 1949, it has served as an alliance of the United States, a served as an alliance of the United States, a group of European nations, and Canada to group of European nations, and Canada to provide mutual aid in the event of armed provide mutual aid in the event of armed attack. attack.

Chinese Civil WarChinese Civil War Communism spread to Asia in 1949 when Communism spread to Asia in 1949 when

Chinese communist forces under Mao Chinese communist forces under Mao ZedongZedong overthrew the anti-communist overthrew the anti-communist government of Chiang Kai-shek. government of Chiang Kai-shek.

Mao forced Chaing to flee China for the Mao forced Chaing to flee China for the island of Formosa, where Chiang set up island of Formosa, where Chiang set up the government of Taiwan. the government of Taiwan.

The The communistcommunist takeover of China takeover of China increased increased AmericanAmerican fears of communist fears of communist domination of most of the world. domination of most of the world.

In addition, before 1949 ended, the Soviet In addition, before 1949 ended, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb.Union exploded its first atomic bomb.

The The RedRed Scare at Home Scare at Home The fear of communism and the threat of The fear of communism and the threat of

nuclearnuclear war affected American life throughout war affected American life throughout the Cold War. the Cold War.

The trials of both The trials of both Alger Hiss Alger Hiss and the and the Rosenbergs Rosenbergs caused many Americans to fear that communist caused many Americans to fear that communist spies held important positions in the federal spies held important positions in the federal government. government.

Hiss was accused of passing Hiss was accused of passing secretsecret documents documents to the to the SovietsSoviets during the late 1930s. during the late 1930s.

Although Hiss claimed his innocence he was Although Hiss claimed his innocence he was convicted of perjury (lying under oath), and convicted of perjury (lying under oath), and many Americans believed he was guilty of many Americans believed he was guilty of treason. treason.

SPIES!?SPIES!? In 1950 the United States learned that a In 1950 the United States learned that a

spy ring had sent atomic secrets to the spy ring had sent atomic secrets to the Soviets, which had allowed them to Soviets, which had allowed them to develop an atomic bomb so quickly. develop an atomic bomb so quickly.

This information led to the arrest of This information led to the arrest of JuliusJulius and and EthelEthel Rosenberg, who had worked on Rosenberg, who had worked on the United States’ the United States’ atomicatomic project. project.

In 1951, after a long and widely In 1951, after a long and widely publicized trial, a jury found the publicized trial, a jury found the Rosenbergs guilty of espionage (spying).Rosenbergs guilty of espionage (spying).

The United States government The United States government executedexecuted the Rosenbergs in 1953. the Rosenbergs in 1953.

McCarthyismMcCarthyism American fears of communism in the early American fears of communism in the early

fifties advanced the political career of fifties advanced the political career of Republican Senator Joseph Republican Senator Joseph McCarthyMcCarthy of of Wisconsin. Wisconsin.

Senator McCarthy played on American fears of Senator McCarthy played on American fears of communismcommunism by recklessly by recklessly accusingaccusing many many American governmental American governmental officialsofficials and citizens of and citizens of being communists. being communists.

He based these charges on flimsy (very weak) He based these charges on flimsy (very weak) evidenceevidence or no evidence at all. In 1954 the or no evidence at all. In 1954 the Army-McCarthy hearings were televised. Army-McCarthy hearings were televised.

These Senate hearings investigated alleged These Senate hearings investigated alleged communist influence in the United States army. communist influence in the United States army.

McCarthyism, contMcCarthyism, cont When the army’s attorney stood up to When the army’s attorney stood up to

McCarthy at these hearings, McCarthy McCarthy at these hearings, McCarthy showed himself to be a showed himself to be a liarliar and bully rather and bully rather than a heroic defender of American than a heroic defender of American democracy.democracy.

The Senate then censured Senator McCarthy The Senate then censured Senator McCarthy (condemned his behavior), and he quickly (condemned his behavior), and he quickly lost his influence. lost his influence.

Nevertheless, McCarthy’s rapid rise to power Nevertheless, McCarthy’s rapid rise to power led to the coining of the term led to the coining of the term McCarthyismMcCarthyism, , or the making of false accusations based on or the making of false accusations based on rumor or guilt by association. rumor or guilt by association.

The Korean WarThe Korean War A major test for the A major test for the containmentcontainment policy policy

came in 1950 when communist North came in 1950 when communist North Koreans invaded non-communist South Koreans invaded non-communist South Korea. Korea.

American military forces led a American military forces led a counterattack that drove deep into North counterattack that drove deep into North Korea itself. Korea itself.

Communist Communist ChineseChinese forces then came forces then came into the war on the side of into the war on the side of NorthNorth Korea, Korea, and the war threatened to widen. and the war threatened to widen.

Korean War, cont.Korean War, cont. In 1953 the Korean War ended in In 1953 the Korean War ended in

stalemate with South Korea free of stalemate with South Korea free of communist occupation. communist occupation.

Because the United Because the United StatesStates had had preventedprevented South Korea from falling under South Korea from falling under communist control, the nation’s communist control, the nation’s confidence in the containment policy confidence in the containment policy increased.increased.

MASSIVE RETALIATIONMASSIVE RETALIATION As part of containment, President As part of containment, President

Eisenhower adopted a policy of “massive Eisenhower adopted a policy of “massive retaliationretaliation” to deter (prevent, discourage) ” to deter (prevent, discourage) any any nuclearnuclear attack by the attack by the SovietsSoviets. .

Massive retaliation was the Eisenhower Massive retaliation was the Eisenhower administration’s threat of administration’s threat of swiftswift, all-out , all-out militarymilitary action against a nation committing action against a nation committing aggression (attack). aggression (attack).

Later presidents backed away from this Later presidents backed away from this policy, although the United States refused policy, although the United States refused to promise it would to promise it would notnot make a first strike make a first strike nuclear attack. nuclear attack.

The Bay of PigsThe Bay of Pigs At the end of the 1950s and in the early 1960s, the At the end of the 1950s and in the early 1960s, the

Cold War focused on Cold War focused on CubaCuba. . In 1959 In 1959 FidelFidel CastroCastro led a communist revolution that led a communist revolution that

took over Cuba. Many Cubans fled to Florida to escape took over Cuba. Many Cubans fled to Florida to escape communist rule. communist rule.

President Eisenhower encouraged the Central President Eisenhower encouraged the Central Intelligence Agency (Intelligence Agency (CIACIA) to develop a secret plan to ) to develop a secret plan to overthrow Castro. overthrow Castro.

The CIA is a federal agency that coordinates the spy The CIA is a federal agency that coordinates the spy activities of the United States government. activities of the United States government.

The CIA decided to The CIA decided to traintrain and equip a group of and equip a group of antianti--communist Cuban communist Cuban exilesexiles, who were living in the United , who were living in the United States. States.

With United States assistance this force would land at With United States assistance this force would land at the Bay of Pigs on the the Bay of Pigs on the CubanCuban coast and lead the Cuban coast and lead the Cuban people in an uprising against Castro. people in an uprising against Castro.

The Bay of Pigs, cont.The Bay of Pigs, cont. When President John F. When President John F. KennedyKennedy

entered office in 1961, he approved entered office in 1961, he approved the CIA’s plans to go ahead with the the CIA’s plans to go ahead with the Bay of Pigs invasion. Bay of Pigs invasion.

The Bay of Pigs invasion proved a The Bay of Pigs invasion proved a complete complete disasterdisaster. The expected . The expected popular uprising against Castro popular uprising against Castro never happened.never happened.

Within Within twotwo days, days, Castro’sCastro’s army had army had captured or killed most of the captured or killed most of the American-supported invaders. American-supported invaders.

Cuban Missile CrisisCuban Missile Crisis In 1962 an even more serious Cold War crisis In 1962 an even more serious Cold War crisis

occurred in Cuba, when President occurred in Cuba, when President KennedyKennedy learned the Soviet Union had placed learned the Soviet Union had placed nuclearnuclear missiles there. missiles there.

American spy-plane photographs showed American spy-plane photographs showed these missile sites to President Kennedy. these missile sites to President Kennedy. After six days of discussion with his advisers, After six days of discussion with his advisers, President Kennedy appeared on television to President Kennedy appeared on television to tell the American public about the Soviet tell the American public about the Soviet missiles. missiles.

