Which president is noted for using the Central Intelligence Agency to contain Communism during the Cold War?

Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Test on The Presidency. Study using flashcards, multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Be ready for your test!

Dwight D. Eisenhower is recognized for actively utilizing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a strategic tool in the broader context of containing Communism during the Cold War. Under his administration, the CIA undertook various covert operations aimed at countering Soviet influence around the world. This included notable actions such as orchestrating coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954), which were intended to secure pro-American regimes and halt the spread of communism.

Eisenhower's use of the CIA exemplifies his policy of "containment," which sought to prevent the expansion of communism beyond where it already existed. His administration believed that engaging in hidden operations was necessary to protect U.S. interests and foster favorable political combinations in critical regions.

Other presidents listed did play roles in Cold War policies, but they did not employ the CIA in the same direct and extensive manner as Eisenhower. For instance, Harry S. Truman laid the groundwork for containment with the Truman Doctrine but was less involving in CIA-led operations compared to Eisenhower. Franklin D. Roosevelt was focused on WWII and establishing the United Nations, leaving post-war tension to his successors. Theodore Roosevelt’s policies were oriented towards imperial expansion and did not involve Cold War dynamics.

Therefore, Eisen

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