The Rockets' Red Glare: War, Politics and the American Presidency

War produces economic uncertainty. The American people were reluctant to support a huge program of post war aid following WWI. High war debt drive higher levels of inflation, higher interest rates to attract debt investors, and increases in taxes to pay for the War Aid and reconstruction. The Truman doctrine, NATO, and deterrence suggested an era of permanent mobilization, entangled alliances, expensive foreign aid, and the renunciation of protectionism legislation. Foreign policy after WWI aimed at building strength in Europe first then Asia and getting tough with Russia meant big military spending and when Truman was perceived to be soft on the Russian's his popularity dropped to 32%. The big question in 1945 was how should Truman deal with the Soviets. This meant a showdown with Stalin and his declaration that the Soviets were more capable alarmed American in the pandemic fear of WWIII. The world hoped for peace. Americans did not expect a problem with the Soviets ally. Instead Americans expected trouble with Berlin. In one event, Soviets and American's cross the river Elbe, guzzled wine, and embraced. However, this euphoria would not last as Stalin's rhetoric became more hostile to democratic ideals. Ambassador Averell Harriman said, "American Soviet difference were irreconcilable." 60 percent of American's thought U.S foreign policy was too soft on Russia and 70 percent disapproved of Soviet foreign policy. The atomic weapon had given the U.S, victory over Japan and the weapon could be used to bring the Soviets to their heel and in the Berlin Crisis of 1948, U.S intelligence leaked intelligence indicating 60, B-29 were available to strike the Soviet Union from England and carried the weapon. The truth was these planes were not configured to carry atomic weapons. However, the message was clear: during a provocation use of nuclear weapons would occur without congressional debate or public discussion. The fear would fuel a never-ending arms race to establish "credibility". Atomic weapons credibility only worked, if the President's determination to risk nuclear war in defense of vital interest was beyond doubt. The U.S was the only power that stood in the path of communism. Soviet aggression in Greece meant the possibility of Soviet expansion in Eastern Mediterranean region and signaled the possibility of cutting off Europe's oil access. So, the Greek-Turkey bill was passed giving $5 billion in aid. The Soviet threat expanded in 1948 with the Czechoslovakia Communist coup. American's wanted a tough stance against Stalin. The Soviets cut rail, truck, auto, and barge traffic West Germany. The Berlin Airlift demonstrated Truman was standing up to the Soviets. Soviet aggression was inherently evil and a conflict was endemic. It was thought that when the Soviets had the capability to deliver atomic weapon on American soil they would step up their military and political pressure with Europe. Nuclear capability became