2.3.2

USA Dominance in the United Nations

Test yourself

American Dominance in the United Nations

The UN was established in October 1945 and by 1950 there were 60 members. Most of the UNs membership came from countries who were capitalist and pro-Western

Illustrative background for US dominance of the United NationsIllustrative background for US dominance of the United Nations ?? "content

US dominance of the United Nations

  • Most of the UN's membership came from countries who were capitalist and pro-Western.
  • The UN's headquarters was placed in New York and much of the funding towards its growth was from the USA. The USA, therefore, was dominant in the UN.
  • Other factors that contributed to this was the fact that the USA had a massive influence on world trade due to the Marshall Plan.
  • Almost all of Europe (except Spain) had been accepting American financial support from the Marshall Plan.
Illustrative background for America as the 'World's Policeman'Illustrative background for America as the 'World's Policeman' ?? "content

America as the 'World's Policeman'

  • America became the world’s superpower in terms of military superiority so quickly became known as the ‘world’s policeman.’ The USA saw itself as the defender of the ‘free world’.
  • As a result, many European colonial countries supported the USA as they were not yet free themselves.
  • The USA also became a dominant power in the UN as China was prevented from joining the UN after the Civil War and instead the seat was given to the pro-American Taiwan.

Veto powers

  • The UN had 5 permanent members all of which had the power to veto UN involvement.
  • These countries were the USA, Britain, France, China and the USSR.
  • This power of veto helped to keep the USA under control and limit their influence.

The Isolation of China

Relations between the West and China remained hostile until the 1970s.

Illustrative background for Exclusion from the UN Illustrative background for Exclusion from the UN  ?? "content

Exclusion from the UN

  • Although Communist China was excluded from the UN, it had established an alliance with the USSR in 1950. China gave the most financial support to North Korea.
  • The USA was always concerned about the expansionist possibilities of communist China in Taiwan and Japan.
Illustrative background for US support against ChinaIllustrative background for US support against China ?? "content

US support against China

  • The USA maintained a heavy presence in South Korea during and after the war with communist North Korea.
  • The USA continued to support these countries in the 1950’s which caused China to remain hostile to the USA and the West until the 1970’s.

Jump to other topics

1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9

2Widening of the Cold War

3The Global War

4Confrontation & Cooperation

5Brezhnev Era

6Ending of the Cold War

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson