The Arms Race

US had nuclear weapons, Soviet Union did not at first, but by 1949 they did

Soviet Union was trying to spread communism to newly liberated and vulnerable countries in the aftermath of WWII (Europe & Korea)

Berlin Blockade

China turned communist, Korean War began

Economic aid

If poverty was not an issue, there would be no reason to resort to following a political extremist (such as a communist leader)

Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine

Fell behind in the space race (Sputnik)

Korean War continued

Asia and the Middle East were now targets for the spread of communism

Communism expanded into the Western Hemisphere (Cuba)

Brinkmanship (*think: the game of "chicken")

Massive Retaliation

Increased nuclear arsenal and pulled funds away from conventional forces

Put money towards space exploration an technology development

NASA and National Defense Education Act

Used the CIA to carry out covert operations & undermine communist threats in Latin America & the Middle East

still losing the space race

Berlin Wall goes up (1961)

Vietnam civil war is heating up

Soviet Union takes advantage of a Communist Cuba

Cuban Missile Crisis

CIA covert operation in Cuba

CIA-led forces led Cuban exiles in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro (communist)

Flexible Response

Can't just focus on nuclear weapon buildup

Increased conventional, tactical and strategic forces

Keeps diplomacy as an option

Economic aid to Latin American countries vulnerable to political extremism