Origins of the Cold War Flashcards
USA and USSR pre-WWII
The USA and the USSR were rivals before WWII - until they became allies to defeat Nazi Germany as the ‘common enemy’.
The three WWII wartime conferences, ordered by occurrence and date
Tehran (1943)
Yalta (1945)
Potsdam (1945)
Things agreed at Tehran
USA and Britain would open a second front by launching an attack against Germany in Western Europe.
Stalin would declare war on Japan once Germany was defeated
Poland given land from Germany
An international body to solve problems by discussion was agreed, namely the United Nations (UN).
Disagreements and signs of tension at Tehran 1943
Stalin was suspicious that the West had delayed the second front on purpose in the west so that the USSR would be weakened
Disagreement over a second front in the Balkans (SE Europe)
Roosevelt seemed to view British Colonialism as more of a threat than the USSR!
Things agreed at Yalta
Germany to split into four zones, each controlled by a different power: USA, Britain, France and USSR.
Germany to pay $20 billion compensation, half of which went to USSR
Nazi Party abolish and banned, and war criminals prosecuted.
UN to be introduced; first meeting on 25th April 1945.
Conflict within the UN
All countries could join, but USA and France didn’t agree with Stalin.
Stalin asked that all 16 Soviet republics were given individual membership.
But instead, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were accepted.
How long would Stalin wait to declare war against Japan after Germany’s defeat?
Three months.
Stalin’s agreement at Yalta conference
Free elections in future governments of Eastern European countries.
Co-operation at Tehran 1943 (November - December)
- Agreed about spheres of influence (USSR in Eastern Europe, Britain and USA in Western Europe).
- Western allies agreed to launch attack on Germany from the west (D-Day).
Tension at Tehran
Disagreements about Germany’s future. Stalin wanted reparations from Germany, Roosevelt and Churchill wanted Germany rebuilt.
Co-operation at Yalta Feb 1945
Russia to help US defeat Japan
Work for ‘democracy’ in Europe
Set up UN
USSR sphere of influence as previously discussed at Tehran
Tension at Yalta
Disagreed about what was meant by ‘democracy’
Roosevelt had good relations with Stalin, but after his death Truman was less willing to compromise.
Co-operation at Potsdam 1945 (Jul-Aug)
Ban Nazi part, war criminal prosecution
Reduce size of Germany
Division of Germany
Tension at Potsdam
Reparations on Germany
Truman had replaced Roosevelt
USA had the Atomic Bomb.
Iron Curtain speech 1946
Churchill made famous speech to warn about spread of Communism in Europe, upsetting Stalin and increasing tension as a result.
What were the two telegrams sent from ambassadors of both USA and USSR?
Long and Novikov telegrams, which showed suspicion of one another.
When was the Truman Doctrine introduced?
March 12th 1947
What was the Truman Doctrine?
A pledge in 1947 from Truman of financial aid to Greece and Turkey in the form of $400 million and sending personnel to the region to contain the Communist uprisings.
Later, it became support to all countries opposing Communism.
When was the Marshall plan introduced?
1947, same year as the Truman Doctrine.
What was the Marshall Plan/Aid?
Revival of a ruined European economy through money support of $13-17 billion.
Quotes on the Marshall Plan
“A lifeline to sinking men”
”[$13-17bn was] an investment in peace.”
Marshall Plan and the USSR
It was offered to Eastern European countries, but the USSR ordered them not to take it. This provoked Stalin and increased East-West divide.
How did Truman view the differences between Capitalism and Communism as?
As choosing between good and evil. Capitalism offered majority rule and freedom from political oppression, whilst Communism had the will of the minority being forced onto the majority.
The main ethos of the Truman Doctrine
‘America should help countries resist Communism with economic and military aid.’
How to describe Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan
Truman Doctrine as the “Political declaration”
Marshall Plan as the “money that goes with it”
Significance of the Truman Doctrine
It becomes central to American foreign policy and ultimately the Cold War.
Goals of the Marshall Plan
Make Communism less attractive to a Europe that would “turn to Communism” to avoid starvation and poverty.
Boost US economy via trade restarting in Europe.
How did Stalin view the Marshall Plan?
He thought it as giving into Capitalism as the superior ideology.
As a result, the division of Europe increases: Western countries become richer whilst Eastern countries become poorer.
What was the Soviet response to the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan?
Georgy Malenkov, 1947: “[The Marshall Plan was] enslaving weakened Capitalist countries [and] imitating Hitler.”
Soviet key word to describe Marshall Plan
Dollar Imperialism
“Using economic might to divide Europe in two and establish an American economic empire in Europe.”
How many countries accepted the Marshall Aid/Plan?
Sixteen countries, which were given significant help in recovery.
What did the division of East-West Europe become after the Marshall Aid?
Cemented.
Stalin’s response to Truman Doc. and Marsh. Plan
Truman Doctrine > Cominform 22nd Sept 1947
Marshall Plan > Comecon 25th Jan 1949
Full names of Cominform and Comecon
Cominform = Communist Information Bureau.
Comecon = Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.
When was Cominform introduced?
22nd September, 1947.
Aims of Cominform
To direct & control governments of Soviet satellite states
To co-ordinate Communist parties across Europe under USSR control.
When and for how long was the Berlin Blockade in effect?
June 1948 to May 1949
Reasons for the Berlin Blockade
Western allies uniting their zones to form Trizonia in 1948
Introduction of the Deutschmark in June 1948.
Stalin’s reaction to Western activity in West Berlin
Stalin was concerned the plans weren’t temporary and the Allies were there to stay.
Why did Stalin set up the Berlin Blockade?
To take a gamble at thinking the West would give up Berlin.
To show a divided Germany would not work, and thought the West would give away Berlin.
He believed that Germany should be one Communist-united country.
When was NATO formed?
April 1949.
When was NATO formed?
April 1949.
What was the significance of NATO?
To stop Communism.
Lord Hasting’s quote on NATO
“[NATO] keeps the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the German[s] down.”
Western reaction to the Berlin Blockade
USA refuses to give it up and begins Berlin Airlift.
Becomes a massive propaganda victory for USA after Stalin re-opens the blockade after 11 months.
Significance of the Truman Doctrine
Clarity that US should contain Communism; becomes central to American foreign policy
Political declaration against Communism; Marshall Plan is the money that went with it.
Truman saw differences between the two major idealogies
Make Communism look less attractive
USA seen as saviours to a damaged Europe.
Hungary 1956’s events
Krushchev appointed Imre Nagy as new country’s leader; more liberal.
Nagy’s reforms including free elections and withdrawal from Warsaw Pact provoke Krushchev; Hungary is invaded
Significance of Hungary 1956
Showed Krushchev would use force to maintain control if necessary
USA offers economic and humanitarian support; no military support given
Soviets condemned; worsened USA-USSR relations
E.European radicals discouraged fron following Hungarian example
Thousands killed; Imre Nagy arrested and executed.
