KO 2: How did the Cold War escalate between 1945-1949? Flashcards
The Iron Curtain: The Long Telegram
George Kennan the USA’s ambassador working in Moscow sent a telegram to the American government informing them about attitudes towards the USA. It Reported that attitudes in Moscow were hostile towards the USA.
The Iron Curtain: Impact of the Long Telegram on Policy
Kennan believed that the Soviets would back down if faced with tough resistance. This played a key role in American foreign policy in the following years.
Churchill Iron Curtain Speech
In March 1946, in the USA, Churchill made a speech criticising the Soviet Union as a threat to world peace. In particular, arguing they were trying to spread their influence and gain power across Eastern Europe.
Stalin’s Reaction to the Iron Curtain Speech
He took this to be a reflection of American beliefs, which encouraged the USSR to strengthen its forces and increase anti-Western propaganda. The Iron curtain ended almost all contact between the countries either side of it, including trade
and tourism.
Soviet Expansion in Europe: Soviet Bloc
Countries that the Soviet Union freed from Nazi occupation between 1944 and 1945 became satellite states under Soviet control after the
end of the war. Stalin was reluctant to give up control of
these countries, as they were a useful buffer zone between the Soviet Union and Germany.
Soviet Expansion in Europe: Examples of how USSR installed communist governments
They used a variety of methods including arrests,
executions and the rigging of elections. For example in
Poland they invited all non-communist politicians in Poland to Moscow, arrested them so they could not stand in the election
Soviet Expansion in Europe: USA’s Reaction
Truman saw this as evidence that the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism worldwide.
The Truman Doctrine
A speech made by President Truman on the 12th March 1947 outlining the threat poised by communism.
The Truman Doctrine: Containment
He argued the USA need to contain the spread of communism within the countries it had already taken hold.
The Truman Doctrine: Why in 1947?
Greece and Turkey were both in danger of turning communist. Greece was in the middle of a civil war and Turkey was suffering unrest after the war.
Marshall Plan
Three aims: to create market for the USA to trade with Europe, to aid economic recovery to make communism less appealing and the promote unity in Europe. The USA pledged $13.15 billion for countries in West and East Europe. By 1953 they had given $17 billion.
Marshall Plan: Was it a Success/Failure?
The plan brought unity to Western Europe but also failed as eastern Europe grew closer to Moscow.
Cominform
Established in 22nd September 1947. It was a political association which gave Stalin the power to control the governments of his satellite states and ensure they followed orders from Moscow.
Comecon
Established in 25th January 1949. This was the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance with the aim to provide economic aid. It was an alternative to the Marshall Plan and encouraged trade between its members.
Yugoslavia
This was a communist group led by a dictator called Tito. He was not loyal to Stalin or Moscow. In 1948 Tito he accepted Marshall aid and Stalin expelled the country from Cominform.
