The Emergence of USSR into a Superpower Flashcards
Build up of a military-industry war machine?
Armed forced consisted of 7.5 million well equipped troops
USSR had increased its territory- absorbed Baltic states and Eastern Poland
Red Army maintained control in areas of Europe that had been liberated as well as Berlin
How can USSR be compared to USA as a superpower?
Before isolated before war, but were forced into the war by sudden aggression, then both built up a war machine- exploiting previously untapped potential, then being drawn into the heart of Europe to defeat Nazism
What agreement reflected the USSR superpower status?
Grand Alliance
Why was Britain not a super power?
By 1945 it had been exhausted and bankrupted by war, where the empire was also in decline
How did USA undermine USSR status as superpower?
They developed the atomic bomb which was used to defeat Japan in the war
Stalin’s plans to develop the atomic bomb?
Placed Beria in charge as he committed a huge number of resources to the project with the first successful test being in August 1949- this confirmed the super power status
Important of United Nations?
In 1945 the USSR was one of 5 permanent members of UN security council
After the war what did the Soviet form regarding territory?
Soviet Bloc- Soviet empire
Military and Political influence encouraged governments in neighbouring states to USSR that were friendly
What were satellite states?
Countries that retained their national identity but had pro- Soviet governments
What was a zone of buffer states?
A term used to describe the satellite states of Eastern Europe that would provide security for USSR borders- protect them from future invasion
Deep roots of Soviet bloc?
1939 under terms of Nazi-Soviet pact USSR invaded eastern Poland and forces occupied Baltic States
Katyn Forest Massacre?
22000 captured Polish army officers were killed by the NKVD to eliminate Polish nationalist elements that might oppose communism
Warsaw uprising?
On 1 August the Red Army approached Warsaw fighter of the home army launched an uprising to liberate the city from German occupation and to support Polish nationalist underground state- Soviets halted advance and over 63 days the uprising was crushed
Impact of Warsaw uprising?
The motives behind red army inaction were apparently ‘operational difficulties’ but were potentially more politically motivated
Why was the establishment of the Soviet Bloc slower than expected?
In countries where democratic national governments were elected, communists parties were instructed by Moscow to join with non communist parties e.g. socialists and bourgeois liberals in order to gain a political foothold
What were Salami tactics?
Subverting bourgeois parties to gain power from within by small incremental steps. Stalin’s ‘game plan’ to push communism into the heart of Europe
Victim of Salami tactics?
Foreign minister of Czechoslovakia died from a fall from a high window in 1948
Which two places did Salami tactics look to increase the power of the Soviet in?
Czechoslovakia and Hungary
Impact of Salami tactics?
Growing tensions between USSR and capitalist west
Agreement at Tehran?
Allies agreed to demand unconditional surrender from Germany in 1943 to prevent any power making separate peace with Hitler
How did ideological influences impact on Tehran?
Stalin was very critical of his western powers not opening up the Second Front in the European War to relieve the pressure on Red Army
Disagreements about future of Poland
Yalta conference?
Dominated by conflicting ideas about the post war borders of Germany and Poland
Stalin’s dominance amongst Allies?
During conferences Roosevelt had died and Churchill had lost power after Labour party won general elections
What was the Long telegram?
Fear of Soviet expansionism was exacerbated by a telegram sent to Washington from Moscow in Feb 1946 by the American Diplomat George Kennan- expert on Soviet affairs
Purpose of Long telegram?
Contain Communism
Iron curtain speech?
Churchill speech of 1946 warning of an Iron Curtain division- the extent of Soviet power and influence in east central Europe
State of Europe by 1947?
Was in crisis- fears of complete economic collapse and political instability
Truman Doctrine?
1947- asserted US policy of containment and the ‘rolling back of communism’
Marshal plan?
A massive injection of aid to rebuild Europe- supposedly a generous offer of assistance to all European countries but many historians believe it was a political weapon used to extend US influence
Stalin’s reaction to Marshal plan?
Saw it as a hostile act to Soviet interests- expressed fears in the concern that US wanted to rebuild Germany’s economy which would lead to a resurgence of German power
Soviet Bloc powers urged to resist Marshal plan
What was Victorious February?
Legitimate success of anti fascists policies- leader of communists in Czechoslovakia took full control of government
Catalyst for Berlin Blockade?
Soviet’s slipping control of Berlin since 1945
Introduction of new currency in Western Zones in June 1948
What was the Berlin Blockade?
Stalin cut off all road and rail links between Berlin and the West- believed West were not willing to risk war and that the economic squeeze would force them to negotiate Berlin on Russia’s terms
Defeat of Berlin Blockade?
Defeated by Berlin Airlift- coordinated by US military governor Lucius Clay- Allied aircraft flew essential supplies into West Berlin in winter 1948- calculated that Stalin would not risk war by shooting planes out of sky- west Berlin resisted Soviet inducements
In how many days was blockade called off?
318
Impact of Berlin Blockade?
Confirmed division of Germany and Berlin- established cold war
What was formed to defend West against Soviet pressure?
NATO
Who did Stalin look to ally with?
After victorious Chinese communist revolution- Stalin met with Communist chinese leader Zedong in Moscow to try and agree an alliance
How to describe conflict up until 1989?
Not quite war, not quite peace
