Australia and the Cold War

“Reds under the beds”

Cold War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF5YFiCyX2A

Cold War: Cold War : the term used to describe the

relationship between America and the Soviet Union 1945 to 1980.

Neither side ever fought the other physically – but they did ‘fight’ for their beliefs via client states (South Vs North Vietnam)

Cold war was born as a result of the fear of the expansion of communism, particularly with the spread of Soviet Power across Europe.

By 1949 there were 11 communist nations, whereas in 1945 there was only one.

Why was there distrust?

Iron Curtin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2PUIQpAEAQ

Iron Curtain

Key Terms:Communism: A system of social and economic

organisation based upon communal or shared ownership of property.

Forward Defence: Policy followed by Menzies’ government in the 50s and 60s, Australia should defend itself by meeting threats abroad, away from the mainland.

Domino Theory: The belief that if one nation should fall to communism, then others would surely follow.

Iron Curtain: the political, military, and ideological barrier erected by the Soviet Union after WWII to seal itself and its independent eastern and central European allies from open contact with the West and other noncommunist areas.

Communist IssueAs a loyal ally, Australia became a part of the

cold war in support of the USAThe fear of Communism was a constant issue

for Australian life and took two forms: Fear of communism within Australia Fear of communism spreading to other nations

It was believed that with the spread of communism in the north, Australia’s interests and security would be threatened.

Communist Issue The Australian Communist Party had been formed in

1920, but had very small membership and limited influence over trade unions, though this began to change in the 40s and 50s.

Strikes broke out in many industries (waterfront strikes, coal mine strikes)

Although communists were not allowed to be members of the labour party , non-labour parties accused them of being communist sympathetic.

Communism was seen as an aggressive force determined to destroy democracy in capitalist societies.

Communist Issue Menzies, was PM of the time and knew how to use this

issue to gain political advantage; exploiting the fear of communism both within and outside of the nation.

In 1950 the Menzies government tried to ban the Communist Party with the Communist Dissolution Bill.

The Labor Party tried to oppose it on the grounds that it infringed the rights of citizens, nonetheless it was passed; however, was later found unconstitutional by the High Court.

Menzies tried again in September 1951 by calling a referendum (change constitution to allow for it), though this was unsuccessful.

‘Cornered’

‘Cornered’ A cartoon from the Bulletin, 1950