Why did relations deteriorate between the West and the USSR between 1945-47 Flashcards
The atomic bomb
Potsdam - Truman reveals that the USA had developed an atomic bomb but the USA will not reveal the technology with the USSR
This angered Stalin who was suspicious of the USA’s intentions and he questioned if they would use the bomb against the USSR
Roosevelt had died in April 1945 and was replaced by Harry Truman
Truman was very anti communist and did not like Stalin
Stalin believed Truman had told him about the bomb in order to intimidate the USSR
As a result relations deteriorated between the East and West
Soviet actions in Eastern Europe
By 1947 the USSR controlled Albania, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland. Stalin argued that this ‘buffer zone’ was needed for the security of the soviet union.
However Stalin had promised to let the people to choose their own government but his actions in Eastern Europe went against this, (rigged elections, imprisonment and intimidation using the red army)
As a result of this churchill said an ‘Iron curtain’ had descended across Europe.
Truman Doctrine, Marshall aid and the soviet response
In an effort to contain communism Truman released the Truman doctrine
He said the United states would ‘support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation from armed minorities or outside pressures’
Marshall aid was offered to all of the countries in Europe including the USSR, but Stalin rejected this ‘dollar diplomacy’
Stalin reacted by tightening his grip over Eastern Europe by creating Comecon and Cominform
Together with Marshall aid this deepened the economic and political division in Europe
Berlin blockade and airlift
At Yalta and Potsdam the Western allies and the USSR decided to split Germany and Berlin into four zones
Both sides disagreed on the future of Germany. The west wanted to rebuild the German economy. The soviets wanted to keep Germany weak to it could not pose a threat to the USSR.
Berlin became a particular flash point as it was 100 miles into the soviet zone.
Once the west introduced a new currency the USSR blockaded the cit.
In response the west introduced an airlift
Stalin refused to shoot down any planes as this would lead to war to he was forced to call of the blockade
in the aftermath of the blockade east and west Germany officially established the division and it was made permanent.
Construct a timeline of key cold war events from 1945-47
Yalta - Feb 1945
Potsdam July 1945
Atomic bomb August 1945
Soviet agression in Eastern Europe 45-47
Iron curtain March 1945
Truman Doctrine March 1947
The long telegram July 1947
Marshall aid April 1947
