CH 36 Part 3 Notes
America Begins to Rearm
America’s prosperity during this era---is based on the creation of the WARFARE-WELFARE STATE****
The entrenchment of a “permanent war economy---and big govt social programs****BIG GOVT FROM NEW DEAL & WWII BECOMES A PERMANENT PART OF OUR LIFE.
The Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union led to the creation of THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX---The National Security Act, 1947-begins this process***
The NSA mandated a major reorganization of the FP and Military Structure of the US Govt.---Creating the National Security Council [ to advise the president]—and in 1949 the Department of Defense—led by the Secretary of Defense ( a civilian who was in charge of the Joint Chiefs [NEW] (heads of each branch of the military)
The Air Force is created as a separate branch at this time---[Army, Navy, Air Force (Marines are under the Navy)
The CIA is created taking the place of the wartime OSS—THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY—OUR 1ST PEACETIME INTELLIGENCE AGENCY.
THE PENTAGON---IS BUILT TO HOUSE THE OFFICES OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND JOINT CHIEFS (HEAD OF EACH BRANCH)
The Draft is made permanent –The Selective Service Act of 1948—all men 18-26 were required to register.THE DRAFT LASTS UNTIL 1973****CONTINUOUSLY****
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATON****NATO---
Originally: Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg-France-United Kingdom sign a mutual defense treaty—due to the soviet blockade of Berlin*** In 1948
In 1949 expanded this group to include the USA, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland—GREECE AND TURKEY JOIN IN 1952—WEST GERMANY ENTERS IN 1955
{THE WARSAW PACT, 1955, IS SEEN AS A COUNTER BY THE COMMUNIST NATIONS---
thus from 1955 forward it was NATO V. WARSAW PACT---
Original Purpose: “To keep the Russians out, The Americans in, and the Germans down.”
“an armed attack on any member is an attack on all---each would militarily defend each other”
Eisenhower is the 1st commander of S.H.A.P.E. – (ALLIED POWERS EUROPE)
THE NATO PACT WAS EPOCHAL*** IT WAS A DRAMATIC DEPARTURE FROM THE US ISOLATIONIST TRADITION—(SINCE GW—“no permanent entangling alliances”---THE USA’S 1ST MILITARY TREATY THAT GUARANTEED MILTARY ACTION SINCE 1789 (W/FRANCE)******
Reconstruction and Revolution in Asia
Reconstruction in Japan was simpler than in Germany—GENERAL MacARTHUR RAN THE SHOW—
He was in charge of the occupation army---Japanese War Crimes Trials were persecuted from 1946-48**(18 to prison-7 hanged)
Mac—wrote a new Japanese Constitution—adopted in 1946—a western style democracy—which began a period of remarkable recovery –by 1960 Japan becomes one of the World’s greatest Industrial powers***
China—was not a success***this is very controversial still today---Could the USA have acted differently to affect a different result??? (most historians do not believe so---) However---it has massive effects in the USA***
A bitter Civil War---between the Nationalists led by Jiang Jieshi and the Communists led by Mao Zedong*** immediately following the end of ww2 this conflict was intensified----and in 1949 the Communists force the Nationalists to evacuate to the island of Formosa---(Taiwan) The “FALL” of China to the Communists –1/4 of the World’s population---were now communists***a big loss***for the democracies in the COLD WAR****
TRUMAN AND HIS NEW SEC. OF STATE DEAN ACHESON*** TOOK THE BLAME****REPUBLICANS BLAMED TRUMAN----AND ACCUSATIONS BEGAN TO FLY THAT THE TRUMAN ADMINISTRATION WAS FILLED WITH “COMMUNIST SPIES”*******to make matters worse—in Sep. 1949************Truman announces to a shocked world that the USSR had exploded their own ATOMIC BOMB****** THE COMBINATION OF THESE TWO EVENTS***BOTH BAD FOR USA*** LEADS TO A PERIOD OF “PANIC” AND FEAR IN THE USA WHICH LEADS TO AN OPPRESIVE “WITCH-HUNT” MENTALITY A 2ND RED SCARE (McCARTHYISM)*
And an “NUCLEAR ARMS RACE BEGINS”TRUMAN BEGINS A NEW PROJECT---THE HYDROGEN BOMB---Thermonuclear Bomb’s 1000x more powerful than those 2 dropped on Japan**** THE 1ST H-BOMB IS TESTED IN 1952---AT BIKINI*** IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC---THIS BEGINS THE AGE OF “MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION” (MAD)***Einstein commenting on the development of this new more powerful nuclear weapon—
“it becomes a weapon which in practical effect is almost one of genocide… annihilation of any life on earth has been brought within the range of technical possibilities.”
