Collapse of Peace, The: China Problem, The
America's hopes for an open, peaceful world "policed by the great powers," require a strong, independent China, but a civil war in China led by Mao Zedong stands in the way. This Communist Revolution in October of 1949 s..
Collapse of Peace, The: Consumer Demand
Initial fear that Depression conditions will return at end of World War II proves unfounded. Government spending drops but consumer demand more than makes up for it. Returning GIs want to get back to a normal life. Peopl..
Collapse of Peace, The: Containment Doctrine, The
A new American doctrine is slowly emerging. Rather than attempting to create a unified, "open" world, the United States and its allies will work to contain threat of further Soviet expansion, first by political and econo..
Collapse of Peace, The: Fair Deal Rejected
Just after World War II ends, Truman submits to Congress a 21-point domestic program called "The Fair Deal." With control of both houses, Republicans in Congress move to cut spending and, within limits, chip away at New ..
Collapse of Peace, The: Marshall Plan, The
The Marshall Plan, initiated by the United States in 1948, assists in the economic reconstruction of Western Europe. The U.S. also offers help to Soviets in the East Block, not really thinking they will accept and they d..
Collapse of Peace, The: Mobilization at Home; Alliances Abroad
At Truman's request, Congress approves a new military draft and revives the Selective Service system in 1948. With the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949; NATO nations agree to mutually defend ea..
Collapse of Peace, The: Post War Labor Unrest
Inflation soars in early post-war years compounded by sharp increases in labor unrest. Workers who willingly support World War II concessions feel that similar requests related to the Cold War are unfair. There are major..
Collapse of Peace, The: Revitalizing Japan
Secretary of State Dean Atchison tells MacArthur that it is time to reverse existing policies and allow Japan to strengthen and centralize its economy. MacArthur resists strategy, bit within three years of the war's end ..
Collapse of Peace, The: Sources of Soviet-American Tension
Even before the end of World War II, there are signs of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Once hostilities are over tensions mount and become what is known as the Cold War, a dangerous rivalry that ..
Collapse of Peace, The: Truman Gets Tough with Soviets Leading to Potsdam
Roosevelt is dying and leaves his successor Truman uninformed and poorly prepared. Truman berates foreign minister Molotov for Russia's not keeping its bargain at Yalta, but in reality there is little the U.S. can do to ..