Cold WarCold WarBefore 1939 Europe had dominated Before 1939 Europe had dominated

world affairs. After 1945 the U.S. and world affairs. After 1945 the U.S. and the Soviet Union emerged as the Soviet Union emerged as

superpowers that combined global superpowers that combined global ambition with massive military might.ambition with massive military might.

ContainmentContainment: George Kennan in 1947 recommended a U.S. foreign : George Kennan in 1947 recommended a U.S. foreign policy based on the “long term” patient, but firm and vigilant policy based on the “long term” patient, but firm and vigilant

containmentcontainment of Russian expansive tendencies. of Russian expansive tendencies.

Communism challenged the basic tenets of the American dream: it threatened Communism challenged the basic tenets of the American dream: it threatened democratic government, supported state power over individual freedom, cut off free democratic government, supported state power over individual freedom, cut off free markets, and eliminated religion altogether. markets, and eliminated religion altogether.

Senator Arthur Vandenberg in 1946 stated “communism is on the march on a Senator Arthur Vandenberg in 1946 stated “communism is on the march on a worldwide scale which only America can stop.”worldwide scale which only America can stop.”

The brutality of the Soviet regime did not help matters either. The brutality of the Soviet regime did not help matters either. Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal reported, “the principal difference between Mr. Hitler and Mr. Stalin is the size of reported, “the principal difference between Mr. Hitler and Mr. Stalin is the size of their respective mustaches.”their respective mustaches.”

By 1949 Soviets had acquired nuclear weapons, China had gone Red, and by 1950 By 1949 Soviets had acquired nuclear weapons, China had gone Red, and by 1950 Marxist North Korea had invaded South Korea.Marxist North Korea had invaded South Korea.

American policy makers viewed communism as a monolithic bloc controlled by American policy makers viewed communism as a monolithic bloc controlled by Moscow.Moscow.

By 1945 the battle lines had been drawn. Stalin interpreted U.S. calls for free By 1945 the battle lines had been drawn. Stalin interpreted U.S. calls for free elections and democratic reform in Eastern Europe as part of a capitalist plot to elections and democratic reform in Eastern Europe as part of a capitalist plot to surround the Soviet Union. The Americans viewed the Soviet Unions effort to surround the Soviet Union. The Americans viewed the Soviet Unions effort to consolidate its control over Eastern Europe as the first step of a larger plan of global consolidate its control over Eastern Europe as the first step of a larger plan of global conquest.conquest.

Violating his pledge at Potsdam (July 1945) barred Western observers and refused to Violating his pledge at Potsdam (July 1945) barred Western observers and refused to allow free elections: Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania. allow free elections: Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania.

Winston Churchill in March of 1946 in Fulton, Missouri with President Truman on the Winston Churchill in March of 1946 in Fulton, Missouri with President Truman on the platform stated “from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an platform stated “from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtainiron curtain has descended across the continent.has descended across the continent.

Truman Doctrine: Harry S. Truman Doctrine: Harry S. Truman 1945-1953.Truman 1945-1953.

Undersecretary of State, Dean Acheson, in 1946 rejected suggestions that morality should drive American Undersecretary of State, Dean Acheson, in 1946 rejected suggestions that morality should drive American policy and instead stressed that American power was essential to peace (Economic and Military power).policy and instead stressed that American power was essential to peace (Economic and Military power).

Marshall Plan: Bold economic recovery plan to bring Europe out of the ashes of World War II. Churchill Marshall Plan: Bold economic recovery plan to bring Europe out of the ashes of World War II. Churchill declared Europe “a rubble heap, a charnel house, a breeding ground of pestilence and hate.” declared Europe “a rubble heap, a charnel house, a breeding ground of pestilence and hate.”

Economic assistanceEconomic assistance in Truman’s eye’s was critical ($17 billion over 4 years). In order to prevent Western in Truman’s eye’s was critical ($17 billion over 4 years). In order to prevent Western Europe from falling to the communist’sEurope from falling to the communist’s

Secretary of State George C. Marshall believed that massive aid would enable European nations to resist Secretary of State George C. Marshall believed that massive aid would enable European nations to resist communism and would build loyalty to the U.S. among the European people.communism and would build loyalty to the U.S. among the European people.

