The reasons for the cold war Flashcards
What were the main points for the argument that ideological differences lead to the cold war starting?
The Bolshevik revolution in Russia would cause tension due to it’s creating of a communist Russia, as well as the West’s assistance to the white, anti-communist Russian army, who were defeated by the communist reds. This revolution also caused the pulling out of the Russian army from the war in 1917, which causing the allies significant difficulties in defending the Western front, this caused lasting resentment among western countries. The large number of differences between capitalism and communism in terms of ideologies would also serve to create tension. Suspicion was also aroused by the allies to Russia when they signed the Nazi-Soviet pact in 1939
What were the 6 important factors in causing the cold war to begin?
Ideological differences, Experiences of the second world war, The impact of the atom bomb and the arms race, The status of Post war Germany and the Berlin crisis in 1949, Changing Soviet and Western diplomacy, The Korean war
What points contribute to the argument that the experience of the second world war lead to the cold war starting?
The Soviet Union felt it had done the most part of the fighting leading up to Germany’s defeat, and wanted security for the USSR for the future. Stalin wanted to turn the land gained by Russia into a series of sympathetic regimes throughout Eastern Europe. This differed to America’s desires of creating a series of democratic states who adhered to free trade. This was exemplified through the Yalta conference, the Soviet actions in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, allied action in Western Europe, Greece.
What are the points that show the use of atomic bomb and nuclear arms race to have contributed to the starting of the cold war?
America’s use of atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima had the aim of impressing the USSR, and make them ready to make concessions to America in Eastern Europe. Stalin refused to be intimidated by this, and instead became more suspicious towards America, wanting the Soviet Union to also become a nuclear power as soon as possible, creating the arms race.
How did the status of post war Germany and the Berlin crisis of 1949 contribute to the beginning of the cold war?
The Potsdam conference and policy over Germany whereby the allied sectors remained as compared to Soviet sector which was stripped of assets as reperations. The economic status of Germany: creation of Bizonia (the newly formed Western zone). Contrast between the developing capitalist west and centrally controlled east: introduction of Duetsche mark in West led to the Berlin blockade in 1949.
Changing Soviet and Western Diplomacy had what effect on starting the cold war?
Truman and the policy of containment: British power had been destroyed; decline in their world commitment, specifically in Greece where civil war raged between Communist and Royalist. Fear of similar problems in Italy when allied troops left. Truman acknowledged world dividing into two hostile blocs in his speech to support free peoples and oppose totalitarian regimes. The Marshall plan exemplified differences and was rejected by the Soviets. Hardening of Western attitudes. Fulton speech by Churchill. Creation of competing military alliances. Creation of NATO and Warsaw pact further polarised the world.
How did the Korean war contribute to the beginning of the cold war?
Stalin encouraged Communist North Korea to invade Capitalist south. This led to American-led intervention on behalf of the South, and resultant Chinese intervention. Soviet and American pilots fought across Korea. Stalemate along 38th parallel
