Cold War

In 1949 the cold war spread from Europe to Asia, affecting everyone in its path. China, Japan, and Vietnam were three countries affected by the Cold War. Out of these three countries China was the countries that was affected the most.

The reason why China was affected the most is because its government, economy, and society were all affected by the Cold War. Chinas government was effected because it changed from a Nationalist government, that was supported by the United States, to a communist government, know as the Peoples Republic Of China. Thanks to the help of the Soviet Union China was able to expand its economy to take advantage of the countries natural rescores. China nationalized all industry and set up a five-year plan to increase the output of coal and steel. To help increase agriculture China took control of land out of the hands of landlords and into the hands of peasants, the Chinese government also encouraged peasants to join their land and form cooperatives. Probably the biggest effect of the Cold War was equal rights for women, this meant that women were expected to work alongside men, the country even went as far as to set up nurseries to take care of the children who were now without an stay at home mother. The Japanese government also gave equality to women.

In the 1950's Japan and the United States of America became not enemies, but allies. Japan actually flourished during the period of time, which it was occupied by the USA; during this time period Japan modernized an enormous amount. The main way that Japan became more modern was the fact that the USA helped Japan build modern manufacturing plants. Since these plants were extremely modern they were able to out produce the factories of the west. In Japan women were also give legal equality. Legal equality is different than actual equality because in Japan women were often in charge of the family finances but very few ever got a collage education or high-level jobs. Women were generally employed in family businesses and only about half of the women even worked outside of the house.

Many people have a misconception that the Cold War involved only two countries, the United States Of America and the Soviet Union. In realty the Cold War affect many countries, not only in Europe but as shown above, Asia as well. China, Japan, and Vietnam were all affected by the Cold war in many ways, both good and bad.