Containment:Containment: Turkey and Greece in 1947, Czechoslovakia in February 1948. Turkey and Greece in 1947, Czechoslovakia in February 1948. In 1950, when the Soviet Union and China extended diplomatic recognition to Ho Chi Minh’s Vietnamese In 1950, when the Soviet Union and China extended diplomatic recognition to Ho Chi Minh’s Vietnamese

Government, Truman supplied military aid to the French. America had taken its first step into the Vietnam Government, Truman supplied military aid to the French. America had taken its first step into the Vietnam quagmire.quagmire.

Domino TheoryDomino Theory: If one nation (Vietnam) fell to communism it would start a revolutionary chain reaction, : If one nation (Vietnam) fell to communism it would start a revolutionary chain reaction, particularly in South East Asia where neighboring nations (Laos & Cambodia) would also become particularly in South East Asia where neighboring nations (Laos & Cambodia) would also become communist.communist.

Since the United States could not match the Soviets in manpower, military planners had depended on Since the United States could not match the Soviets in manpower, military planners had depended on nuclear weapons to deter Soviet aggression.nuclear weapons to deter Soviet aggression.

Consequence of the Containment DoctrineConsequence of the Containment Doctrine: militarization of the government and of the American state of : militarization of the government and of the American state of mind.mind.

Walter Lippmann charged that containment would increase executive power at the expense of the other Walter Lippmann charged that containment would increase executive power at the expense of the other branches of government and divert energy and resources away from domestic needs. Most of all he branches of government and divert energy and resources away from domestic needs. Most of all he argued that it would militarize American foreign policy and force it to support corrupt dictators.argued that it would militarize American foreign policy and force it to support corrupt dictators.

April 1950 National Security Council Memorandum 68 (NSC-68): Urged the president to initiate a massive April 1950 National Security Council Memorandum 68 (NSC-68): Urged the president to initiate a massive rebuilding of both nuclear and conventional military forces to confront the new Soviet nuclear threat.rebuilding of both nuclear and conventional military forces to confront the new Soviet nuclear threat.

J. Robert Oppenheimer said it best “We may be likened to two scorpions in a bottle each capable of killing J. Robert Oppenheimer said it best “We may be likened to two scorpions in a bottle each capable of killing the other, but only at the risk of his own life.” the other, but only at the risk of his own life.”

““Limited War” Containment required Americans to settle for fighting limited, protracted wars seeking Limited War” Containment required Americans to settle for fighting limited, protracted wars seeking diplomatic solutions rather than military victory, and enduring the tribulation of an uncertain peace diplomatic solutions rather than military victory, and enduring the tribulation of an uncertain peace (Korean War).(Korean War).

McCarthyismMcCarthyism Senator Vandenberg suggested building domestic support for war on Senator Vandenberg suggested building domestic support for war on

Communism by “scaring the hell out of the country.”Communism by “scaring the hell out of the country.” Senator Joseph McCarthy from Wisconsin, was a political speculator, who Senator Joseph McCarthy from Wisconsin, was a political speculator, who

found his oil gusher in Communism.found his oil gusher in Communism. Waged war against Red enemy in our midst. McCarthy reassured a troubled Waged war against Red enemy in our midst. McCarthy reassured a troubled

nation that the string of bad news resulted from the traitorous actions of a nation that the string of bad news resulted from the traitorous actions of a few individuals, not a flawed view of the world or the strength of communist few individuals, not a flawed view of the world or the strength of communist opponents.opponents.

Embraced by conservative republicans who saw him as a useful means to Embraced by conservative republicans who saw him as a useful means to reassert their authority in the country.reassert their authority in the country.

Tele-Evangelist Fulton J, Sheen, warned viewers that godless communism Tele-Evangelist Fulton J, Sheen, warned viewers that godless communism was infiltrating American institutions especially government, and advised was infiltrating American institutions especially government, and advised against making peace with the Soviets.against making peace with the Soviets.

