Review Sheet, Second Midterm Exam, GOV 312L: U.S. Foreign PolicyModule 10: The Versailles Treaty to Origins of the Cold War1. How did the Versailles Treaty, particularly the harsh terms imposed on Germany, contribute to World War II?The harsh terms did not allow Germany’s democracy to grow, economic hardships allowed radical ideas (Hitler and nationalism) to grow. Wilson did not want such hard terms on Germany. Wilson wanted the league of nations, US senate did not back him.Germany's poverty allowed Hitler and his Nazi army gain power in Germany2. How did American capital play an important role in keeping the reparations system afloat and the withdrawal of American capital contribute to the end of German reparation payments?America gave loans to Germany, to pay off France and Great Britain, which then is used to repay America and the cycle continues. When America can no longer give loans to Germany, they can't pay off their reparations.3. Discuss U.S. foreign policy during the 1920s. In what ways was American foreign policy isolationist during this period and in what ways did the U.S. remain involved in world affairs?Ways that US was Isolationists: Senate rejection of Versailles, Republicans push tariffs up(which was a problem for Germany to pay off loans), Failure to grant war debt relief, Halted credit to Europe through tight monetary policies (1928) Ways U.S was involved in FP: Heavy involvement in Dawes plan that stabilized reparations & European economy, had a preference on relying on economic means rather that military, Dramatic success of Washington Naval conference (naval disarmament in order to relieve growing tensions in east Asia)4. How did American policies contribute to the Great Depression? What were the political consequences of the Great Depression and how did they contribute to World War II?Monetary storyFederal reserve began to tighten monetary policy by raising interest ratesMakes it difficult for Germany to borrow money, they raise interest ratesEconomic contraction begins in Germany (this is happening in Greece rn)Smoot Hawley tariff: new barriers of foreign companies trying to sell goodsprovokes reciprocal measures in world and global trade collapsesFDR takes US off of the gold standard in 1933Did this trying to end deflationDevalued US dollars relative to other currencies—this makes American exports more competitive, threatens competitiveness of other countriesAdopts unilateral policiesWhen America went off the Gold Standard, U.S. goods became cheaper than other goods in the world, made things from other country's impossible to export, tariffs increased everywhere. FDR tried to save the banks, failed, here was a scare amongst American people and a growing distrust of banks and gov't.5. How did FDR get around an isolationist Congress and support the Allied powers (particularly the British war effort) against Germany?By executive order, changed acts to sell arms to allies, by executive order, he traded American Destroyers (ships) for a series of unnecessary naval bases, convinced Congressto support Great Britain to fight Germany.6. Why did wartime cooperation between the United States and Soviet Union so quickly collapse after World War II?US and Soviet Union wanted two different goals, there was a predated mistrust between the two, Stalin was paranoid of domestic and international enemies; Truman was aggressively anti-communist, anti-Soviet. U.S. sees Soviet Union as wanting a World Revolution (like Hitler); Soviet Union sees U.S. as wanting Capitalist imperialism.Module 11: The Cold War1. How did George Kennan view the Soviet threat? How did Kennan’s definition of the Soviet threat naturally give rise to the containment strategy?Kennan said the Soviet threat was like water, they would flow to wherever there wasn't resistance and slowly take over areas, hence the "expansionary but cautious" and like water, when met with resistance, they would continue to put constant pressure on that resistance.2. What were the causes and implications of the Truman Doctrine?World's policeman, don't interfere with European sphere be we will come for you, domino theory: if one country becomes communist, everyone will (like a domino line)Diminished the power of Great Britain causing a power vacuum, established anti-communism basis of American Foreign Policy3. Why did the United States adopt the Marshall Plan? What were the policy’s goals andhow did the policy play to American strengths and contribute to American prosperity?Marshall plan provides economic aid to allies to rebuild after war, economic distress leads to extremism, if you can promote economic growth it'll drive communism away. America becomes bigger player, creates economic trade and partners. Soviet Russia (iron curtain) pressing on any neighboring countries.4. What is the German security problem? What was the American solution to this problem? What was the Soviet solution? How was the German problem aggravated by Eisenhower’s willingness to rearm Germany, potentially with nuclear weapons? Why was Berlin such an important signal of American commitment to protect Western Europe from Soviet aggression?Unified Germany in Europe both threatening and threatened-Concentration of economic, military, and political power in central Europe after consolidation of German empire under Bismarck in 1871•Solved before by German fragmentation/weakness•German security problem: challenges associated with fighting a two-front war i.e. being surrounded-Creates incentives for territorial expansion for buffer zones•Franco-Polish-Czech-Russo security problem: German economic and military strength significant threat-They want territorial buffersAmerican solution: partition, occupy, democratize West Germany and integrate it economically and militarily in Western alliance•Soviet solution: partition, occupy, Communize East Germany and integrate it economically and militarily in Soviet-led bloc-Berlin was significant b/c it signaled American commitment to W Europe because if theyleft then S.U. would doubt their commitment to this5. Why was containment so much more difficult in the Third World than it was in Europe?There was much more rejection of American aid and presence, (no surprise there)Communism was seen as a liberation in much of the third world.6. What is the case for an important role of Reagan foreign policy in the end of the Cold War? How did the foreign policy regarding the Soviet Union differ in Reagan’s