Cold War in Europe
Bell Ringer Who were the two main countries fighting in the Cold War? Explain what the Iron Curtain was.
Questions to think about How did the United States begin to send aid to nations fighting communism? What led to the Berlin blockade?
The Cold War The conflicting aims of the United States and the Soviet Union led to the Cold War. This was a state of hostility between these superpowers, but one without military action. Each tried to spread its political and economic influence worldwide. This would last until the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991
Truman Doctrine Truman’s first test of containment of Soviet influence was when Greece and Turkey needed economic and military aid in 1947. In the Truman Doctrine, the president argued that aid should be sent to any nation trying to stop Communists from taking over. Congress agreed and $400 million in aid was sent to Turkey and Greece between 1947 and 1950
Examining Primary Sources Read and annotate the excerpt from the Truman Doctrine of 1947. Complete the questions. Be prepared to discuss.
Marshall Plan Western Europe was also in terrible economic shape. Factories and fields had been destroyed. A terrible winter in 1946–1947 increased hardship. Millions of people were living in refugee camps while European governments tried to figure out where to resettle them. Secretary of State George Marshall wanted to send aid to nations that cooperated with American economic goals.
Marshall Plan Then Soviet troops took over Czechoslovakia in 1949. Congress saw the need for strong, stable governments to resist communism. It approved the Marshall Plan. The plan was a great success in rebuilding Western Europe and halting the spread of communism. Between 1947-1952…16 countries received some $13 billion in aid. Western Europe was flourishing and the Communist party lost its appeal to voters.
Political Cartoon Analysis With a new partner complete the first three political cartoon analysis. You will decide: Is the source FOR, AGAINST or UNBIASED about the Marshall Plan What point is the cartoonist trying to make about the Marshall Plan? What features of the cartoon creates this impression.
“It’s the same without mechanical problems”
Compare Notes Pair up with another group and compare notes and discuss what you found.
Superpowers Struggle over Germany At the end of WWII, Germany was divided into four zones. U.S., Great Britain, France in the west Soviet Union in the east. In 1948 the west wanted to combine their zones into one nation.
Superpowers Struggle over Germany Berlin the capital of Germany was divided into west and east Berlin. There was no written agreement with the Soviets that allowed free access by road or rail to the Western Powers. In June 1948, Stalin closed all highway and rail route into West Berlin. Resulting in no food or fuel to reach that part of the city. 2.1 million residents only had enough food for 5 weeks
Berlin Airlift While watching this video take notes about what the Berlin Airlift was and its importance.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The blockade made the West worry about Soviet aggression. The United States and Canada joined with ten European nations in a defensive military alliance called the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Members agreed that an attack on one was an attack on all
American Isolationism? United States had entered into a military alliance with other nations during peacetime. The Cold War had ended any hope of a return to U.S. isolationism.
This cartoon depicts the nations that signed the North Atlantic Pact, which created NATO in 1949. The nations, shown as hats, are arranged in a pyramid to show the bigger countries on the bottom supporting the smaller, weaker nations on top.
Assessment Complete the four questions focusing on the main ideas of this chapter.