Billy Graham emphasized the common link between Christian teachings and Billy Graham emphasized the common link between Christian teachings and American values, and warned of the evils of communism, which he called “a American values, and warned of the evils of communism, which he called “a great sinister anti-Christian movement masterminded by Satan.” great sinister anti-Christian movement masterminded by Satan.”

SputnikSputnik (Launched October 4, 1957): Brought to the surface America’s (Launched October 4, 1957): Brought to the surface America’s underlying anxiety about atomic power. If the USSR had rockets powerful underlying anxiety about atomic power. If the USSR had rockets powerful enough to launch satellites, it could also bombard U.S. with nuclear weapons enough to launch satellites, it could also bombard U.S. with nuclear weapons (1960, 45 minutes for a Soviet ICBM to reach America, 28% of U.S. (1960, 45 minutes for a Soviet ICBM to reach America, 28% of U.S. population would die in a limited strike).population would die in a limited strike).

McCarthy died in 1957 of hepatitis caused by alcoholism.McCarthy died in 1957 of hepatitis caused by alcoholism.

““New Look”New Look” Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961): The Korean conflict taught him that the U.S. could not afford to Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961): The Korean conflict taught him that the U.S. could not afford to

fight local wars with conventional troops. America, he believed, should instead take advantage of its fight local wars with conventional troops. America, he believed, should instead take advantage of its overwhelming superiority in nuclear weapons, attacking enemy forces with small nuclear weapons or overwhelming superiority in nuclear weapons, attacking enemy forces with small nuclear weapons or even striking at the source of the aggression Moscow or Beijing. Being cheaper than conventional even striking at the source of the aggression Moscow or Beijing. Being cheaper than conventional forces, nuclear weapons offered “more bang for the buck.” forces, nuclear weapons offered “more bang for the buck.”

Between 1952-1959 the U.S. nuclear weapon arsenal grew from 1,500 to over 6,000.Between 1952-1959 the U.S. nuclear weapon arsenal grew from 1,500 to over 6,000. Regional defense treaties: NATO, Rio Treaty (Latin America), Taiwan (1954), and SEATO. Overall Regional defense treaties: NATO, Rio Treaty (Latin America), Taiwan (1954), and SEATO. Overall

America signed treaties with 43 nations against “communist aggression.” An attack on one signatory America signed treaties with 43 nations against “communist aggression.” An attack on one signatory was viewed as an attack on all. was viewed as an attack on all.

Threat of 3Threat of 3rdrd World Nationalism: The newly independent nations in Asia, the Middle East, Latin World Nationalism: The newly independent nations in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa became the new battle grounds of the Cold War.America, and Africa became the new battle grounds of the Cold War.

CIA: Created in 1955, expanded its role beyond intelligence gathering to a wide range of political CIA: Created in 1955, expanded its role beyond intelligence gathering to a wide range of political activities, including the overthrow of foreign governments.activities, including the overthrow of foreign governments.

Eisenhower Doctrine: the new plan provided the president with broad authority to provide economic Eisenhower Doctrine: the new plan provided the president with broad authority to provide economic and military assistance to defend any Middle East ally from Communist aggression. Middle East: and military assistance to defend any Middle East ally from Communist aggression. Middle East: lucrative oil fields.lucrative oil fields.

ExampleExample: In Iran when the government of Mohammed Mossadegha nationalized the Anglo-Iranian Oil : In Iran when the government of Mohammed Mossadegha nationalized the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1953, the CIA planned, financed, and orchestrated a coup to overthrow him. To replace Company in 1953, the CIA planned, financed, and orchestrated a coup to overthrow him. To replace him, the CIA worked with Iranian army officers to consolidate power behind pro-Western Shah Reza him, the CIA worked with Iranian army officers to consolidate power behind pro-Western Shah Reza Pahlavi.Pahlavi.

