Explain the relationship between the American policy of containment and the establishment of many United States sponsored alliances.
In which time period?
I think 1950-53
As you read these articles, remember that the containment policy tried to keep Soviet influence outside its territories to a minimum. The U.S. sponsored military alliances helped us achieve that goal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containment
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/studentforum/index.php?showtopic=5229
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Cold_war_europe_military_alliances_map_zh-classical.png
The relationship between the American policy of containment and the establishment of many United States sponsored alliances is closely interconnected. To understand this relationship, let's break it down into two parts:
1. American policy of containment:
After World War II, the United States adopted a foreign policy approach known as containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism, particularly Soviet influence. The primary goal was to "contain" or limit the expansion of Communist ideologies and prevent Soviet Union's expansion into areas outside its control.
Key elements of the policy of containment included diplomatic, economic, and military strategies. This policy involved the use of various tools such as economic aid, military intervention, covert operations, and alliances to counter communist influence and protect American interests worldwide.
2. Establishment of United States sponsored alliances:
As part of the containment policy, the United States actively sought to build alliances and form partnerships with countries around the world. These alliances were intended to create a collective defense system against possible communist aggression.
The most notable example of a United States sponsored alliance was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), formed in 1949. NATO was created as a mutual defense pact between the United States and its European allies, in which an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all. The establishment of NATO demonstrated America's commitment to security and collective defense against Soviet aggression in Europe.
Additionally, the United States formed other alliances and security agreements, such as the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). These alliances were designed to prevent the spread of communism in regions where there were concerns about Soviet influence.
The establishment of these alliances served a dual purpose. Firstly, they provided a deterrent to potential Soviet expansion by showing a unified front. Secondly, they offered a network of military cooperation and support, strategically positioning American forces and resources around the world to counter communist expansion.
In summary, the American policy of containment necessitated the establishment of many United States sponsored alliances. These alliances were crucial in achieving the goals of containment, allowing for collective defense against communist threats and creating a network of cooperation to maintain stability and protect American interests globally.