Most_Significant_Events_After_World_War_Ii

Most Significant Events Introduction: The five decades following the end of World War II were earmarked by lows and highs in the economy, social revision, policy modification, and substantial growth. Each singular decade was symbolic with distinctive character and precise successes and failures. Although the precise events provide more influence on the nation and the repercussions would last a long while American culture would be tarnished by 1950’s Eisenhower doctrine, 1960’s Cuban Missile Crisis, 1970’s Watergate Scandal, 1980’s Iran Negotiations, and 1990’s Healthcare Reform. These specific events flourished on each other in connection to society’s over all attitude of the government, and founding America’s political reply whether in or out of the country. The distinction and aftermath of these events formed a sequence and mind set, which is surmised to continue throughout the approaching ten years of occurrences that will affect American’s temperament in regards to government, and the processes of government. Undertaking of Power: What was dubbed over the years as the “Eisenhower Doctrine” steamed in to action in 1957. Upon scrutinizing the reality of the Cold War in respect to the Soviet Union and the continual situation in the Middle East, President Eisenhower sought out and was bestowed the power of military force involving each and every communist alteration seen in the Middle East by the United States congress. President Eisenhower implemented this doctrine in 1958, thus paving the way for the United States Marines to be deployed to Lebanon as a consequence of reports the country being permeated by advocates of Egyptian leader Gamel Abdel Nasser. Although the US State Department documented the danger it was not in reference to “Soviet armed attacks or major aggressions” but in response to an appeal from President Chamoon of Lebanon for troops to be sent to promote order (CF.US.Department of State, 2011). This is a direct contradiction to statement Eisenhower made when the doctrine was announced “The Soviet Union has nothing at all to fear from United States in reference to the Middle East, or any other place in the world, unless the rulers chose to resort to aggressive tactics first” (Modern History Sourcebook, a Message to Congress, 1957). However it would be the actions seen and not the words heard that saw reactions, which reached far, surpassing not only Eisenhower’s presidency but the implementation in Lebanon. Standards and precedents were set by the Eisenhower Doctrine that allow for the United States to use military tactics in foreign lands to subdue forces perceived as a threat by America to any third world nation. Additionally the Untied States would ultimately make the decision on when military intervention would be the best course of action in foreign countries, even when it concerned non-military matters. Military actions that include the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, and the recent wars seen in Afghanistan and Iran are based on these grounds. Third world countries were done a “favor” by the United States invading these countries to provide “protection” against threats both external and international. Panic or Permitted' In 1962 with John F. Kennedy as president the United States faced many tense and troubled days with naval blockades in place to stop the Soviet Union from using Cuba as a placement area for nuclear weapons. The Soviet Union was warned by President Kennedy that the placement of nuclear weapons in Cuba would be viewed as an imminent threat to the United States. Confrontation was on the horizon, for a Soviet submarine did not stray but stayed on course for Cuba loaded with military materials. The intent to use deadly military force in Cuba was proved in many secret documents. Information on one meeting gained from the documents provided was between President Kennedy and aides on October 21, 1962 (et.Notes on Octtober 21, 1962). The confrontation was averted as a result of diplomatic communication. The life span of the Cuban Missile Crisis was relatively short although effects will last a lifetime, the probability the United States was swayed by this crisis when dealing with nuclear threats from other countries, which is still done even today. Although these actions are allegedly based on peace and justice by the United States, it may be driven by terror or claiming substantial power when the Soviet Union interpretation could translate to be lacking in the arms race in contract to the United States. Soviet missiles were capable of reaching Europe, while in retrospect United States missiles had the capability to reach the entire Soviet Union (The Cuban Missile Crisis, 2010). In the decades following the Cuban Missile Crisis paved the way for the United States to keep nuclear weapons under the guise of self defense. The United States acknowledges the right to these weapons by their allies. Although on the flipside, the United States still stands to oppose any enemies or nations that may pose a threat from possessing nuclear weapons. Although countries believe they also have the right to use nuclear weapons as self defense, the United States still view these actions as a threat. The main issue that arose in the Cuban Missile Crisis was the United States right to judge whether other countries have the right to nuclear weapons should those weapons pose a threat to America. Nation’s Trust Annihilated: Political trust by Americans was destroyed by the Watergate Scandal in 1974, effecting support of political decisions to this day. A scandal erupted upon the burglary of the Watergate Complex in Washington D.C., when the nation learned that President Nixon was smack in the middle of the scandal, it was as though Mt. Saint Helen’s had erupted in Washington D.C. What has been dubbed “The Watergate Scandal” dealt more on Nixon’s involvement, the trail and inescapable impeachment that was on the horizon than the burglary itself. As the burglary scandal whined down, one of the burglars on trial decided to reveal that more government officials had been involved. This investigation also reveals Nixon’s involvement “since he was aware of the break in from its birth to his hand in the scandal cover-up as it progressed” (Corporate Narc, 2010). Any doubt on Nixon’s involvement and assistance in sweeping the crime under the carpet were put to rest once tapes proving his involvement were released. The overwhelming proof allowed for Nixon to be tried in the United States versus Nixon with the outcome to be impeachment a guarantee, Nixon made the choice to resign instead of facing impeachment. The American mindset on government and politics was impacted more by this part of the scandal than the actual burglary or Nixon’s resignation. Trust in government or politicians would be no more, once it was brought to light that While House officials and the President were involved nothing the American people heard from the President or government could be trusted any longer. In 2005, according to voice of American News, the