ExampleExample: In 1954 the administration used the CIA to topple the leftist government of Jacob Arbenz : In 1954 the administration used the CIA to topple the leftist government of Jacob Arbenz Guzman (Nations only popularly elected official) in Guatemala. In 1953 Arbenz government had Guzman (Nations only popularly elected official) in Guatemala. In 1953 Arbenz government had launched an ambitious land-reform program, which included seizing more than 200,000 acres launched an ambitious land-reform program, which included seizing more than 200,000 acres controlled by the American-owned United Fruit Company.controlled by the American-owned United Fruit Company.

ExampleExample: On January 1, 1959, a young lawyer turned revolutionary, Fidel Castro, led a successful : On January 1, 1959, a young lawyer turned revolutionary, Fidel Castro, led a successful insurrection against the American supported dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. American economic insurrection against the American supported dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. American economic interests expressed concern when Castro began breaking up large cattle ranches and sugar interests expressed concern when Castro began breaking up large cattle ranches and sugar plantations. When U.S. threatened to cut off economic aid, Castro responded by declaring his support plantations. When U.S. threatened to cut off economic aid, Castro responded by declaring his support for communism and confiscated about $1 billion in U.S. property.for communism and confiscated about $1 billion in U.S. property.

U.S. government mistakenly viewed nationalist movements or local struggles as part of the U.S. government mistakenly viewed nationalist movements or local struggles as part of the superpower competition and therefore a threat to national security. America’s attitude revealed an superpower competition and therefore a threat to national security. America’s attitude revealed an arrogance of strength, a belief that U.S. power could and shape international affairs.arrogance of strength, a belief that U.S. power could and shape international affairs.

American Corporations use the threat of “Communist Aggression” to benefit their own self interest. American Corporations use the threat of “Communist Aggression” to benefit their own self interest.

Flexible ResponseFlexible Response John F. Kennedy (1961-1963): Kennedy moved to sharpen ideological differences and to increase John F. Kennedy (1961-1963): Kennedy moved to sharpen ideological differences and to increase

military pressure on the Soviet Union.military pressure on the Soviet Union. The president believed that instability in the Third World presented the greatest danger to American The president believed that instability in the Third World presented the greatest danger to American

security in the 1960’s. Kennedy took Khrushev’s warning that the USSR would continue to support security in the 1960’s. Kennedy took Khrushev’s warning that the USSR would continue to support wars of national liberation in Asia, Africa, and Latin Americawars of national liberation in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Kennedy believed that Eisenhower’s approach of threatening massive retaliation prevented the U.S. Kennedy believed that Eisenhower’s approach of threatening massive retaliation prevented the U.S. from responding to communist insurgents trying to topple pro-American governments.from responding to communist insurgents trying to topple pro-American governments.

1961, Kennedy called for a massive increase in strategic and tactical nuclear capability, second 1961, Kennedy called for a massive increase in strategic and tactical nuclear capability, second massive increase in economic aid to friendly Third World Nations (Peace Corps, Agency for massive increase in economic aid to friendly Third World Nations (Peace Corps, Agency for International development, and Alliance for Progress). Finally Kennedy ordered the Pentagon and International development, and Alliance for Progress). Finally Kennedy ordered the Pentagon and the CIA to increase the training of paramilitary forces Green Berets and Latin American Police the CIA to increase the training of paramilitary forces Green Berets and Latin American Police Squads).Squads).

Cuban Missile CrisisCuban Missile Crisis, October 14-28, 1962: Forced Kennedy to re-examine American Cold War , October 14-28, 1962: Forced Kennedy to re-examine American Cold War policies. (Established a hotline between Moscow and Washington, Nuclear Test Ban, and began to policies. (Established a hotline between Moscow and Washington, Nuclear Test Ban, and began to question U.S. ground forces in places like Vietnam (Summer of 1963).question U.S. ground forces in places like Vietnam (Summer of 1963).

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, George Ball, stated Vietnam was not a vital American Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, George Ball, stated Vietnam was not a vital American interest (1964: Once on the tiger’s back, we can not be sure of picking the time and place to interest (1964: Once on the tiger’s back, we can not be sure of picking the time and place to dismount).dismount).

