WESTERN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS & BIZONIA Flashcards
What was one overriding factor that pushed the British and American’s to merge their zones?
Common ideological fear that Stalin intended to achieve Communist domination.
What was the clear economic factor that drove the formation of bizonia?
The economic cost of propping up their zones of occupation required common action.
When was George Kennan’s Long Telegram?
February 1946
What ideological stance did Kennan take?
Firmly anti-Communist.
What did Kennan argue in his long telegram about the SU?
Fundamentally expansionist and it needed to be opposed.
Who’s views did Kennan’s closely match?
Harry Truman, US President.
What were growing suspicion and distrust moving opinions away from and to in the US? Where was this evident?
Away from co-operation and towards ‘containment’.
Evident in the Truman Doctrine.
What economic problems were Britain facing?
- Their zone had the worst destruction.
- Humanitarian cost.
- Extensively in debt.
When was Bizonia formed?
January 1947.
When did the reparations agreement made at Potsdam break down?
May 1946 when Clay halted deliveries of industrial goods from the American to Soviet Zone.
When was the announcement that the two zones will be merging? Who did the speech?
6th September 1946.
Stuttgart Speech by US Sec of State Byrnes.
How long did it take before the French also merged their zone?
Eighteen months.
What two events sped up the division of Germany?
- Truman Doctrine
- Marshall Aid
What was the catalyst for the announcement of the Truman Doctrine?
The political situation in Greece.
When was the Truman Doctrine announced?
March 1947.
What was Truman’s belief which drove the doctrine?
Western-Europe was in danger of a Soviet-inspired Communist takeover.
What does the Truman Doctrine clearly imply?
The end of any meaningful political co-operation with the Soviet Union over the ‘German problem’.
What was Marshall Aid?
The economic complement of the Truman Doctrine.
When was the Marshall Aid plan announced?
June 1947.
How much was aid was available in Marshall Aid? Over what time period?
$13 billion over four years.
Who was Marshall Aid open to?
All European nations except facist Spain, but including Soviet-dominated countries and the Soviet Union itself.
What was set up in April 1948?
OEEC
What was the OEEC set up to do?
Manage the distribution of Marshall Aid to the sixteen recipient nations.
What was Stalin’s reaction to Marshall Aid?
Rejected the offer as did the Communist-controlled Eastern bloc countries.
What did Stalin’s refusal of Marshall Aid cement?
The economic division of Europe, just as the TD had signified political and ideological division.