Watergate Scandal was the cherry that topped the sundae of disenchantment with government entities by the American people, ultimately this forced future presidents and congress members to work to repair the trust of the public (Voice of American News, 2005). The lack of trust in the government’s ability to act has forced the government to face mountains of difficulty in regaining support from the public. Checks and Balances or Smoke and Mirrors: The year 1985 brought proof the government could not be trusted in light of confidential bargaining with Iran, thus spotlighting another issue. It was exposed in 1986-1987 the government’s involvement in weapons selling to Islamic fundamentalist government in Iran to mediate the release of American hostages held in Lebanon (Irangate, 2010). The covert negotiations violated Reagan’s policy of not dealing with terrorists, the devious and sneaky way this scandal was handled brought back Watergate memories to the press thus forming Iran-gate. It was thought that President Regan had secretly agreed to this plan by many people. Although Congressional Joint Investigative Committee professed the President was totally culpable in allowing a portion of radicals to acquire command of governmental policy, although it showed a lack of evidence that the President knew of the Contra dealings (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 2011). This actuality widened the crack in the government’s foundation that allowed them the authority to engage in certain political arenas with no knowledge or approval from any branches or government. Iran-gate repercussions worked to reinforce the establishment of government, showing that not only did the foundation have cracks but the many branches of government had cracks but through reinforcements continued to prosper. A large amount of time has passed since the scandals of Iran-gate, the system has held steadfast with the branches of government and singular sections continuing to use power and systems to exploit pressing the approval and agreement of the other branches, which in turn literally destroys the checks and balances systems, which provides the foundations of the great country which ultimately weakens democracy. The Healthcare Reform that would not: On the campaign trail for the presidency, Bill Clinton made Health Care Reform the major strength of his campaign for office; his being elected President gave the chance for this to become a reality in 1994. House Representative Paul Starr said it best “It was one year from euphoria to defeat (Starr, Paul, 1995). In the bickering between parties and interest, and the task force of Hilary Clinton’s who penned reform involved lawsuit rulings that stated “they had violated federal open meeting laws” (Gargaro, C, 2010). The attempt made by President Clinton to reform healthcare crashed and burned badly. This would weaken President Clinton’s presidency while also revealing inside government there were changes in actions, this was linked to prior events where skepticism was addressed. When healthcare reform failed it was brought to light the inability to work together was to a skeptical adverse group or a satisfied governing group. The animosity between these two groups destroyed government groups following Clinton, in turn blocking reform measurements needed from them to become a reality. Conclusion: One can surmise on how the next ten years will end either with a less democratic nation or downfall, when the events of the last five decades that follow World War II are used as a guide from skepticism, every part of government branches abuse of authority, using smoke and mirrors instead of checks and balances, abuse of political power, and military presence and power in volatile situations. The needless “expendable” loss of American lives is on the rise thus causing resentment, and distrust in the government, and political partners and the branches of government alienate one another while trying to work as one, the next decade will remain broken and unable to move forward. The critical issues in need of reform such as healthcare and immigration are put in time out and are long forgotten, the parties are acting like teenagers with back stabbing at an all time high resulting in major decisions being shot down when the parties do not agree. In the next decade equally distributed power among the branches and the checks and balance democratic system will no longer exist. An example of how the system is manipulated is when controversial or unwanted bills are attached to a larger bill; the larger bill is passed so ultimately the controversial bill passes too. This brings to light how certain opinions are inflicted without working together at all or with no agreement. It is my belief the only solution to reestablish trust in government, stop the misuse of power, stop covert use of force, and plain reverse these trends, is to return the government to the people. Our fore fathers started a government for the people, by the people, and I as a person want it back. The road is clear; no longer will government jobs be for ambition or success but the public service it should be. Politicians will now base their jobs on honesty and sincerity instead of normal untruths and deceit. In any relationship whether husband and wife or government and the people communication is key, agenda’s need to concern the needs of the people and not the government’s agenda. Put the needs of the United States first, military intervention should be used to defend, strengthen or defend this country, playing World Police Force has got to stop. For the United States to reaffirm themselves as the great nation and superpower it once was, these principles have to be set in motion for personally I want my nation back. References Corporate Narc. (2010). Watergate Scandal Summary. Retrieved from http://www.corporatenarc.com/watergate.php Gargaro, C. (2009). Don't Forget the 1993 Clinton Liberal Health care Plan: Bigger Government,Higher taxes. Retrieved from http://www.gargaro.com/healthcare.html Hutchinson Encyclopedia. (2009). Irangate. Retrieved from http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0020627.html Notes on October 21, 1962 Meeting with the President. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.gwu.edu/-nsarchiov/nsa/cuba_mis_cri/19621021mcnam.pdf Starr, P. (1994). The American Prospect no. 20 (Winter 1995): 20-31 What Happened to Health Care Reform' Retrieved from http://www.princeton.edu/-starr/20starr.html The Cuban Missile Crisis An Overview of the Crisis. (2001). Retrieved from http://library.thinkquest.org/11046/days/index.html The Eisenhower Doctrine on the Middle East, A Message to Congress. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1957eisenhowerdoctrine.html U.S. Department of State. (2010). Eisenhower Doctrine, 1957. Retrieved from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/lw/82548.htm Voice of America News. (2005). Watergate Scandal has had Lasting Impact. Retrieved from http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2005-06-01-voa50-67392157.html