November 1, 1963 Ngo Dinh Diem assassinated, 2 weeks after coup Kennedy ordered a complete November 1, 1963 Ngo Dinh Diem assassinated, 2 weeks after coup Kennedy ordered a complete and very profound review of how we got into this country, what we thought we were doing, and and very profound review of how we got into this country, what we thought we were doing, and what we now think we can do.what we now think we can do.

Kennedy assassinated on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas.Kennedy assassinated on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Sworn in as President November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969): Abandoned Kennedy’s Sworn in as President November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969): Abandoned Kennedy’s

caution and increased American ground forces from 16,000 to over 500,000 by 1968.caution and increased American ground forces from 16,000 to over 500,000 by 1968. Chief architect of American policy in Vietnam Robert McNamara.Chief architect of American policy in Vietnam Robert McNamara. Again blinded by rigid anticommunism, American policymakers rejected the nationalist impulse Again blinded by rigid anticommunism, American policymakers rejected the nationalist impulse

behind the Vietnamese revolution.behind the Vietnamese revolution. America’s policy of Global Containment died in the jungles of South East Asia.America’s policy of Global Containment died in the jungles of South East Asia.

RealpolitikRealpolitik Power not ideals or moral suasion, counted in international affairs. This Power not ideals or moral suasion, counted in international affairs. This

approach emphasized realism over idealism, arguing that nations could be approach emphasized realism over idealism, arguing that nations could be expected to act in their own narrowly defined interest, not idealistic expected to act in their own narrowly defined interest, not idealistic humanitarian concerns.humanitarian concerns.

President Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974): All or nothing logic meaning that President Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974): All or nothing logic meaning that American defeat in Vietnam would unleash the forces of totalitarianism American defeat in Vietnam would unleash the forces of totalitarianism around the globe.around the globe.

Paris Peace Accords January 27, 1973 officially ended American Paris Peace Accords January 27, 1973 officially ended American involvement in Vietnam.involvement in Vietnam.

The war had shattered the myth of American invincibility and rocked the The war had shattered the myth of American invincibility and rocked the foundation of postwar American foreign policy.foundation of postwar American foreign policy.

Lessons of Vietnam, Lessons of Vietnam, Left & Right: Left & Right: Left:Left: believed that the war exposed the fallacy of containment and the believed that the war exposed the fallacy of containment and the

limits of American power.limits of American power. Right:Right: Instead charged that a failure of political will had led to America’s Instead charged that a failure of political will had led to America’s

defeat. According to this view, American Cold War assumptions were valid defeat. According to this view, American Cold War assumptions were valid and the war (Vietnam) winnable, but timid politicians, caving into pressure and the war (Vietnam) winnable, but timid politicians, caving into pressure from a liberal media and a student rabble, imposed too many restrictions from a liberal media and a student rabble, imposed too many restrictions on the military.on the military.

DetenteDetente Nixon and National Security Advisor and eventual Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (1973): Nixon and National Security Advisor and eventual Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (1973):

Abandoned the costly pursuit of weapons superiority and instead focused on peaceful economic Abandoned the costly pursuit of weapons superiority and instead focused on peaceful economic competition. This approach would lesson the threat of nuclear war, encourage the Soviets to pressure competition. This approach would lesson the threat of nuclear war, encourage the Soviets to pressure the North Vietnamese into peace settlement, and diminish the possibility of another war like Vietnam the North Vietnamese into peace settlement, and diminish the possibility of another war like Vietnam beginning elsewhere in the Third World.beginning elsewhere in the Third World.

Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev presided over a struggling economy in desperate need of Western Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev presided over a struggling economy in desperate need of Western goods and capital. Like his American counterpart, he hoped to divert resources from the arms race to goods and capital. Like his American counterpart, he hoped to divert resources from the arms race to domestic use.domestic use.

The Nixon Administration also began working to improve relations with China, using the Sino-Soviet The Nixon Administration also began working to improve relations with China, using the Sino-Soviet tension to America’s strategic advantage. As an incentive Nixon offered the Chinese access to tension to America’s strategic advantage. As an incentive Nixon offered the Chinese access to American technology, capital goods, and foodstuffs.American technology, capital goods, and foodstuffs.

