The USSR and the USA: the creation of spheres of influence (4) Flashcards
(42 cards)
How did the USSR and the USA create spheres of influence?
In the atmosphere of tension and suspicion after the war, both superpowers tried to strengthen over parts of Europe.
Define sphere of influence.
An area under the influence or control of a dominant country.
What was the issue which caused tension between the former Allies (USA and USSR)?
The issue was Western concern about the extension of Soviet control over much of Eastern Europe.
Was Western concern about Soviet Expansionism justified? (2)
- Yes, during the war, the USSR had annexed the independent Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and at the end of the war, it annexed the eastern part of Poland.
- In addition, the presence of the Soviet Army which had liberated Eastern Europe from the Nazis ensured that Soviet-friendly governments came to power in Polan, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and East Germany.
The countries in which the USSR liberated and established Soviet governmentš in became known as Soviet ___.
satellites
Define satellite state.
A state under the strong influence of another country.
True or False
The free elections, which the USSR had agreed at Yalta to hold in these countries did not take place
True
What event in 1948 seemed to confirm Western Suspicions that the USSR was trying to extend its control and influence?
The communist coup in Czechoslovakia
What did the USSR and USA think that the USSR’s main reason for joining the Grand Alliance was?
They believed that the USSR’s main aim in joining the Grand Alliance during the war had been to increase Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.
The West were also worried that communist governments would take control in the rest of the Europe, especially___, ____ and France (_______________)
Greece
Italy
Where there were strong Communist parties
How did Sir Winston Churchill express disapproval of the USSR’s expansion?
He did so in a speech at Fulton, Missouri, in the uSA in 1946. In this speech he warned that an ‘iron curtain’ was diving Europe into East and West.
Define Iron Curtain.
The Iron Curtain specifically refers to the imaginary line dividing Europe between Soviet influence and Western influence.
What does the Iron Curtain symbolise?
It symbolizes efforts by the Soviet Union to block itself and its satellite states from open contact with the West and non-Soviet-controlled areas.
What did concerns about the extension of the Soviet Union lead to?
It led to a radical change in American foreign policy.
What had America’s foreign policy been like prior to fear of Soviet Expansionism? What policy did it now adopt?
It was a policy of ‘isolation, the USA become actively involved in world affairs. It adopted a policy of containment, to contain or check the spread of communism.
Which events made the USA and USSR decide to take action in this way?
It was the events in Greece and Turkey.
What had happened in Greece?
In Greece, a civil had broken out between communist-led guerillas and the Greek government. A similar situation had developed in Turkey
What conclusions did the USA make about the events in Greece and Turkey?
The USA believed that in both cases the USSR was supporting the communists.
When the USA announce their policy change?
In March 1947.
What did the policy of containment entail?
The USA was prepared to send money, military equipment, and advice to any country that was threatened by a communist takeover.
What became of the basis of American policy during the Cold War?
The Truman Doctrine.
Almost immediately, the USA sent aid to ____ and ____ governments. This helped them defeat the communist guerillas.
Greek
Turkish
Define subjugation.
One country bringing another under its control.
Define guerillas.
Irregular, informal army, soldiers that use informal hit and run tactics.
