The Origins of the Cold War, c1945–1949: Developing Tensions - Iron Curtain Speech Flashcards
1
Q
Who made the Iron Curtain speech?
A
- Winston Churchill
- Not prime minister at time, but still largely influential
2
Q
When was the Iron Curtain speech made?
A
- 5 March 1946
3
Q
Where was the Iron Curtain speech made?
A
- Churchill delivered the speech in Missouri, USA
4
Q
What main points were made during the Iron Curtain speech?
A
- Europe had been divided into communist and non-communist sides
- Communist countries were being controlled and influenced by USSR
- USSR wants to expand their power and ideologies through a Soviet sphere
-“fraternal association” of English speaking people was needed to prevent war
5
Q
Which quote explains that Europe has been divided?
A
- ‘an Iron Curtain has descended across the Continent.’
6
Q
How did Stalin respond to the Iron Curtain speech?
A
• In interview published by Pravda (official newspaper for Communist Party of USSR) in March 1946 Stalin stated:
- Churchill is ‘trying to push into oblivion the sacrifices of the Soviet people’ during WWII
- USSR is peacefully seeking out allies for security
7
Q
Why was it significant that Churchill gave this speech
A
Churchill was a WW2 PM, so working with Stalin in the Grand Alliance. The fact he was now denouncing Stalin/ the USSR showed the population in the West that the Soviets had become a threat.
Encouraged anti-communist sentiment in US