Nixon made historic trip to Beijing in February of 1972 and Moscow in June of 1972.Nixon made historic trip to Beijing in February of 1972 and Moscow in June of 1972. Nixon and Brezhnev signed trade and technology agreements, plus a statement of “Basic Principles” Nixon and Brezhnev signed trade and technology agreements, plus a statement of “Basic Principles”

that called on both sides to avoid military confrontation and a unilateral advantage at the expense of that called on both sides to avoid military confrontation and a unilateral advantage at the expense of the other SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks): Limited the building of an anti-ballistic missile the other SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks): Limited the building of an anti-ballistic missile system and froze for 5 years the number of strategic offensive weapons in both arsenals.system and froze for 5 years the number of strategic offensive weapons in both arsenals.

Nonetheless Nixon still believed in limiting Soviet influence globally. Nixon supplied arms to a number Nonetheless Nixon still believed in limiting Soviet influence globally. Nixon supplied arms to a number of repressive regimes willing to oppose the regional interests of the Soviet Union: Shah of Iran, of repressive regimes willing to oppose the regional interests of the Soviet Union: Shah of Iran, Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, Balthazar Vorster’s white supremacist govt. in South Africa, and Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, Balthazar Vorster’s white supremacist govt. in South Africa, and Chile’s General Augusto Pinochet (President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): Supported the Chile’s General Augusto Pinochet (President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): Supported the MujahideenMujahideen..

American support for Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, caused an alliance of Arab states to impose American support for Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, caused an alliance of Arab states to impose an oil embargo against America, Europe, and Japan. The embargo lasted from October 17, 1973-an oil embargo against America, Europe, and Japan. The embargo lasted from October 17, 1973-March 18, 1974. By 1974 the cost of oil had increased 400%.March 18, 1974. By 1974 the cost of oil had increased 400%.

1979 Détente fails: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (Americans feared next move would be the oil 1979 Détente fails: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (Americans feared next move would be the oil fields of the Middle East), embargoed the USSR (U.S. Wheat) and in 1980 withdrew American athletes fields of the Middle East), embargoed the USSR (U.S. Wheat) and in 1980 withdrew American athletes from the Moscow Olympics.from the Moscow Olympics.

The Camp David Accords: Represented a major step in the development of moderate Arab regimes The Camp David Accords: Represented a major step in the development of moderate Arab regimes friendly to the U.S. and willing to live in peace with Israel. Yet the treaty also enraged the Arab friendly to the U.S. and willing to live in peace with Israel. Yet the treaty also enraged the Arab militants who rejected Western influence in the region, opposed the state of Israel, and promised to militants who rejected Western influence in the region, opposed the state of Israel, and promised to overthrow the governments that made peace. They were emboldened by the Iranian Revolution, overthrow the governments that made peace. They were emboldened by the Iranian Revolution, which replaced a repressive pro-American regime with an Islamic government.which replaced a repressive pro-American regime with an Islamic government.

Rebel Leader in 1983: “It is all very far away from you in America, isn’t it? But it is not as far as you Rebel Leader in 1983: “It is all very far away from you in America, isn’t it? But it is not as far as you think.”think.”

““The Evil Empire”The Evil Empire” President Ronald Reagan (1980-1988): A classic Cold Warrior, Regan saw the Soviets at the heart of President Ronald Reagan (1980-1988): A classic Cold Warrior, Regan saw the Soviets at the heart of

every international dispute, from revolution in Central America to international terrorism in the every international dispute, from revolution in Central America to international terrorism in the Middle East.Middle East.

According to Regan the USSR was “the focus of evil in the modern world.”According to Regan the USSR was “the focus of evil in the modern world.” By 1986 the Pentagon was spending $273 billion on defense. By 1986 the Pentagon was spending $273 billion on defense. Reagan declared he would support any anticommunist regime in the world: Chile, South Korea, Reagan declared he would support any anticommunist regime in the world: Chile, South Korea,

