Although the origins of the so-called Cold War can be traced back to the Bolshevik revolution of 1917, this intense ideological struggle between the Western powers and the Soviet Union really began after the Second World War.
New Zealand's alignment and participation in the Cold War was determined by the decision of the 1940s Labour government to back the United States and Great Britain (that concord was crucial) in their disagreements with the Soviet Union
Asia was another 'theatre' of the conflict. The Communist victory in the Chinese civil war led New Zealand to accept commitments to assist in the defence of Hong Kong, and it continued to recognise the defeated Nationalist regime, based on Taiwan, even after Britain had recognised the new Communist government in Beijing.
This case study examines why and how New Zealand became increasingly involved in Asia after the Second World War, with particular emphasis on military involvement in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.
This editorial from the Greymouth Evening Star suggests that the impetus for establishing Working Men's Clubs was linked to a Communist agenda among the workers.
