Cold War to 1949 - Overview

Basic reasons for conflict was opposite ideologies

Causes of Cold War

• Stalin's takeover of Europe as they defeated the Nazis
  • The West believed Stalin was committed to spreading communism
• US and British politicians were hostile to the USSR
  • Truman was suspicious - dropped A-Bomb to warn USSR
  • They delayed opening a second front - Stalin felt they wanted communism crushed
  • They didn't tell Stalin about the A- Bomb, until shortly before it was dropped
  • Rejected USSR taking part in occupation of Japan
  • They had A-Bomb, USSR didn't

Who was to blame for the War?

1950's - was close to beggining of Cold War. Strong emotions. American historians [George Kennan] blamed Stalin (Communist expansionism). This is known as the TRADITIONAL VIEW.

1960's-1970's - Soviet and American historians - Stalin was reacting naturally (to protect USSR).US overacted [Howard Zinn] USSR had suffered as well. Thre reason for American criticism was due to negative affect of Vietnam War. This is known as the REVISIONIST VIEW.

1980's - American historians found new evidence. Both countries were to blame

• US - Marhsall Plan - To spread influence
• USSR - Control of Eastern Europe and spread of communism
• [Martin McCauley]

This is known as the POST-REVISIONIST VIEW

Communism established in Eastern Europe

• USSR set up pro-communist governments
• Used underhanded methods to bring pro-Soviet governments in

Stalin said Communism would defeat Capitilism

Note: Iron Curtain Speach - 1946 - Churchill

---

US reaction to Soviet Expansion

March 1947 - Truman Doctrine

• Stated that US was committed to a policy of containing Communism

June 1947 - Marshall Plan

• Economic extension of the Truman Doctrine
• By US Secretary of State George Marshall
• Also known as European Recovery Programme
• Was to provide billions in aid to Europe
  • A strong economy won't fall to communism
    • used to expand sphere of influnce

Cominform - September 1947

• To bring together all communist parties
  • So USSR could control them

Comecon - Economic control of sattelites

Communist takeover of Czechoslavakia - Feburary 1948

• only democratic state left
• Prime Minister was communist, but President and Foreign Minister were not.
• communists were set to do badly in the elections, because Marshal Aid had been refused by communist leader, and then country was poor.
• So there was an armed coup by the communists

 The Berlin Blockade - June 1948 to May 1947

• Germany was in 4 zones (British, French, American, USSR)
  • Russia drained their zone
• West-Germany with Marshall Aid was prosperous
  • Stalin didn't want to unite his Germany
• West-Germany (Berlin) introduced a new currency
  • Stalin was outraged, and cut off all links to West-Berlin
    • The West (US) sent supplies by plane to West-Berlin

Results

• Psychological boost to the West
• Worsened West-USSR relations
• NATO formed
• doomed Germany to be split

Why did Eastern Europe fall so easily

• The allied leaders had come to an unwritten agreement about their individual spheres of influence. Only in Europe
• That is why Stalin didn't interfere with the Greek civil war. Greece was Britain's area
• Many Soviet armies were already in E. Europe after beating the Nazi's
• Buffer zone

About the Author