Memorandum
Topic: Memorandum on US
policy in Cold War
To: President Truman
From: Caitlin Melaugh
Date: September 1, 1947
Subject: Containment and
Capitalism in the Cold War
With the end of World War II the world does not remain struggle
free. It is important to recognize conflict between our nation and the USSR. We
are no longer allies and are therefore enemies. If the Soviet Union has their
say communism will spread and pose a serious threat to the United States. A proposition
to consider in efforts to protect freedom of democracy is the strategy of
containment along with the promotion of capitalism. The containment strategy
works to ensure that the Soviet’s aggressive expansion of communism stops as it
is now. The promotion of capitalism will allow US ideals to spread and beneficial
economic gains. With the breakdown of many European institutions following the
war it is important that we gain the upper hand in promoting more democratic
friendly influence. This assistance will benefit the US in the future.
The United States is the top world power at the moment
and can afford to play the long game in defeating the Soviet power. By containing
the spread of communism as it is now it will not directly threaten United
States, and fewer conflicts could arise in the future. In containment however, I
suggest you do not too aggressively and eagerly use US troops in other nations.
There is a fine and dangerous line between military intervention and
containment. At times, it will be necessary to use US troops but extreme
thought must be put into it. With containment, we are playing the long game and
must be able to remain powerful throughout the time it takes to bleed the
Soviet Nation dry. Patience and lasting US power is necessary in this long
game. The Soviets will eventually collapse upon themselves.
In containing the USSR in its current state
the United States will seek economic advantages within western Europe. Europe’s
economic state is shaky following the war. It is necessary to promote capitalism
and American ideals in the form of aid to the struggling countries. This will
not only help to prevent communist expansion, but will benefit the American
economy as well. If we offer aid to European countries in need we will be able
to gain influence and access. Not only in trade, but in potential foreign
military bases as well.
The
bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki displayed the United States as a world power.
With the release of this modern technology however, the Soviets can seek
replication. This is something that must be kept in mind throughout the
struggle between nations. If the USSR achieves the creation of an atomic bomb
both countries, and the entire world could go up in ruins. The Cold War will be
a long, lasting struggle. Containment plays the long game, and it is likely that
the USSR will achieve atomic bomb technology. Therefore, containment and
creating influence through capitalism will remain crucial to support the US and
the safety of our people against the threats of the USSR and communist nations.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteYou did a really good job on this memo. I think you had really good points on the Cold War too. I did mine on the Cold War as well and I some similar things to you as well like how we are no longer allies with the Soviet Union but instead are enemies with the Soviet Union and how the best way to deal with the Soviet Union is with containment as well as how it's important to aid the struggling countries in Europe and how that can benefit us. I also really like how you used the example of how we bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the nuclear/atom bomb and how if the Soviet Union also gets their own it could end destroying the whole world with us both having it. I talked about this a little too but I liked how you said it in your memo.
Overall I think you made great points and it was well written. I agree with what you wrote also.
This is a very well written defense of containment against the Soviets. You did a very good job pointing out many of the soft power aspects of the Cold War and how the US can expand its influence without violence as well as why the USSR is so dangerous to freedom and liberty.
ReplyDeleteWhile I would suggest going into a bit of detail as to why you think the USSR would have collapsed on its own I think you did a very good job describing and promoting the long term gains of a containment strategy over any possible short term losses that may be incurred by not hastily using military force.
Good memo Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention the line of military use within containment and think it is very important. Especially to ensure that containment goes well there must be a balance between what is necessary. Containment is a long term process and not a quick easy fix by any means which means it must also be done strategically.
I know we discussed how the Soviet Union would collapse on its own in class a bit, but like Orlando I think you could expand more on this.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteI like your historical take on Cold War containment. Your points on both nuclear technology and military intervention were interesting and very important parts to the history of the era. The technology aspect is an interesting point considering the ramifications of both the U.S. and USSR having atomic bombs. I also agree that you should have included more on the USSR self-destruction idea, but overall it is a very good memo.