Naval Role Post World War II Essay

Military -- Naval Role Post-WWII

The period from 1945 to 1991 is commonly known as the Cold War period. Stretching from the end of World War II to the fall of the U.S.S.R., the Cold War saw a decades-long struggle between Communism and Democracy. With dramatically expanded capabilities, the U.S. Navy in particular and its allies by association were engaged in a "Containment Strategy," walling off Communism and preventing its spread throughout the World. For its part, the U.S.S.R. And its allies were equally dedicated to spreading Communism throughout the globe. In addition to its multifaceted containment role during the Cold War, the United States Navy engaged in Japanese security measures and notable Space Program contributions.

Body: The Main Roles for Navies and Naval Power in the Post-World War II and Cold War Eras

During the Cold War Era, running from the end of World War II in 1945 to the fall of the U.S.S.R. In 1991,[footnoteRef:1] the world was caught up in the struggle between Communism and Democracy. The resources of nations, including their navies, were significantly devoted to this 45+ year struggle. During the presidency of Harry S. Truman and continuing for the duration of the Cold War, the United States adopted a "Containment Strategy,"[footnoteRef:2] attempting to erect a wall of military might around Communism throughout the world. Within this schema, the Navies of the United States and its allies chiefly employed seagoing vessels, aircraft and amphibious vessels to establish and maintain the wall for members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Far East regions.[footnoteRef:3] The United States Navy, in particular, was used to exert outright firepower, establishment and maintenance and control of the seas and air, shows of force, reconnaissance, key assistance to other forces, keeping watch and asserting a powerful presence, amphibious assaults, transfers of troops and materiel, escorts, search and seizure of suspect vessels, supportive air and naval operations, explosive demolitions, blockades and embargos, naval feints, commando operations, destruction of the enemies' use of the sea, psychological warfare, discouragement and/or defeat of attacks on the United States,[footnoteRef:4] nuclear capabilities,[footnoteRef:5] and intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities.[footnoteRef:6] These capabilities came into play in varying degrees in disputes involving the U.S.S.R., North and South Korea, China and Taiwan, Vietnam and surrounding countries, Cuba, Israeli and the PLO, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Grenada, Iran, Kuwait, and Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S.S.R.'s and its allies' navies were dedicated to spreading Communism worldwide through their own developed capabilities, which the U.S.S.R.'s capabilities in particular rivaling those of the U.S. Navy.[footnoteRef:7] In addition to its many capabilities and actions devoted to Communist containment,…