He announced that the United States was He announced that the United States was blockadingblockading Cuba. American naval vessels Cuba. American naval vessels would stop all approaching ships and search would stop all approaching ships and search them for weapons. them for weapons.

Cuban Missile CrisisCuban Missile Crisis In addition, Kennedy ordered the In addition, Kennedy ordered the SovietsSoviets to to

remove their missiles from Cuba or he remove their missiles from Cuba or he would take further steps. would take further steps.

For several days the world was on the brink For several days the world was on the brink (edge) of nuclear war. (edge) of nuclear war.

Eventually the Soviets “Eventually the Soviets “blinkedblinked,” as ,” as President Kennedy worked out a private President Kennedy worked out a private agreement with Nikita agreement with Nikita KhrushchevKhrushchev, the , the leader of the Soviet Union. leader of the Soviet Union.

The The SovietsSoviets agreed to withdraw their agreed to withdraw their missiles from missiles from CubaCuba, and in exchange the , and in exchange the United United StatesStates would remove its outdated would remove its outdated missiles from missiles from TurkeyTurkey. .

Vietnam LoomsVietnam Looms Nevertheless, the Cuban Missile Crisis heightened the Nevertheless, the Cuban Missile Crisis heightened the

threat of nuclear war. threat of nuclear war. In fact, the Soviet Union matched the United States in In fact, the Soviet Union matched the United States in

nuclear weaponry in the 1950s. nuclear weaponry in the 1950s. For the remainder of the Cold War the threat of For the remainder of the Cold War the threat of

nuclear conflict that would destroy both countries nuclear conflict that would destroy both countries was ever-present. was ever-present.

During the 1950s and 1960s, During the 1950s and 1960s, AmericanAmerican schools schools regularly held drills to train children regarding what regularly held drills to train children regarding what to do in case of a to do in case of a nuclearnuclear attack. attack.

The federal government encouraged American The federal government encouraged American citizens to build bomb shelters in their own citizens to build bomb shelters in their own basements. basements.

However, by the mid-sixties Vietnam replaced the However, by the mid-sixties Vietnam replaced the threat of nuclear war as the chief concern of threat of nuclear war as the chief concern of America’s containment policy. America’s containment policy.

Cold War, Part TwoCold War, Part Two

Vietnam through the Collapse Vietnam through the Collapse of Communismof Communism

Vietnam LoomsVietnam Looms When President John F. When President John F. KennedyKennedy became became

president in 1961, he pledged in his president in 1961, he pledged in his inaugural address that the United States inaugural address that the United States would:would:

“…“…pay any price, bear any burden, meet pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” and the success of liberty.”

In the same address, Kennedy also said, In the same address, Kennedy also said, “Ask not what your country can do for “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your you, ask what you can do for your country.”country.”

The Cold War in VirginiaThe Cold War in Virginia The Cold War made foreign policy a major The Cold War made foreign policy a major

issue in every presidential election issue in every presidential election between 1948 and 1992. between 1948 and 1992.

The heavy military expenditures The heavy military expenditures throughout the Cold War benefited throughout the Cold War benefited Virginia’sVirginia’s economy proportionately more economy proportionately more than that of any other state. than that of any other state.

National defense spending especially National defense spending especially helped the economy of helped the economy of Hampton RoadsHampton Roads, , home to several large home to several large navalnaval and and airair bases, bases, and Northern Virginia, home to the and Northern Virginia, home to the PentagonPentagon and numerous private and numerous private companies that contract with the military.companies that contract with the military.

The War in VietnamThe War in Vietnam American involvement in American involvement in VietnamVietnam reflected reflected

the Cold War policy of the Cold War policy of containmentcontainment of of communismcommunism. .

After World War II, Vietnamese nationalists After World War II, Vietnamese nationalists in the French colony of Indochina fought for in the French colony of Indochina fought for independence from France. independence from France.

The leader of this Vietnamese independence The leader of this Vietnamese independence movement was a communist named movement was a communist named Ho Chi Ho Chi Minh. Minh.

Because of Ho Chi Minh’s Because of Ho Chi Minh’s communistcommunist beliefs, beliefs, the United States supported France’s the United States supported France’s attempt to keep Indochina as a colony after attempt to keep Indochina as a colony after the war. the war.

The War in VietnamThe War in Vietnam After Ho Chi Minh’s forces defeated the French After Ho Chi Minh’s forces defeated the French

army, France withdrew from Indochina and army, France withdrew from Indochina and Vietnam was divided into Vietnam was divided into communistcommunist North North Vietnam and non-communist Vietnam and non-communist SouthSouth Vietnam. Vietnam.

Reunification elections, scheduled for the mid-Reunification elections, scheduled for the mid-fifties, were cancelled because the Eisenhower fifties, were cancelled because the Eisenhower administration feared Ho Chi Minh would win administration feared Ho Chi Minh would win and all of Vietnam would become communist. and all of Vietnam would become communist.

Beginning in the 1950s and continuing into the Beginning in the 1950s and continuing into the early 1960s, the communist government of early 1960s, the communist government of North Vietnam attempted to install through North Vietnam attempted to install through force a communist government in South force a communist government in South Vietnam. Vietnam.

The War in VietnamThe War in Vietnam The The VietcongVietcong were southern revolutionaries were southern revolutionaries

who formed the National Liberation Front and who formed the National Liberation Front and fought for the reunification of Vietnam under Ho fought for the reunification of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh’s rule. Chi Minh’s rule.

To counter North Vietnam’s efforts in the south, To counter North Vietnam’s efforts in the south, the the EisenhowerEisenhower administration sent massive administration sent massive amounts of economic and amounts of economic and militarymilitary aid to the aid to the South Vietnamese government.South Vietnamese government.

The American military buildup in Vietnam The American military buildup in Vietnam began under President John began under President John KennedyKennedy. .

The Kennedy administration increased the The Kennedy administration increased the number of American military personnel in South number of American military personnel in South Vietnam from 1,500 to 16,000. Vietnam from 1,500 to 16,000.

The War in VietnamThe War in Vietnam President President KennedyKennedy, a World War II veteran, was , a World War II veteran, was

assassinatedassassinated in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. This event shook the nation’s confidence and This event shook the nation’s confidence and

began a period of internal strife (conflict within began a period of internal strife (conflict within America) and divisiveness, especially spurred by America) and divisiveness, especially spurred by divisions over U.S. involvement in Vietnam. divisions over U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Vice President Vice President LyndonLyndon B. B. JohnsonJohnson succeeded succeeded Kennedy as president. In 1965 President Kennedy as president. In 1965 President Johnson greatly escalated (Johnson greatly escalated (increasedincreased) the ) the American military buildup in Vietnam from about American military buildup in Vietnam from about 20,000 troops to almost 200,000 at year’s end.20,000 troops to almost 200,000 at year’s end.

The scale of combat in Vietnam grew larger over The scale of combat in Vietnam grew larger over the course of the 1960s and by 1968 there were the course of the 1960s and by 1968 there were 540,000 American soldiers in Vietnam. 540,000 American soldiers in Vietnam.

The War in VietnamThe War in Vietnam Although American military forces repeatedly Although American military forces repeatedly

defeated the North Vietnamese forces in the defeated the North Vietnamese forces in the field, they could not force an end to the war on field, they could not force an end to the war on favorable terms by fighting a limited war.favorable terms by fighting a limited war.

The term “The term “limitedlimited war” referred to the war” referred to the AmericanAmerican government’s decision to avoid any government’s decision to avoid any military action, which might widen the war to military action, which might widen the war to include the include the SovietSoviet Union or communist Union or communist ChinaChina on on North Vietnam’s side. North Vietnam’s side.

While the United States was following the policy While the United States was following the policy of containment in South Vietnam, it also wanted of containment in South Vietnam, it also wanted to avoid either a to avoid either a nuclearnuclear conflict or a conflict or a thirdthird world war.world war.

Conflict at HomeConflict at Home By 1968 the American people became By 1968 the American people became

bitterly bitterly divideddivided on the issue of American on the issue of American involvement in Vietnam. involvement in Vietnam.

While many Americans supported the While many Americans supported the American military and the Johnson American military and the Johnson administration’s conduct of the war, many administration’s conduct of the war, many other Americans opposed the war.other Americans opposed the war.

