Final answer:
Eisenhower's "domino theory" suggested that the fall of one country to communism in Southeast Asia would trigger other countries to follow suit, leading to a spread of communism throughout the region. This theory heavily influenced U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and justified increased military and economic support to prevent a chain reaction of communist takeovers.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Eisenhower's "Domino Theory"
President Dwight Eisenhower's "domino theory" related to Southeast Asia suggested that if one country in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow in a domino effect. In the context of Southeast Asia, Eisenhower was concerned that the fall of countries like Vietnam to communism would lead to a chain reaction, with neighboring nations such as Laos, Cambodia, and eventually more of Asia succumbing to communist control. This theory was a significant part of the rationale for U.S. involvement in the region, particularly in supporting South Vietnam against the communist North and aiding other countries to prevent the spread of communism. Option a) correctly identifies that Eisenhower's theory was about the rapid spread of communism in Asia, whereas option b) also accurately conveys the fear that capitalism would fall in a chain reaction if one country fell to communism.
The spread of communism in Asia was indeed a major concern for U.S. policymakers, especially after the communist revolution in China and the Korean War. The domino theory was part of a broader containment strategy during the Cold War, aiming to limit Soviet influence to places where it already existed. It eventually influenced the decision to increase the U.S. military and economic support to South Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia, to contain and combat communist expansion.