EISENHOWER AND KHRUSHCHEV

A Change of Policies

Learning Objective:

-Understand the different political

strategies carried out in the USA and the
USSR after Truman and Stalin

Starter:
Who were the USA and USSR leaders
during the Korean War?
EISENHOWER AND HIS NEW POLICY
Truman (1945-1953)
Truman Doctrine / Containment (1947)
Marshall Plan (1947): 13 $ billion to Europe
Berlin Blockade/airlift (1948).
NATO alliance (1949): mutual defence of western
Europe
Build up of standing army (1950): NSC-68, use of
conventional forces, reinstated draft
Eisenhower (1953-1960)
Brinkmanship: the practice of trying to achieve an
advantageous outcome by pushing dangerous events to the
brink of active conflict.
Dulles (US secretary of State) sought to deter aggression by the
Soviet Union by warning that the cost might be massive
retaliation against Soviet targets
Roll-back policy: Dulles promoted it and it was accepted.
However, Eisenhower will end up sticking to the policy of
containment.
Eisenhower instead relied on clandestine CIA actions to
undermine hostile small governments and used economic and
military foreign aid to strengthen governments supporting the
American position in the Cold War.
Policy of New Look: The policy emphasized reliance on
strategic nuclear weapons as well as a reorganization of
conventional forces.
SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955): Treaties designed to
encircle the USSR
 Spotlight on…
NIKITA KHRUSHCHEV
• “Socialism with a human face” (contrast to Stalin’s old policies)
– greater emphasis on human comfort, consumer goods,
reduction of political terror.
• Approach to the Cold War often contradictory
• Believed in “peaceful coexistence”, (visited Britain 1956 and
USA 1959) – offered prospect of improved relations
• BUT often antagonistic - never lost his faith in the superiority
of communism and desire to prove Soviet strength on the
international stage
• Unwilling to back down when dealing with the USA as a sign of
weakness = ‘peaceful coexistence with a competitive edge’
 Was Khrushchev and “peaceful coexistence” hopeful or
disappointing?
Khrushchev was NOT
'De-stalinisation’ did gentle and easy-going Khrushchev had a
Khrushchev said that
not mean a change – Stalin had used him sense of humour and
he wanted ‘peaceful Task 1. Colour Code:
back to capitalism, or to run the terror was always laughing
co-existence'
freedom from Russia. purges after World and smiling.
War II. Red: Disappointing
In 1956, Khrushchev In 1955 Khrushchev
said that Stalin was a told Tito of Green: Hopeful
At first, the western
Khrushchev loved to murderer , and he Yugoslavia: ‘there are
powers hoped that
argue. This often began to ‘destalinise' different roads to
this would be the
caused tension Russia. Political communism’.
start of a ‘thaw' in
between leaders. prisoners were set Western leaders this
the Cold War.
free and Beria was meant an end to the
executed. Iron Curtain.
When communist
Khrushchev gave By ‘peaceful co-
countries went too
countries like Burma Khrushchev often met existence’,
far in their reforms,
and Afghanistan western leaders at Khrushchev really
Khrushchev sent in
economic aid if they ‘summit' meetings. meant ‘peaceful
the army (eg Hungary
supported Russia. competition'.
1956).
 Was Khrushchev and “peaceful coexistence” hopeful or disappointing?
'De-stalinisation’ did not
Khrushchev said that he
mean a change back to
wanted ‘peaceful co-
capitalism, or freedom from
existence'
Russia.
In 1956, Khrushchev said that
Stalin was a murderer , and
Khrushchev loved to argue.
he began to ‘destalinise'
This often caused tension
Russia. Political prisoners
between leaders.
were set free and Beria was
executed.
Khrushchev gave countries When communist countries
like Burma and Afghanistan went too far in their reforms,
economic aid if they Khrushchev sent in the army
supported Russia. (eg Hungary 1956).
Khrushchev was NOT gentle
and easy-going – Stalin had
used him to run the terror
purges after World War II.
In 1955 Khrushchev told Tito
of Yugoslavia: ‘there are
different roads to
communism’. To Western
leaders this meant an end to
the Iron Curtain.
Khrushchev often met
western leaders at ‘summit'
meetings.
Khrushchev had a sense of
humour and was always
laughing and smiling.
At first, the western powers
hoped that this would be the
start of a ‘thaw' in the Cold
War.
By ‘peaceful co-existence’,
Khrushchev really meant
‘peaceful competition'.
 Peaceful Coexistence
Increasing Tensions
If the rulers of the West hoped that Khrushchev would bring an end to the Cold
War, they were disappointed. By ‘peaceful co-existence’, Khrushchev really
meant ‘peaceful competition’. He started to build up Russian power:
 'De-stalinisation’ did not mean a change back to capitalism, or freedom from
Russian control.
 When communist countries went too far in their reforms, Khrushchev sent in
the Red Army.
 He visited countries like Afghanistan and Burma and gave them economic aid
if they would support Russia.
 Russia began an 'arms race' and a ‘space race’ with America.
 In 1955 Khrushchev set up the Warsaw Pact – a military alliance of
Communist countries – to rival NATO. Pact countries had detailed plans of
how to wage nuclear war against NATO if there was a war.
 Russia waged a propaganda war against America and Britain.
 Plenary: Did Eisenhower and Khrushchev
policies improve or worsen relations between
USA and USSR?
Homework:
Read Section
2.5 beginning
on Page 88