Active opposition to American involvement Active opposition to American involvement in Vietnam mounted (increased), especially in Vietnam mounted (increased), especially on on collegecollege campuses. campuses.

After President Johnson declined to seek re-After President Johnson declined to seek re-election, the election, the RepublicanRepublican candidate Richard candidate Richard M. M. NixonNixon won the 1968 presidential election. won the 1968 presidential election.

Nixon ElectedNixon Elected . President Nixon was elected on a pledge to bring . President Nixon was elected on a pledge to bring

the war to an honorable end. the war to an honorable end. He instituted (started) a policy of “He instituted (started) a policy of “VietnamizationVietnamization.” .” ““Vietnamization” was the Nixon administration’s Vietnamization” was the Nixon administration’s

policy of building up South policy of building up South VietnameseVietnamese forces while forces while gradually withdrawing gradually withdrawing AmericanAmerican troops. troops.

Under “Vietnamization” President Under “Vietnamization” President NixonNixon withdrew withdrew AmericanAmerican troops and replaced them with South troops and replaced them with South VietnameseVietnamese forces, while simultaneously (at the forces, while simultaneously (at the same time) maintaining (continuing) American same time) maintaining (continuing) American military military aidaid to the South Vietnamese government. to the South Vietnamese government.

Ultimately (eventually), “Vietnamization” Ultimately (eventually), “Vietnamization” failedfailed, , when South Vietnamese troops proved unable to when South Vietnamese troops proved unable to resist invasion by the Soviet-supplied North resist invasion by the Soviet-supplied North Vietnamese Army. Vietnamese Army.

Watergate and the End of Watergate and the End of VietnamVietnam In addition, the In addition, the WatergateWatergate scandal scandal

forced President Nixon to forced President Nixon to resignresign from from office in 1974. office in 1974.

The Watergate scandal was the public The Watergate scandal was the public exposure of a exposure of a burglaryburglary and its cover-up and its cover-up by the Nixon administration that by the Nixon administration that eventually led to Nixon’s resignation in eventually led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974.1974.

In 1975, while In 1975, while Gerald Ford Gerald Ford was serving was serving as president, both as president, both NorthNorth and and SouthSouth Vietnam were merged under Vietnam were merged under communistcommunist control. control.

Watergate and the End of Watergate and the End of VietnamVietnam Unlike veterans of World War II, who Unlike veterans of World War II, who

returned to a grateful and supportive returned to a grateful and supportive nation, nation, VietnamVietnam veterans returned veterans returned often to face indifference or outright often to face indifference or outright hostilityhostility from some Americans who from some Americans who opposed the war. opposed the war.

It was not until several years after the It was not until several years after the end of the war that the wounds of the end of the war that the wounds of the war began to heal in America, and war began to heal in America, and Vietnam veterans were recognized Vietnam veterans were recognized and honored for their service and and honored for their service and sacrifices. sacrifices.

Watergate and the End of Watergate and the End of VietnamVietnam While the Vietnam War was raging (going on) in While the Vietnam War was raging (going on) in

Southeast Asia, the Nixon administration added Southeast Asia, the Nixon administration added a new wrinkle to the containment policy. a new wrinkle to the containment policy.

By 1972 President By 1972 President NixonNixon and his Secretary of and his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger recognized that instead State Henry Kissinger recognized that instead of being strong allies the communist nations of of being strong allies the communist nations of ChinaChina and the Soviet and the Soviet UnionUnion had become had become rivalsrivals for territory and diplomatic influence.for territory and diplomatic influence.

In the 1970s Nixon tried to exploit (take In the 1970s Nixon tried to exploit (take advantage of) this split in the communist world.advantage of) this split in the communist world.

By negotiating with each side, Nixon and By negotiating with each side, Nixon and Kissinger hoped to play the two communist Kissinger hoped to play the two communist giants off against each other. giants off against each other.

Opening the Door to ChinaOpening the Door to China In 1972 President In 1972 President NixonNixon began to began to

establish formal diplomatic relations with establish formal diplomatic relations with communist China and met with communist China and met with MaoMao Zedong in the Chinese capital of Beijing. Zedong in the Chinese capital of Beijing.