The USSR explodes its own H-bomb in 1953---(the nuclear arms race)*** The USA and USSR both compete for “superiority” –and continue to build more and more powerful weapons for 40 years****bringing the world closer and closer to Einstein’s warning of nuclear annihilation as more powerful weapons are created and eventually able to come from space. (MAD) –there might not be a world left----a chilling thought that kept the Cold War from going NUCLEAR---PEACE THROUGH MUTUAL TERRORbrought a shaky stability to the Cold war---Peace through MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION OR MAD.
Ferreting Out Alleged Communists [the beginning of the “witch-hunt” mentality***2nd RED SCARE****[how is this similar to the 20’s---be specific****]
The Cold War is seen as Foreign Policy—HOWEVER—it affected the USA at HOME---A LOT************
Many nervous citizens (a lot of people) had fear of communist spies undermining our government and influencing our Foreign Policy***
In 1947, Truman responding to investigations by the FBI of “alleged Communists in American Government and life” ---launched a massive “Loyalty Program”-****The LOYALTY REVIEW BOARD INVESTIGATED MORE THAN 3 MILLION GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES---none were able to respond***3,000 resigned or were fired***without due process*****INDIVIDUAL STATES FOLLOW SUIT***AND LOYALTY OATHS WERE REQUIRED—ESPECAILLY FROM TEACHERS
This raised a valid question:
Could the Nation continue to enjoy traditional freedoms –speech, thought, and right of political dissent---in a Cold War (Witch-Hunt) climate?
In 1949, 11 alleged Communists were brought before a New York jury for violating the SMITH ACT.
[Trials due to violations of the Smith Act occur from 1949-1958]***
The Smith Act—prosecuted those who advocated a violent overthrow of the GOVT
The trial in 1949 was one of the lengthiest trials in American History—protesters outside the courthouse---twice (2) on the cover of Time Magazine—the atmosphere of the trial was so supercharged because during the trials---China falls to Communism AND the Soviet Union explodes its 1st Atomic Weapon****All 11 were found guilty and were sentenced to prison—after the 10 month trial--- all 5 defense attorneys were sent to prison for contempt of court—and two permanently disbarred. In 9 years ---there were over 100 prosecutions---many tried and convicted for simply admitting membership in the Communist Party USA—The US Supreme Court weighs in on these cases twice---in Dennis v. United States, 1951 –the court ruled that Dennis, general secretary of the communist party USA, did not have the right under the 1st Amendment to exercise free speech, publication, and assembly, if the exercise involved the creation of a plot to overthrow the government (they never actually did plan anything—but by being members of the communist party were guilty of believing in changing our system of govt---and that was enough to convict them. The 2nd case: Yates v. United States, 1957 –the Supreme Court ruled that the 1st Amendment protectedradical and reactionary speech, unless it posed a “clear and present danger.”—this ruling was in conflict with the Dennis Ruling 6 years before—ithis case recognized the difference between action and mere belief—
“that belief in an abstract doctrine …is not action—GOVERNMENT SUPPRESSION OF CAUSES AND BELIEFS… IS THE VERY ANTITHESIS OF WHAT OUR CONSTITUTION STANDS FOR—MEN SUCH AS JEFFERSON, MADISON, AND MASON CREATED THE 1ST AMENDMENT IN VERY TURBULENT TIMES---AND BELIEVED THAT LOYALTY TO THE 1ST AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS WAS THE BEST WAY TO ASSURE A LONG LIFE FOR THE NEW NATION AND GOVERNMENT—ONE THAT PRESERVES A FREE GOVERNMENT-REGARDLESS OF HOW OBNOXIOUS AND ANTAGONISTIC SUCH VIEWS MAY BE TO THE REST OF US.”
H.U.A.C.- The House Un-American Activities Committee*****
In 1938, this committee in the House of Representatives was created as WWII was approaching to investigate “subversion.” ****
In 1948 (3 years after the end of WWII) – the committee began to pursue COMMUNISTS IN AMERICA.
