Chapter 21, Section 1 The Cold War

Roots of the Cold War Though they had been allies during WWII against Nazi Germany, the relationship between the Soviet Union and the U.S. had been steadily breaking down since Stalin seized power. The following 46 year conflict (1945-1991) would become known as the Cold War. It was ‘cold’ because the two countries never engaged in active combat.

Alliances and Leaders Throughout the 46 years of the Cold War, both countries saw new leaders. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush all served during the Cold War. The U.S. remained militarily with democratic countries such as Great Britain and France. The Soviet Union aligned with other communist nations such as China, Cuba and North Korea.

Roots of the Cold War Political Differences (Gov) Economic Differences The two countries differed politically and economically. The U.S. has a democratic gov. believing in free elections, economic and religious freedom, and the ability to own private property. The Soviet Union had a communist gov. in which citizens could not worship as they pleased, own private property or express their opinions. When these government styles are applied to economics, they look as follows: U.S. (capitalism) people can own their own business and property; competition is promoted; free market system in which citizens can decide how to spend their money. Soviet Union (communism) government has complete control over the economy; gov. controls means of production; few choices and everyone shares goods and services equally.

Roots of the Cold War Both countries also disagreed at the Yalta conference on how post-war Europe should be structured. Stalin wanted a divided Germany to keep it weak and for the Soviet Union to occupy Eastern Europe. These Eastern European nations would become satellite states, or ‘spheres of influence’. The U.S. and Great Britain wanted a stronger, united Germany and independent nations in Eastern Europe.

Cold War Divisions While delivering a speech at Fulton College in Missouri, Winston Churchill remarked that an ‘iron curtain’ had descended upon Europe, dividing democratic and communist countries. On one side, you had Eastern Europe, the other, Western Europe. Eastern Europe, led by the Soviet Union, had a communist ‘sphere of influence’. They did not allow democratic elections like they had promised at the Yalta Conference. Western Europe, led by Great Britain with the U.S. as an ally, had a democratic sphere of influence.

Meeting the Soviet Challenge Truman stood by the motto ‘The buck stops here.’ meaning that the president made tough decisions, and thus was accountable for them. Truman agreed with American diplomat George F. Kennan’s policy of containment to stop the spread of communism in Europe and around the world. This would require the biggest resource of the U.S.– money!

Truman’s Response Truman’s first response to communism became known as the Truman Doctrine. It stated that the U.S. would supply money to any nation struggling against communism. Secondly, for the Truman Doctrine to work, the U.S. had to provide the money. In 1948, Congress approved the Marshall Plan, which gave countries in Europe over $13 billion in aid to stop communism.