The Iron Curtain 1946 Flashcards
Where did the phrase ‘Iron Curtain’ come from?
In March 1946 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave a speech in Fulton, Missouri which highlighted the west’s initial response to the post 1945 Europe; that of suspicion of the soviet union. He condemned Stalin’s attempts to control eastern Europe where each countries capital was ‘subject to a very high measure of control from Moscow’ and called for an Anglo-American alliance to prevent the spread of communism.
What material does Churchill describe the curtain being made of and why do you think he has used such a term? What does he wish to convey to the audience about the dangers of the soviet union?
Churchill says the curtain descended over Europe as an ‘iron curtain’. He chooses iron because it is an impenetrable material and he wishes to covey that Stalin has created an impenetrable barrier between east an west.
What personal characteristics is Churchill alluding to as he ‘peeps’ under the curtain?
Churchill is alluding to the need for courage to be shown in the face of the iron curtain.
What is the purpose of ‘peeping’ under the iron curtain? what should the West being trying to find out?
By ‘peeping’ under the curtain Churchill is trying to find out the truth about what is happening behind it in Eastern Europe.
What threat does Stalin and the soviet Union pose?
The soviet union is growing in strength, economically and military which is a development the West should fear due to the evil and dangerous nature of the soviet union.
Give a description of Stalin and the communication between east and west.
Stalin is a tyrant who seeks to maintain control of Eastern Europe through force and the threat of force.
