What is Domino Theory and Containment?

Both of these phrases were coined during the expansion of the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. 

The Americans believed that countries in Asia and Eastern Europe were falling 'like dominos' to communism. So in other words as one country succeeded to communism, so too the countries bordering it would follow. And this theory, as far as the Americans could see, was actually happening.

So the US response to this was containment; simply put the US would put as many resources as was necessary into stopping the dominos falling and halting the spread of communism. This included funding anti-communist rebellions and political parties in Eastern Europe. But the most famous example of containment in action was the direct military involvement of the US in the Vietnam War; a demonstration of how far the Americans would go to stop Communism gaining further momentum.

 

OW
Answered by Oliver W. History tutor

11122 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

'Hitler was able to become Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 mainly because of the effects of the Wall Street crash/ depression'. Do you agree? Explain your answer.


How would you answer the following exam question: Why were there disagreements at the Potsdam Conference in 1945? Explain your answer (6 marks- OCR, 2015)


How should I structure my essay question answers in exams?


History GCSE Cold War - Why did the Soviet Union invade Hungary in 1956?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences