United States History - Study Guide
1. Bretton Woods System
- Established in 1944, the Bretton Woods System created a framework for international monetary policy.
- It led to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
- The U.S. dollar was pegged to gold, and other currencies were tied to the dollar, promoting stable exchange rates.
2. Declaration of Liberate Europe
- Adopted at the Yalta Conference in 1945, it called for the right of all peoples to choose their own governments.
- Aimed at easing tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies post-World War II.
- Represented a commitment to democratic principles in post-war Europe.
3. Containment (Cold War Policy)
- A strategy adopted by the U.S. to prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War.
- Formulated by diplomat George F. Kennan, it sought to restrict Soviet influence globally.
- Implemented through various means, including military alliances, economic aid, and propaganda.
4. Truman Doctrine
- Announced in 1947, it committed the U.S. to support countries resisting communism.
- Initially focused on Greece and Turkey, providing military and economic assistance.
- It marked the beginning of American interventionist foreign policy during the Cold War.
5. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) & Warsaw Pact
- NATO was established in 1949 as a military alliance among Western nations to counter Soviet aggression.
- The Warsaw Pact was formed in 1955 in response to NATO, uniting Eastern Bloc countries.
- Both alliances symbolized the division of Europe during the Cold War.
6. Korean War
- Occurred from 1950 to 1953, initiated by North Korea's invasion of South Korea.
- The U.S. and United Nations forces intervened to support South Korea.
- Resulted in a stalemate and an armistice, but no formal peace treaty.
7. China & Soviet Union 1950
- In 1950, China and the Soviet Union signed the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, which strengthened their alliance.
- Both nations cooperated militarily and economically, promoting communism.
- The relationship began to deteriorate by the late 1950s due to ideological differences and border disputes.
8. Space Race
- A competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War for dominance in space exploration.
- Marked by significant events like the Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the U.S. landing on the moon in 1969.
- Symbolized technological and ideological rivalry.
9. Cuban Missile Crisis
- A 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles in Cuba.
- Marked the closest point to nuclear war during the Cold War.
- Resolved by a U.S. agreement to remove missiles from Turkey and a public promise not to invade Cuba.
10. Détente
- A period of eased tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from the late 1960s to the late 1970s.
- Characterized by arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT).
- Aimed to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and improve diplomatic relations.
11. Helsinki Accords 1975
- Aimed to improve relations between the Communist bloc and the West.
- Addressed various issues, including human rights, cooperation in economics, and European security.
- Signified a commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
12. Camp David Accords
- Agreements signed in 1978 between Egypt and Israel, facilitated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
- Led to peace between the two nations, with Israel withdrawing from the Sinai Peninsula.
- Marked a significant achievement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
13. Iran Hostage Crisis
- Began in 1979 when Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran and held 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage.
- Lasted 444 days, significantly impacting U.S.-Iran relations and American politics.
- Concluded on January 20, 1981, the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.
14. Reagan Doctrine
- A foreign policy strategy initiated by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s.
- Aimed to roll back communism worldwide by supporting anti-communist guerrillas and movements.
- Led to increased American involvement in conflicts in Latin America and Afghanistan.
15. Strategic Defense Initiative "Star Wars"
- Proposed by President Reagan in 1983, it aimed to develop a missile defense system to protect the U.S. from nuclear missile attacks.
- The initiative focused on using ground-based and space-based technology.
- Criticized for its high cost and feasibility, it contributed to the arms race during the Cold War.
This study guide provides an overview of important topics in U.S. history related to the Cold War and its impact on both national and international affairs.