The Cold War

YALTA (in the USSR) Date: Feb 1945 Present: Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin

POTSDAM (Germany) Date: July 1945 Present: Churchill, Truman and Stalin

Why was there rivalry between the USA and the USSR? Communism versus Capitalism The end of WWI (Russian Revolution + Civil War) Beginning of WW2 (Nazi- Soviet Pact) Breakdown of WW2 Alliance- Nazism had been defeated Death of FDR in 1945 / Truman becomes president Development of the Atomic bomb The Truman Doctrine/ Marshall Plan

THE TRUMAN DOCTRINE

What was it? Before WW2 the USA had been isolationist and not got involved in Europe….NOW…… Because of the fear of Communism, the USA was prepared to intervene throughout the world to protect democracy against communism…. The USA did this by lending equipment, advice etc ( and eventually military force) The main aim was to stop communism spreading further This policy was called CONTAINMENT

The Truman Doctrine Truman had been horrified at the pre-war Allied policy of appeasement and was determined to stand up to any Soviet intimidation. The Truman Doctrine in March 1947 promised that the USA “would support free peoples who are resisting subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures”. It signalled the end of “isolationst” policies.

The Marshall Plan The Marshall Plan reflected the strength of the US economy and offered huge sums to enable the war shattered economies of Europe to rebuild and, by generating prosperity, to reject the appeal of Communism. Czechoslovakia showed interest in receiving Marshall Aid but was blocked by Russia. The Soviet system was as much dependent upon creating a self-contained economic bloc as it was in maintaining a repressive political system.

What a nice gesture by the Americans. Yes BUT….. The aid came in the form of goods made by American firms So there was an element of American self-interest to prevent another depression in USA