How did the Cold War become a war of words?

Learning objective – to be able to explore the way tensions in the Cold War built up in 1946. I can describe the key reports and speeches of 1946 that contributed to Cold War tensions. Grade D I can explain the key reports and speeches of 1946 that contributed to Cold War tensions. Grade B I can evaluate the impact of the key reports and speeches of 1946 that contributed to Cold War tensions. Grade A

Starter – what do you think the message of this cartoon is?

What was happening in eastern Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War? The Potsdam Conference was inconclusive and resolved nothing in eastern Europe. Considering the Percentages Deal Stalin felt he had with Churchill at the Potsdam Conference, he allowed his Red Army troops to stay in most of the countries in eastern Europe. This helped him achieve the domination in eastern Europe he was seeking. By 1946, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania all had governments which had a significant number of Communists, who owed their loyalty to Stalin, in them

What was in Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech? In 1946, Winston Churchill was now the Leader of the Opposition, but because of his wartime role, he was still seen as a wise, world figure. President Truman invited Churchill to make a speech on the position of the world at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech was one of the most important speeches in the Cold War. In it Churchill commented upon the growing border between Soviet controlled countries and the West. He called this border the Iron Curtain. This triggered a war of words between USA and USSR which increased tension and mistrust between the two superpowers

What was the reaction to Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech? Stalin was furious and compared the behaviour of Churchill and his allies with Hitler. He ordered a secret report from his ambassador in America, Nikolai Novikov. Although Truman had misgivings about Churchill’s speech, he agreed with its sentiment. Fearing division in Europe, Truman ordered his ambassador in Russia, George Kennan to send him a secret report on his opinion on Moscow’s position.

What did the secret reports report? Novikov’s report in 1946 reported – USA wanted to dominate the world. USA no longer interested in co-operating with the USSR. This was Truman’s fault. The American public were being prepared for war with the USSR. Kennan’s report – the Long Telegram – in 1946 reported – Stalin had made a speech encouraging the destruction of capitalism. There would be no peace so long as USSA was opposed to capitalism. The USSR was building up its military power. Advised USA to aim to contain Communism.

What was the impact of the secret reports? Both Novikov and Kennan’s reports were believed by their respective leaders. Both reports convinced its leaders that war was likely. The reports really helped end the Grand Alliance, both sides convinced that the other wanted world domination.

A war of words – the Cold War in 1946 Copy this framework in your exercise book. Complete this note making framework A war of words – the Cold War in 1946 The Iron Curtain The Long Telegram Novikov Report

Task This visual hexagon activity helps you make links between the different areas of how the Cold War developed in 1946. In pairs, make links between each hexagon and write two sentences for each link explaining them fully.

Plenary This word cloud summarises the content of the Iron Curtain speech. In pairs, choose three words which summarise in your mind the importance of the Iron Curtain. Write these three words in your exercise book and explain beside them why the words are important.