7. international relations- emerging superpower rivalry 1945-1949 Flashcards
What were the fundamental differences in ideology between the USA and USSR?
The USA was capitalist and democratic, believing in individual freedom from government control. The USSR was communist and dictatorial, prioritizing the good of society over individual rights.
What was the Grand Alliance?
The Grand Alliance was the cooperation between the USA, USSR, and Britain during World War II, which ended shortly after the war due to ideological differences.
What was the significance of the Potsdam Conference?
The Potsdam Conference highlighted the differences between the USA and USSR, with tensions escalating after Roosevelt’s death and Truman’s poor relationship with Stalin.
What was the outcome regarding Poland after World War II?
Britain and France had gone to war to keep Poland free, but Stalin appeared ready to take control of Poland.
What were the differing views on Germany’s future?
Stalin wanted a united but weak Germany, while the West wanted to split Germany to rebuild it as a strong ally.
What was the disagreement regarding Germany’s punishment?
Stalin sought harsh punishments and reparations for Germany, while the USA and Britain aimed to rebuild Germany to avoid past mistakes.
What was the key point that led to the Cold War?
The Cold War began largely due to fundamental differences in ideology, economy, and views on the future of Europe between the USA and USSR.
What was the situation in Eastern Europe post-war?
There was a growing sense of violence by the Red Army in Eastern Europe, which increased unrest among Western Allies.
What happened to Germany after the Potsdam Conference?
Germany was split into four zones controlled by Britain, France, and the USA in the West, and the USSR in the East.
What was the USSR’s control in Eastern Europe from 1945-48?
The USSR established Communist governments in many Eastern European countries including East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Albania.
What was COMINFORM?
COMINFORM was created by Stalin to protect and oversee Communist governments in Eastern Europe.
What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?
The Truman Doctrine aimed to stop the spread of communism by supporting any country threatened with a Communist takeover with weapons, money, and resources.
What was Marshall Aid?
Marshall Aid provided up to $17 billion to European countries to help prevent communism and accelerate recovery in Western Europe.
How did Stalin view Marshall Aid?
Stalin viewed Marshall Aid as an economic attack on communism and forbade Eastern European countries from receiving it.
What happened to Germany by 1949?
Germany was divided into two nations: the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) known as West Germany, and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East Germany.
How was Germany divided after World War II?
Germany was divided into four zones controlled by France, Britain, the USA, and the USSR.
What action did Stalin take against West Berlin?
Stalin blockaded West Berlin using the Red Army to prevent people or supplies from reaching the city.
How did the Allies respond to the Berlin blockade?
The Allies airlifted all necessary resources to West Berlin over a period of ten months.
What was the outcome of the Berlin blockade by May 1949?
The blockade failed, leading to the division of Germany into two nations: the FRG and the GDR.
What was NATO?
In 1949, the Western powers agreed to the formation of NATO.
