US involvement in europe Flashcards
What realization did the U.S. come to about its involvement in Europe after 1947?
After 1947, the U.S. realized it needed to play a more active role in supporting Europe, adopting the policy of containment to counter the spread of communism. This marked a shift toward long-term involvement in European affairs.
How did the U.S. approach to containment differ from their initial post-war plans?
Initially, the U.S. believed Germany’s stabilization would be quick, allowing them to withdraw from Europe. The policy of containment signaled a departure from this, committing the U.S. to counter communist influence over a longer term.
What motivated U.S. intervention in Western Europe?
The U.S. feared communism could spread to vulnerable countries like Greece, France, and Italy. By intervening, they aimed to strengthen Western European nations against communist influence and encourage them to adopt pro-American stances.
How did the U.S. aim to block the spread of communism in Western Europe?
They provided economic and political support to Western European nations to stabilize them, fostering pro-American sentiment and creating a barrier against communist expansion.
What was the ‘special relationship’ between the U.S. and Britain after 1947?
The U.S. developed a close alliance with Britain, which helped Britain retain its global power status. Britain, in turn, was seen by the U.S. as politically stable, militarily strong, and a key partner in the fight against communism.
Why did the U.S. see Britain as an important ally in Europe?
Britain was viewed as the least socialist European country, offering a strong and stable base for U.S. influence in Europe. Its global presence and stability made it an ideal partner in countering communist expansion.
What was the U.S. attitude toward Eastern Europe during this period?
The U.S. accepted that Eastern Europe was firmly under Soviet influence and did not attempt to turn these nations away from communism. They saw Europe as divided and focused their efforts on strengthening Western Europe.
Why did the U.S. prioritize Western Europe over Eastern Europe?
The U.S. believed Eastern Bloc countries were beyond help due to Soviet control. They focused on fortifying Western Europe to prevent further communist expansion and maintain a pro-American bloc.
What were the USA’s attitudes towards Berlin in 1945?
In 1945, U.S. attitudes towards Berlin were uncertain. The Morgenthau Plan proposed keeping Germany weak and de-industrialized, but there were also concerns about preventing German instability by resisting the harsh reparations demanded by the USSR.
What was the Morgenthau Plan, and how did it reflect U.S. attitudes?
The Morgenthau Plan aimed to weaken Germany permanently by de-industrializing it, reflecting a cautious approach to prevent future military aggression.
What alternative approach to the Morgenthau Plan did the U.S. consider in 1945?
The U.S. considered curbing the harsh reparations that the USSR demanded to avoid causing instability in Germany.
How did U.S. intentions for Berlin and Germany evolve by 1947-1948?
By 1947-1948, the U.S. made it clear that it would not relinquish control of Western zones in Berlin, did not insist on a unified Germany, and took steps to strengthen the Western zones economically.
What was Bizonia, and when was it formed?
Bizonia was the merged American and British occupation zones in Germany, formed on January 1, 1947, to consolidate economic and administrative control.
How did the U.S. strengthen the Western zones of Germany in 1948?
In June 1948, the U.S. introduced a new currency for the Western zones, including Berlin, to stabilize the economy and prepare these areas for reconstruction.
How did the Marshall Plan apply to Germany?
The Western zones of Germany were made eligible to receive Marshall Aid to support economic recovery, while the Soviet-controlled areas were excluded.
