Early Developments In The Cold War (1945-1949) Flashcards
Name the key leaders during this period.
Attlee: Britain.
Stalin: USSR
Roosevelt until April 1945: USA
Truman after Roosevelt: USA
What was the Long Telegram
A telegram sent by Kennan, who worked at the US Embassy in Moscow. Kennan warned that Stalin was determined to expand Soviet Power. This was seen as evidence for Stalin wanting to spread communism throughout the world.
What was Stalin’s real reason for expanding Soviet Control?
To defend the Soviet Union from any attack made by the West.
What was Stalin’s Plan to prevent an Invasion from the West?
To have a zone of Eastern European countries loyal to the USSR between Germany and the Soviet Union (=Eastern Bloc).
What had the Allies agreed towards the end of WW2
That the USSR would be able to have a “Sphere of Influence”
What was the iron curtain?
A metaphor used to describe the division in Europe between Western-influenced countries and countries controlled by the Soviet Union
Truman Doctrine: what did Truman announce in 1947
The USA would help Greece stay free of communism. It would send $400M to the Greek Government.
How did Truman further his offer to Greece?
The USA would send aid to any country where communism was threatening freedom.
The Truman Doctrine did not wish to roll back the spread of communism. What is this called?
Containment
Summarise the Marshall Plan
In 1948, the USA decided to give around $13B to European countries to help them recover from the devastation caused by the Cold War. This was because Communists took control of Czechoslovakia’s government. In return for Marshall aid, countries agreed to buy US products.
Give an effect of the Marshall Plan
Stalin decided that Marshall money could weaken Soviet Control over Eastern Europe. He told governments there to refuse to accept it because the Marshall Plan was actually about the US making countries dependant upon it for money.
Give an effect of the Truman Doctrine
Made it clear that the world was divided into communist and non-communist states.
What was Cominform, 1947-1956
Alliance of 9 European communist parties that Stalin set up, partly in response to the Marshall Plan. Made sure that other communist parties followed the approach set out by Stalin. Broke down when Stalin died (1953)
What was Comecon, 1949?
Economic organisation that aimed to coordinate economic development between the USSR and its Eastern European allies. Trade links between 6 OG members: USSR, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania. Tried to prevent Eastern European countries being lured into capitalism. However, all the Eastern European countries increased trade with Western countries rather than the USSR.
What happened in January 1947?
Bizonia. (Britain + USA)
And, in August 1948, Trizonia (+USA)
