Military Industrial Complex & Decolonization
Military Industrial Complex
Decolonization
Americans began to fear that the U.S had enough nuclear weapons to destroy the entire world; many people thought "massive retaliation" was a threat
Critics of Nuclear Proliferation formed the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy to challenge the nuclear tests being conducted by the Eisenhower Administration
Eisenhower warned of a buildup of a military weapons arsenal and manufacturers in his farewell address
Implied a close relationship between the govt, corporate ties, and those involved in military production services
Nationalistic Revolutions
several nationalistic movements occurred in Africa and Asia; India gained its independence from Britain, led by Ghandi
U.S foreign policy evolved during these revolutions; on one hand, it supported self right and determination by granting Philippines independence in 1946- and on the other hand, it had strong ties with the European nations.
In order to keep these countries from falling into Soviet hands, the U.S took several measures: aid and technical assistance(Peace Corps); military force and covert operations
As the Cold War deepened, the Eisenhower and Truman presidencies grew increasingly concerned that the nationalistic countries would fall into soviet orbit
Nationalistic movements tried to throw off French colonial rule which caused the Battle of Bien Dien Phu
Cold War in the Middle East
Camp David Accords was one of the few triumphs of the Carter administration; laid foundation of peace treaty between Israel and Egypt; resulted in an end of hostile relations between the two countries, but increased with Israel's neighboring countries
Energy Crisis
U.S began to realize that there was only a limited amount of fossil fuels in the world
Carter Doctrine
Stated that the U.S would repel any outside force that tried to gain control of the Persian Gulf region
Carter saw Soviet Presence in the Middle East as a threat to U.S oil interests in that region
President Carter tried several measures to conserve energy consumption in the U.S
Increased reliance on nuclear and solar power
Department of Energy encouraged conservation measures such as turning down thermostats and turning off lights when not in use
Suez Crisis
Fears of Soviet penetration heightened tensions in the Middle East
Egyptian President wanted to build a dam in the Upper Nile, however the U.S and Britain withdrew when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal
By 1948, U.S became a net oil importer, causing strategic and econ importance of Middle East to increase
Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran formed OPEC to strengthen econ stranglehold on Western Europe, and prevent other countries from lowering oil price
Eisenhower Doctrine
President Eisenhower launched CIA coup to overthrow the Iran Prime Minister after he nationalized the oil refineries
President Eisenhower issued the Eisenhower Doctrine after Gamal Nasser took power in Egypt, who maintained close relations with Soviet Union
Doctrine stated that the U.S would support any Middle Eastern country controlled by international communism
Energy Conservation laws
National Speed Limit law was created by President Nixon, which required states to cap the speed limit on highways at 55 miles per hour; states that didn't comply, would lose federal highway funds
National speed limit law was unpopular; showed a high non-compliance rate of 85%