The impact of capitalist ideology on the development of the Cold War Flashcards
What do revisionist historians argue?
The USA’s policy of capitalist expansion was the key element in the development of the Cold War from 1945 to 1953
Why did America’s post-war capitalist aims make conflict with the SU inevitable? 3
US intended to impose a Pax Americana as a global peace settlement
Attempted to open up sensitive areas to US economic activity (Eastern Europe), this was bound to be resisted by the USSR
USA, as the leading capitalist power, was strongly anti-communist
Give examples of when the US attempted to force the USSR to accept an open-door policy in Eastern Europe. 4
Lend-lease was ended abruptly (1945)
US refused to agree on German reparations (1945)
US tried to use nuclear monopoly as a negotiating tool (Potsdam)
US ended reparations from the US German zone (1946)
How did the US attempt to create an informal empire in Europe?
Marshall Plan seen as US dollar imperialism. It was an important part of the US strategy to mould post-war Europe into a capitalist bloc and detach the EE states from the USSR by offering them economic incentives
Give examples of how the USA had the confidence to shape the world according to American values
US war losses were only 0.9% of its population
US industrial capacity increased by 90% (1940-44) and the USA produced 50% of the world’s goods
American had a nuclear monopoly until 1949
