Origins of the Cold War

Key Themes

• Emergence of the US and Soviet Union as superpowers post-WWII.
• Vastly different political and economic systems.
• Resulting Cold War influences world events until the late 20th century.

Key Terms

• United Nations (UN): International organization aimed at promoting peace.
• Satellite Nation: Nations dominated by the Soviet Union.
• Containment: US policy to prevent the spread of communism.
• Iron Curtain: Division between Western Europe (democratic) and Eastern Europe (communist).
• Cold War: State of tension between US and Soviet Union without direct conflict.
• Truman Doctrine: US aid to countries resisting communism.
• Marshall Plan: US economic aid to rebuild European economies post-WWII.
• Berlin Airlift: US and UK operation to supply West Berlin during Soviet blockade.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): Military alliance for collective defense.

American and Soviet Relations

• Tensions due to differing political systems: US capitalism vs. Soviet communism.
• US anger over Stalin’s early alliance with Hitler and subsequent actions during WWII.
• Disagreement over Soviet control and influence in Eastern Europe.
• Stalin's Actions: Rejection of free elections, establishment of communist governments.

Key Events

• Potsdam Conference (1945): Final WWII conference; highlighted US-Soviet tensions.
  • Disagreement over Eastern Europe, German reparations.
• Truman Doctrine (1947): Economic/military aid to Greece and Turkey to combat communism.
• Marshall Plan (1947): Economic aid to help European recovery and prevent spread of communism.
• Berlin Airlift (1948-49): Response to Soviet blockade; highlighted US commitment to Berlin.
• NATO Formation (1949): Defensive alliance against Soviet aggression.

Analysis

• US Actions: Aimed at spreading democracy, rebuilding Europe, and containing communism.
• Soviet Actions: Sought to rebuild and protect USSR through control of Eastern Europe, promote communism.
• Outcome: Ongoing tension and an arms race characterized the Cold War.

Reflection Questions

1. Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan: Why were these essential to US foreign policy?
2. Berlin Airlift: What impact did it have on international perceptions of the US and Soviet Union?
3. NATO Formation: How did this change US foreign policy?
4. Soviet Aims: Analyze Stalin's motives behind supporting communist regimes in Eastern Europe.