US containment in action in Asia: the reconstruction of Japan and US-Japanese relations; support for Jiang Jieshi and policy towards China and Taiwan; the defensive perimeter strategy; support for South Korea; NSC-68
After 1945, the USA worked to stop communism spreading across Asia. It rebuilt Japan, backed anti-communist governments, and drew up plans to defend key regions by force if necessary.
Real World
NSC-68 (1950) recommended quadrupling US defence spending to $50 billion annually; the outbreak of the Korean War just months later gave Truman the political cover to implement it almost in full.
Exam Focus
When writing about US policy in Asia, use specific country examples (Japan, Korea, China/Taiwan) rather than generalising — specificity is rewarded in mark schemes.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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