SED356

War being discussed is World War II

During WWII, Soviet Union was treated as ally, power built up- now communist Russia is major threat to US

I find the progression from the US and USSR alliance to long-term enemies to be quite interesting.  I think the author raises a very fair question as to why the US suddenly decided that the USSR was an enemy and not a friend.

NATO provides a union and protection for its' members. If a nation in Europe or US is attacked as an individual, they will respond as a united group to defend the attacked nation.

This treaty split the world according to ideology (communism vs. democratic capitalism). Defense pacts of this magnitude can have severe implications on world affairs as we have seen in WWI and WWII.

US will keep treaty commitments Other than major threats w/nuclear weapons, Asian nations are responsible for their own defense and security

In this passage, Nixon explicitly states that the United States will provide military support to end internal and external threats to Asian countries as a result of the Cold War.  However, it is important to notice that he places responsibility for internal threats primarily on the Asian nations themselves.  However, I feel that was wishful thinking given the conditions US troops faced in their efforts to maintain order within South Vietnam.

Cuban Missile Crisis- confrontation between the Soviet Union and Cuba on one side and the United States on the other in October 1962, during the Cold War. 

JFK believed that Soviets were building missiles on Cuba, ordered a naval blockade of Cuba to avoid disaster.

This excerpt shows Castro's confidence in Cuba despite talk of a blockade.  He also notes that they will remain strong and united in "this moment of danger."

Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict. Occurred between North Vietnam & communist allies, and South Vietnam w/United States and other anti-communist allies. 

Vietnam War- years 1955-1975 w/fall of Saigon.

This passage shows a popularly held view that the United States should support the Vietnamese to prevent a communist takeover.  The author also conveys the importance of preventing the further spread of communism to this region.

Ho Chi Minh-  was a key figure in the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945, as well as the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Viet Cong (NLF or VC) during the Vietnam War.

This excerpt makes a direct connection between the Soviet Union and Communist China with regards to the political and military influence they had over the region.

Arbenz- was a Guatemalan military officer and politician who served as Defense Minister of Guatemala from 1944 to 1951, and as President of Guatemala from 1951 to 1954.

Castillo Armas- was a Guatemalan Colonel who came to power in a CIA-orchestrated coup in 1954. He held the title of President of Guatemala from July 8, 1954 until his assassination in 1957.

Demilitarized Zone serves as a safe zone to avoid accidents that would cause hostile reactions from either party. 

Britain, France, & Italy given the most financial assistance 

United Nations is extremely important for ensuring peace and freedom for all of its members...