Angola, Grenada, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and various nations in the Middle East including Iraq.Angola, Grenada, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and various nations in the Middle East including Iraq. Reagan “Let us not delude ourselves the Soviet Union underlies all the unrest that is going on. If Reagan “Let us not delude ourselves the Soviet Union underlies all the unrest that is going on. If

they were not engaged in this game of dominos, there would not be any hot spots in the world.”they were not engaged in this game of dominos, there would not be any hot spots in the world.” El SalvadorEl Salvador: A poor country in which 2% of the population controlled nearly all the wealth, a : A poor country in which 2% of the population controlled nearly all the wealth, a

coalition of leftist guerrillas had been attempting to topple the government. Regan convinced that coalition of leftist guerrillas had been attempting to topple the government. Regan convinced that the rebels against the established regime represented Soviet influence, spent nearly $5 billion the rebels against the established regime represented Soviet influence, spent nearly $5 billion providing military and economic aid to the government. The army used the arms to wage a fierce providing military and economic aid to the government. The army used the arms to wage a fierce campaign of repression against civilians suspected of sympathizing with the rebels or agitating for campaign of repression against civilians suspected of sympathizing with the rebels or agitating for social change. Between 1979 and 1985 army death squads killed as many as 40,000 peasants, social change. Between 1979 and 1985 army death squads killed as many as 40,000 peasants, teachers, union organizers, and church workers.teachers, union organizers, and church workers.

Iran-Contra Affair: Beginning in 1982 the CIA organized, trained, and financed the contras, a guerilla Iran-Contra Affair: Beginning in 1982 the CIA organized, trained, and financed the contras, a guerilla army based in Honduras and Costa Rica. Infiltrating Nicaragua the contras sabotaged bridges, oil army based in Honduras and Costa Rica. Infiltrating Nicaragua the contras sabotaged bridges, oil facilities, and crops. The CIA offered them training in hoe to assassinate and kidnap political leaders. facilities, and crops. The CIA offered them training in hoe to assassinate and kidnap political leaders. Reagan praised the contras as “the moral equivalent of our founding fathers.”Reagan praised the contras as “the moral equivalent of our founding fathers.”

Iran Hostage Crisis: American agents secretly tried to curry favor with the radical regime in Iran by Iran Hostage Crisis: American agents secretly tried to curry favor with the radical regime in Iran by selling the Iranians high-tech U.S. and Israeli arms, which they needed for their on going war with selling the Iranians high-tech U.S. and Israeli arms, which they needed for their on going war with Iraq. The plot had a twist U.S. operatives overcharged Iran for the anti-tank and surface-to-air Iraq. The plot had a twist U.S. operatives overcharged Iran for the anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles, then using the extra money to finance the Contra’s (Fall guy: NSC Aide Oliver North).missiles, then using the extra money to finance the Contra’s (Fall guy: NSC Aide Oliver North).

Direct violation of Boland Amendment of 1986 which prohibited aid to the Contra’s.Direct violation of Boland Amendment of 1986 which prohibited aid to the Contra’s. Reagan’s supporters contend that his get tough rhetoric and increased military spending not only Reagan’s supporters contend that his get tough rhetoric and increased military spending not only

pushed the Soviets to the bargaining table, but also forced them to accept American terms. Reagan, pushed the Soviets to the bargaining table, but also forced them to accept American terms. Reagan, they declared was personally responsible for ending the Cold War. they declared was personally responsible for ending the Cold War.

ConclusionConclusion Barry Goldwater 1964 Republican candidate Barry Goldwater 1964 Republican candidate

for the Presidency, and an outspoken critic of for the Presidency, and an outspoken critic of liberal reform: “liberal reform: “ExtremismExtremism in the defense of in the defense of liberty is no vice, liberty is no vice, moderationmoderation in the pursuit of in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.”justice is no virtue.”

He suggested that nuclear weapons be used He suggested that nuclear weapons be used against Cuba, China, and North Vietnam if against Cuba, China, and North Vietnam if they failed to accede to American demands. they failed to accede to American demands.

Goldwater: “Our job first and foremost is to Goldwater: “Our job first and foremost is to persuade the enemy that we would rather persuade the enemy that we would rather follow the world to kingdom Come than follow the world to kingdom Come than consign it to Hell under communism.”consign it to Hell under communism.”