Chapter 1: US, USSR and British Relations 1945 Flashcards
Who were the leading capitalist democracies when WW2 broke out in 1939?
US and Britain
What were the beliefs of the US?
Believed that individuals had a fundamental right to liberty, and every citizen should have equal opportunities but not necessarily equal outcomes. Free market economy, prices of goods set by supply and demand, and competition through minimal interference by the state. Political freedom emphasised.
What were the beliefs of the USSR?
Karl Marx founded the Communist ideology. Believed capitalism led to the exploitation of the proletarian majority by the ruling bourgeoisie. Stalin became leader of Russia, adapted Leninism to suit his own needs. Promoted himself as the interpreter of communism, and became obsessed with protecting his own power and machinery of the state that guarded it.
How did each side see each other?
Each side (capitalism and communism) saw the expansion of the other as a threat. They became obsessed to increase influence and wanted national security.
What was the Percentages Agreement, 1944?
Churchill and Stalin met in Moscow. The basis of the agreement was to establish the percentage of predominance Britain and the USSR would each have in Eastern European states.
What did the Percentages Agreement demonstrate, in terms of Churchill?
Underlined his determination to control Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe through spheres of influence as a means of protecting British interests beyond any commitment to democracy in that region.
What were some examples of the Percentages Agreement?
In Romania the USSR was to have 90%, whereas in Greece Britain had 90%. In Hungary it was 50% each.
