Historians have often labeled the period after World War II the “Age of Containment” or a period of “The Great Fear.” Why do you think the end of the war ushered in such a fearful age? What were some of the internal and external factors?
How did calls to “contain” communism (containment) spill into many realms of life, including debates over the “proper” role for government, labor unions, gender, ethnic and racial groups?
I'm sure your textbook explans these concepts.
Consider that the countries involved in WWII were tired of war and feared the atomic bomb that the U.S. had used on Japan. The U.S.S.R. and the U.S. faced off in many verbal battles. We feared that if Communism spread, that we might be taken over. This caused widespread suspicions of anyone who might possibly be sympathetic to Communism. Check this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthyism
The period after World War II, often referred to as the "Age of Containment" or the "Great Fear," was characterized by heightened fear and anxiety. There were several reasons why the end of the war ushered in such a fearful age, including both internal and external factors.
1. External Factors:
a. The Emergence of the Cold War: The end of World War II saw the emergence of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. This ideological conflict, which lasted for several decades, created a climate of fear and uncertainty, with both superpowers engaging in an arms race and proxy wars.
b. The Spread of Communism: The spread of communism, particularly following the Soviet Union's expansion into Eastern Europe, fueled the fear of its global influence. The United States and its allies feared the potential domino effect, with communist revolutions spreading to other countries.
c. Nuclear Arms Race: The development and testing of nuclear weapons by both the United States and the Soviet Union added to the anxieties of the post-war period. The destructive power of these weapons and the fear of a nuclear holocaust contributed to the prevailing sense of fear.
2. Internal Factors:
a. Domestic Red Scare: In the United States, there was a widespread fear of communist infiltration and subversion. This fear was fueled by events like the McCarthy era, where Senator McCarthy and others accused individuals of being communists or having communist sympathies, leading to investigations and ruined careers.
b. Trauma and Memories of the World War II: The horrors of World War II, including the Holocaust, bombings, and other atrocities, left a lasting impact on the collective memory. These traumatic experiences created a fear of a return to war and a desire for stability and security.
c. Technological Advancements: The post-war era brought significant technological advancements, such as the integration of television and mass media. The constant flow of information about conflicts, international tensions, and potential threats contributed to the overall climate of fear.
To gain a deeper understanding of this period, it is essential to consult historical resources such as books, articles, and documentaries. Studying primary sources, including speeches, policy documents, and personal accounts, will provide further insights into the factors that contributed to the fearful age after World War II. It is also crucial to consider different perspectives and interpretations to get a comprehensive understanding.