Later that same year he traveled to Later that same year he traveled to MoscowMoscow to meet with Leonid to meet with Leonid BrezhnevBrezhnev, , the leader of the Soviet Union.the leader of the Soviet Union.

Nixon and Brezhnev signed a treaty under Nixon and Brezhnev signed a treaty under which the two superpowers agreed to which the two superpowers agreed to limit the production of nuclear weapons. limit the production of nuclear weapons.

This treaty grew out of the This treaty grew out of the StrategicStrategic Arms Arms LimitationLimitation Talks (SALT). Talks (SALT).

The SALT AgreementThe SALT Agreement The SALT talks were the The SALT talks were the Soviet-AmericanSoviet-American

discussions begun in 1969 to establish discussions begun in 1969 to establish limitslimits on the number of strategic on the number of strategic nuclearnuclear weapons held by both sides. weapons held by both sides.

Although the SALT Treaty contained Although the SALT Treaty contained many loopholes, it was a crucial first step many loopholes, it was a crucial first step toward ending the nuclear arms race toward ending the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet between the United States and the Soviet Union.Union.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union Both internal and external pressures in Both internal and external pressures in

the 1980s caused the collapse of the the 1980s caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

RonaldRonald Reagan, a Reagan, a RepublicanRepublican, became , became president of the United States in 1981. president of the United States in 1981.

During his first term, President Reagan During his first term, President Reagan tried to assert (state strongly) American tried to assert (state strongly) American power in many places throughout the power in many places throughout the world. Reagan challenged the moral world. Reagan challenged the moral legitimacy of the Soviet Union by publicly legitimacy of the Soviet Union by publicly calling the Soviet Union “an calling the Soviet Union “an evilevil empire.” empire.”

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union Under Reagan’s leadership, the United Under Reagan’s leadership, the United

States launched a massive States launched a massive militarymilitary buildup, and tension with the Soviet buildup, and tension with the Soviet Union increased. Union increased.

President Reagan would President Reagan would notnot consider consider armsarms reductions until he was convinced reductions until he was convinced that the United States was at least equal that the United States was at least equal to the Soviet Union in military power. to the Soviet Union in military power.

He also proceeded with plans to deploy He also proceeded with plans to deploy (place) new nuclear missiles in Western (place) new nuclear missiles in Western Europe. Europe.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union This renewal of the arms race forced the This renewal of the arms race forced the SovietSoviet

Union to Union to increaseincrease its military budget in order to its military budget in order to compete with the United States. compete with the United States.

The need to increase military spending was a The need to increase military spending was a serious problem for the serious problem for the SovietSoviet leadership, leadership, because the state-controlled Soviet economy because the state-controlled Soviet economy suffered from gross (extreme) inefficiency after suffered from gross (extreme) inefficiency after nearly seventy years of communist rule. nearly seventy years of communist rule.

Mikhail Mikhail GorbachevGorbachev, who became the leader of , who became the leader of the Soviet Union in 1985, immediately adopted the Soviet Union in 1985, immediately adopted new policies in an attempt to revive the Soviet new policies in an attempt to revive the Soviet economy and reform the Soviet system.economy and reform the Soviet system.

Gorbachev’s first effort was to introduce Gorbachev’s first effort was to introduce glasnostglasnost (Russian word for “(Russian word for “opennessopenness”) to Soviet life. ”) to Soviet life.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union Gorbachev allowed open Gorbachev allowed open criticismcriticism of the of the SovietSoviet

government and even took some steps toward government and even took some steps toward freedomfreedom of the press. of the press.

Glasnost Glasnost then was Gorbachev’s policy of then was Gorbachev’s policy of encouraging encouraging freedomfreedom of expression in the Soviet of expression in the Soviet Union. Union.

In 1987 Gorbachev outlined his plans for In 1987 Gorbachev outlined his plans for perestroikaperestroika, a restructuring of Soviet , a restructuring of Soviet societysociety. .

He called for He called for lessless government control of the government control of the economyeconomy, the introduction of some private , the introduction of some private enterprise, and steps toward establishing enterprise, and steps toward establishing democracydemocracy..

