Harry, Joseph, Dwight and Nikita

As we continue our study of the Cold War, we will be moving beyond the policies of Truman and Stalin and on to the policies of Eisenhower and Khrushchev. Please read below and comment to answer the 3 questions to the best of your ability.

Eisenhower extended Truman's policy of containment, particularly to the Middle East with the Eisenhower Doctrine. In this sense, Truman and Eisenhower were in agreement over foreign policy goals. Their methods, however, were largely different. Truman de-emphasized the use of atomic weapons in order to enforce containment and instead relied heavily on the use of conventional military force. Eisenhower viewed this as too costly and too timid, so he utilized the policy of massive retaliation. In your opinion, based on the short-term and long-term interests of the United States, which president had the better policy?

Stalin supported an expansionist foreign policy as a means of protecting the USSR from foreign invasion, but did so in a confrontational and forceful way. He provoked anti-Western attitudes in order to generate hostility and thus weaken the West, and was used to use brutality in crushing any opposition. Khrushchev's policy of peaceful coexistence encouraged non-aggressive competition between the two systems, and he believed that this competition would result in the spread of communism without generating conflict. His break from Stalin, however, gave the Soviet satellite states the impression that they could break away from Soviet control and resulted in a number of Soviet crackdowns, particularly in Eastern Europe. In your opinion but based on the short-term and long-term interests of the Soviet Union, which leader had the better policy?

Historians are divided over this next question, but give it your best shot. Did Khrushchev's policy of peaceful coexistence help reduce or expand the tensions of the Cold War?

Ice, Ice, Baby!

   With everything you have read and as we talk about the origins of the Cold War, I want to spend some time developing our understanding so we can begin to formulate our own perspectives. We will begin this process by identifying what you believe, at this point, to be the primary social, political, and economic causes of the Cold War. Second, in your view, is there a primary cause? If so, what is it? If not, why not? Third, is either the USSR to blame, the US to blame, both to blame, or is nobody to blame for causing the Cold War?

Since you may be thinking about this for the first time, your opinions may be subject to change over time, and that is okay. If your opinion does not change, that is fine as well. As long as your perspective is based on sound logic and fact, this is a success. To help facilitate this process, review and comment on a minimum of 3 of your classmates posts. This should help you question your own perspective and form a better, more conclusive understanding. I am genuinely looking forward to reading what you have to say!

Emperor Without His Clothes

After reading Bullock, pages 448-461, 3 of you will pose a question or provide your perspective or thoughts by Saturday at 5pm. The rest of the class will comment on each of the three posts by Tuesday.
Ben - post based on reading pages 448-452
Melissa - post based on reading pages 453-457
AJ - post based on reading pages 458-461

See you Tuesday!

"We have only to kick in the door"

For the Bullock reading, pages 381-400:
Abby - question/comment/thoughts on Germany vs. Russia
Alysa - question/comment/thoughts on "Monroe Doctrine for Europe" and the "European New Order"
Lauren - question/comment/thoughts on Hitler's war time leadership abilities or decisions

For the rest of the class, please comment on each of the above blogs. Thanks!

"How Many Died? Who Knows the Number?"

Once again, complete the Gilbert reading pages 301-319 and comment on/question/answer the follwing 3 questions: (1) Why did the Germans invest so much time and resources into rocket and jet technology? (2) Which was Hitler's priority in WWII: restoring German greatness, elimination of Europe's Jewish population, making a name for himself, or other? (3) Was the US decision (here you go Kaylan!) to drop the atomic bombs on Japan a justified military necessity?