THE ALGER HISS CASE- Hiss was a Lawyer, government official, and author—he was involved in establishing the United Nations as a State Department official and U.N. official. HISS WAS ACCUSED OF BEING A SOVIET SPY***-IN 1948—Mr. Whittaker Chambers, a former communist, testified under oath to HUAC that HISS was a Communist Party Member—and a SPY for the USSR. (later proven) he is convicted of perjury and sentenced to prison. HUAC member RICHARD NIXON (future VP to Eisenhower in the 50’s and future Pres. in the 60’s and 70’s most famous for “Watergate”) is the HUAC prosecutor and becomes famous during this period as a “RED CHASER.”THIS COMMITTEE (HUAC) BECOMES FAMOUS SOON AS IT SUPPORTS SENATOR McCarthy’s many false charges of communism---that leads to many ruined lives—while after his name become synonymous with “Witch-Hunts” *****”McCarthyism”
FEAR—Was America riddles with Soviet spies? While Nixon and McCarthy were on the hunt for communists in DC—Conservative Politicians used this as an excuse to combat the social changes coming to their states and cities---and those advocating for CIVIL RIGHTS—SEXUAL FREEDOM—WOMEN’S RIGHTS—ETC---were all accused of being “COMMIES.” BOOKS WERE BURNED---PEOPLE WERE PERSECUTED AND HARASSED AND “BLACK LISTED” FROM THEIR CAREERS PERMANANTLY****
These Witch Hunts permeated all aspects of life---
TRUMAN REACTS****-In 1950 Truman vetoes the McCarran Internal Security Bill*** which authorized the Government to arrest and detain “suspicious” people??? Congress passes the bill over the President’s veto***
At the HEIGHT of the RED SCARE IN 1951—Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage (stealing and transferring nuclear secrets to the USSR) and are EXECUTED IN THE ELECTRIC CHAIR FOR TREASON. THE ONLY PEOPLE EVER IN AMERICAN HISTORY EVER EXECUTED FOR TREASON IN PEACETIME****Their sensational trial and sympathy for their two (2) children began to sober some citizens view as the excesses of the 2ND RED SCARE were in high gear. Ethel’s brother passed secrets from Los Alamos to Julius who passed them on to the Soviet Union through an elaborate Soviet Spy Network----NONE OF THE OTHER ATOMIC SPIES ARE EXECUTED---not David Greenglass (Ethel’s Brother) Harry Gold, nor the notorious Klaus Fuchs—Martin Sobel was tried with the Rosenberg’s and sentenced to 30 years in prison—at ALCATRAZ*
Democratic Divisions in 1948*** (The Civil Rights Movement affects the election)
Republicans had won control of Congress in the 1946 (Congressional-not Presidential) Elections by attacking high prices (end of WWII price controls-inflation) and High-Taxes—remember also the FEAR—OF WHAT ECONOMICALLY WOULD HAPPEN NOW THAT WWII WAS OVER—would we return to the depression---and a “recession” (decline in economic activity) was natural considering the Federal Government spent more $$$ during WWII than all previous US Govt’s up to that point combined X2** during WW2 (1940-1945)***
As the Presidential Election Season of 1948 approached it looked as if the Republicans would easily take back the White House, too. Thomas Dewey, the young NYC District Attorney, who had lost to FDR in 1944---Was ready to ascend to the White House***Most prognosticators thought he was a lock***to win.
The Democrats, initially, felt the same way and tried to enlist General Eisenhower to run on the Democratic Ticket---but he declines***(he does run and win twice as a Republican in ’52 and ’56)
****Harry Truman, the consistent underdog (with a bite) would not go down without a fight**** and yet without the support of the SOUTHERN DELEGATES***due to his Executive Order 9981**** which ORDERED THE INTEGRATION OF ALL US MILITARY SERVICES—(Truman’s response to the Issac Woodard story and Lynching’s of two families of veterans in Moore’s Creek, Ga) AND His Creation of the PCCR-Presidents Committee on Civil Rights---Which is established by Executive Order 9808-Which is actually created first to “investigate the status of Civil Rights in the Country and propose measures to strengthen and protect them---The Committee’s Report is entitled “TO SECURE THESE RIGHTS,”***
The findings of this Committee are a blueprint for the “MODERN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT” from the US Govt’s perspective---expanding on FDR’s Executive order #8802—which created during WWII the FEPC—and forbade discrimination in hiring in War Factories***--The report’s findings:
1 Establish a “permanent” Civil Rights Commission
2 Establish a “permanent” FEPC
3 Establish a “Joint-Congressional committee on Civil Rights”
4 Create a “Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice
5 Develop Federal Protection from LYNCHING AND ABOLISH THE POLL TAX
6 ISSUE EXECUTIVE ORDER 9980 TO INTEGRATE ALL FEDERAL GOVT WORKPLACES***
