MATTERS OF FOREIGN POLICY

The United States was involved in a fierce competition with the Soviet Union in the 1950s. It was known as the Cold War. The Soviets wanted to spread communism around the world. Communism is a form of government in which the state controls the economy and one political party holds power. It results in a society in which people have little control over their own lives. The Soviets advanced communism by overthrowing governments and assassinating officials. When Eisenhower became president in 1953, a major aspect of his foreign policy focused on stopping communism from spreading.

The United States and the Soviet Union did not fight directly with each other. but fighting continued until July 1953. While running for office, one of Eisenhower’s campaign pledges was to end the war. He traveled to Korea shortly after being elected president. Eventually, he convinced both sides to agree to a truce.