Developing Tensions leading up to 1948 (2) Flashcards
Soviet fears concerning Poland
It posed a strategic invasion threat to Russia, as it had been used by both Napoleon and Hitler. Stalin therefore wanted to move it 200 miles to the West.
How was the Polish Government organised
The ‘London Poles’ were exiled by the Nazi’s to London in 1939 where they ran the country during war time. During Red Army occupation, a communist party emerged in Lublin which came to be in De Facto control of Poland. The West recognised the London Poles and the Soviets recognised the Lublin government. Stalin later made the Provisional Government of National Unity in 1945 (pluralist approach) which gave the Marxist communists the majority of the seats. The Peasant Party leader Gomulka was accused of ‘nationalist deviation’ and arrested, this was what finally had Poland under Soviet control.
How did Hungary become a satellite state?
In February 1947 Kovacs general secretary of the smallholders party was charged by Soviet Authorities with reactionary conspiracy.
How did Romania become a satellite state?
The head of the Romania Peasant Party, Maniu was charged with being an ‘agent of Western Imperialism’ and he fled to Poland.
How did Bulgaria become a satellite state?
Petkov was tried and executed, he was the peasant party leader who Dimitrov, the communist dictator said had been used by Western Powers to influence.
How did Czechoslovakia become a satellite state?
Edvard Benes agreed to work with Stalin but tried to resist a communist dominated government. When he failed and resigned in June 1948, pro-Moscow communists were left in complete control.
How did Yugoslavia differ from other European states?
Josip Tito was a committed Stalinist and the country was pro-nationalism. They did not however accept the Soviet economic and foreign policies which were placed on them and were expelled from Cominform in June 1948. Yugoslavia survived through US aid.
When was the Kennan telegram?
22nd February 1946
What was the impact of the Kennan telegram?
Kennan emphasised that the USSR viewed the West as hostile and menacing and that the USA should be prepared to threaten force to stop them. The USSR’s foreign policy was seen as aggressive and ideologically driven.
This resonated with Truman’s growing uncertainty of how much the USA could trust the Soviet Union.
Led to the development of the USA’s containment foreign policy.
Led to the development of the Truman Doctrine and the abandonment of isolationism.
What were the Soviet’s response to the Kennan telegram?
September 1946 - Nikolai Novikov sent a letter from Washington stating that the US foreign policy was based on economic imperialism.
When was the Iron Curtain Speech?
March 1946
What was the Soviet Response to the Iron Curtain Speech?
That Soviets are just trying to strengthen their borders through a buffer zone.
What happened in Greece?
After the war, a civil war between the monarchists and Greek Communists. Britain pulled out its backing to the anti-communists in February 1947 due to the cost. In March 1947, Truman released the Truman Doctrine and sent $300 million to aid the Greek Monarchists.
When and what was Cominform?
September 1947
The Soviets saw the US as trying to create an anti-soviet bloc in Europe
To consolidate the Soviet/communist powers the spheres were joined under Cominform which extended Soviet influence
This was based off of the Zhdanov Doctrine