*********TRUMAN IN THREE EXECUTIVE ORDERS: 9808 (establishing the PCCR) 9980 (ending segregation in ALL Federal Government Workplaces) 9981 (ending segregation in ALL US Military Services) Goes further than any previous President since Reconstruction’s end in 1876 to END JIM CROW***FINALLY AND ATTEMPT TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE 14TH AND 15TH AMENDMENTS****
TRUMAN’S ORDERS---Combined with the Work of the NAACP’S “LEGAL DEFENSE FUND & TEAM”—and it’s successes===Smith v. Allright, 1944 – This case attacked AND ENDEDthe Southern use of the “white primary” whichLEGALLYbanned ALL MINORITIES*** from participating in elections beginning in 1890 (Jim Crow is established regionally) to achieve “disenfranchisement” –USED IN COMBINATION WITH “POLL TAXES” AND “LITERACY TESTS” –THIS THREE HEADED MONSTER---EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATED ALL MINORITY VOTING IN THE SOUTH****--The victory in the Smith v. Allright case in the Supreme Court struck down 1 of the parts of the “three headed monster” that disenfranchised Black and ALL MINORITY VOTERS in the South*** the NAACP & THURGOOD MARSHALL’S LEGAL DEFENSE TEAM WOULD CONTINUE TO MOUNT LEGAL CHALLENGES AGAINST WHITE SUPREMACY-JIM CROW ACROSS THE COUNTRY---and will have more success---soon---(Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka, Kansas, 1954)************** ***************************************
Jackie Robinson integrates the “National Pastime”— Major League Baseball (MLB) – When he starts at 1st Base for the Brooklyn Dodgers (later LA) in 1947—1st African-American to play for a Major League Baseball Team since the 1880’s (just before Jim Crow). Breaking the historic 60 year ban of African-Americans –Robinson’s character- non-violent approach- and unquestioned TALENT—CHALLENGED THE BASIS OF SEGREGATION****A 4 SPORT LETTER WINNER AT UCLA—ONE OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN US ARMY “OFFICERS” IN WW2—AND 3 YEARS IN THE “NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE” –led JR to the attention of Branch Rickey owner of the Dodgers—The same year the Cleveland Indians sign Larry Doby, and the next year, 1948, 4 more Black players play in MLB
US Federal Government Poster illustrating Truman’s Goals for Civil Rights in America*
TRUMAN- HUGE***READ*** HOW THE “COLD WAR” EFFECTED CIVIL RIGHTS*****
“There has been a tremendous awakening of the American conscience on the great issues of civil rights--equal economic opportunities, equal rights of citizenship, and equal educational opportunities for all our people, whatever their race or religion or status of birth… Our position in the post-war world is so vital to the future that our smallest actions have far-reaching effects.We have come to know that our own security in a highly interdependent world is inextricably tied to the security and well being of all people and all countries.Our foreign policy is designed to make the United States an enormous, positive influence for peace and progress throughout the world. We have tried to let nothing, not even extreme political differences between ourselves and foreign nations, stand in the way of this goal. But our domestic civil rights shortcomings are a serious obstacle.”
TRUMAN TO THE NATION AFTER THE THREE EXECUTIVE ORDERS:
"Today, Freedom From Fear, and the democratic institutions which sustain it, are again under attack. In some places, from time to time, the local enforcement of law and order has broken down, and individuals—sometimes ex-servicemen, even women have been killed, maimed, or intimated. The preservation of civil liberties is a duty of every Government state, Federal and local. Wherever the law enforcement measures and the authority of federal, state, and local governments are inadequate to discharge this primary function of government, these measures and this authority should be strengthened and improved. The constitutional guarantees of individual liberties and of equal protection under the laws clearly place on the Federal Government the duty to act when state or local authorities abridge or fail to protect these constitutional rights".
“We know that our democracy is not perfect. But we do know that it offers freer, happier life to our people than any totalitarian nation has ever offered. If we wish to inspire the peoples of the world whose freedom is in jeopardy, if we wish to restore hope to those who have already lost their civil liberties, if we wish to fulfill the promise that is ours, we must correct the remaining imperfections in our practice of democracy.
We know the way. We need only the will.” Truman’s 1948 State of the Union Speech to Congress (before the 1948 election)***
Thus as we head into the 1948 Presidential Election---Truman has upset some White Southerners---and those “Master Race” Jim Crow loving—Segregationists –were not going to let some little poor farm boy from Missouri---FDR’s little VP ---Change the South---after Truman’s actions (detailed above) and the National Democratic Party included Civil Rights at the convention—the Southerners walk out—just like in 1860***
So they abandon the “traditional” Democratic Party and form the DIXIECRATS (States Rights Democratic Party)**** just for the 1948 Presidential Election***they were determined to “PROTECT THE SOUTHERN WAY OF LIFE THAT WAS UNDER ATTACK BY TRUMAN AND THE OPPRESIVE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT”==they opposed Racial integration—wanted to retain their JIM CROW SYSTEM—and MAINTAIN “WHITE SUPREMACY” FOR THE MASTER RACE***