While economic restructuring lay at the heart of While economic restructuring lay at the heart of perestroika, Gorbachev even said the Soviet peopleperestroika, Gorbachev even said the Soviet people

needed “to teach and to learn democracy.” needed “to teach and to learn democracy.”

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union Gorbachev’s new policies raised high Gorbachev’s new policies raised high

expectations among millions of well-expectations among millions of well-educated Russians for both immediate educated Russians for both immediate improvement in their standard of living and improvement in their standard of living and increased freedom in Soviet society. increased freedom in Soviet society.

The fast-paced reforms, which occurred as The fast-paced reforms, which occurred as the Soviet Union moved quickly toward a the Soviet Union moved quickly toward a marketmarket economy, placed even greater economy, placed even greater internal pressure on the internal pressure on the communistcommunist system. system.

In addition, the Gorbachev government In addition, the Gorbachev government faced rising nationalism within the Soviet faced rising nationalism within the Soviet republics (equal to American states), which republics (equal to American states), which made up the Soviet Union. made up the Soviet Union.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union External pressures on the Soviet government External pressures on the Soviet government

came from its eastern European communist came from its eastern European communist satellites, which were also experiencing a satellites, which were also experiencing a rising feeling of nationalism. rising feeling of nationalism.

Solidarity labor movement created great Solidarity labor movement created great unrest in unrest in PolandPoland during the 1980s. during the 1980s.

By the late eighties, By the late eighties, EastEast German citizens German citizens held mass protests to show their desire for held mass protests to show their desire for new leadership.new leadership.

President Ronald Reagan added to the President Ronald Reagan added to the external pressures on the Soviet Union by external pressures on the Soviet Union by traveling to the Berlin Wall and saying, “Mr. traveling to the Berlin Wall and saying, “Mr. GorbachevGorbachev, , teartear down this down this wallwall.” .”

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union The The BerlinBerlin Wall, which divided Wall, which divided communistcommunist East Berlin East Berlin

from from democraticdemocratic West Berlin, was the best-known West Berlin, was the best-known symbol of the Cold War. symbol of the Cold War.

The East German government had built the Berlin The East German government had built the Berlin Wall in Wall in 19611961 as a means to keep its citizens from as a means to keep its citizens from escaping to the West.escaping to the West.

But by late 1989 the communist government of East But by late 1989 the communist government of East Germany was so unstable that East German citizens Germany was so unstable that East German citizens began to tear down whole sections of the Berlin Wall began to tear down whole sections of the Berlin Wall without interference by government officials.without interference by government officials.

In late 1990 In late 1990 GermanyGermany was formally was formally reunifiedreunified under under the democratic leadership of West Germany. the democratic leadership of West Germany.

Communist governments quickly fell from power in Communist governments quickly fell from power in the Soviet Union’s other Eastern European satellites.the Soviet Union’s other Eastern European satellites.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union In In 19911991 the the SovietSoviet Union fell apart. The Union fell apart. The

Soviet Union was made up of fifteen Soviet Union was made up of fifteen republics, which included an enormous republics, which included an enormous variety of cultures, languages, and ethnic variety of cultures, languages, and ethnic groups.groups.

As the Gorbachev government introduced As the Gorbachev government introduced democratic reforms, the republics began to democratic reforms, the republics began to push for additional change. push for additional change.

The three The three BalticBaltic republics – Estonia, Latvia, republics – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – even declared their and Lithuania – even declared their independence from the Soviet Union, and independence from the Soviet Union, and other republics soon followed their other republics soon followed their example. example.

The End of the Soviet UnionThe End of the Soviet Union By year’s end, Gorbachev agreed to By year’s end, Gorbachev agreed to

dismantle (take apart) the entire dismantle (take apart) the entire Communist system, including the 15-Communist system, including the 15-million member Communist Party, which million member Communist Party, which once controlled nearly every aspect (part) once controlled nearly every aspect (part) of Soviet society. of Soviet society.

On On ChristmasChristmas Day 1991, Gorbachev Day 1991, Gorbachev resigned and declared the Soviet Union resigned and declared the Soviet Union had ended. had ended.

The Cold War was The Cold War was overover..