History Chapter 4
Extra things
- After successfully testing an atomic weapon by the USSR the superpower cooperation which had successfully defeated the Axis powers and developed a model for the post-war world had turned into the Cold War. - Although the Berlin Blockade had highlighted the West's vulnerability to Soviet aggression in East Berlin, the conclusion of the crisis arguably stabilized the situation regarding Germany's position in Europe.
Development of a containment doctrine
- Britain announced in 1947 that it could no longer afford to sustain its support for the Greek government in the civil war that had been going on between communists since the liberation of Greece in 1944. If the U.S wanted to prevent Greece and possibly Turkey from falling to communist hands, they would have to act fast. - There were fears that the communist parties sponsored by moscow in France and Italy would come to power. Both countries were experiencing terrible economic hardship after the war. Poor harvest and failure of coalition governments made the possibility of communism more likely.
Idealogical differences
- Idealogical Differences is one of the few reasons relations began to break down. As American was a capitalist country, and Soviet Russia was communist.
What changed between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. (2 of 5)
- Roosevelt had died in April. His successor Truman was inexperienced in dealing with international affairs and believed that Stalin should keep to the agreements made at Yalta.
How can Stalin's role in the Cold War be defended?
- Some historians say that Soviet security concerns at the end of the war were the biggest influence on its policy towards. - These concerns stemmed from historical fears about invasion from the west after the Russian Civil war and Stalin's belief that Great Britain and France had allowed Nazi Germany to expand eastwards during the late 1930s. These fears increased as a result of Allied policy during the war for the following reasons. (Pt. 2)
Methods of takeover
- Soviet troops would normally remain after liberation - Political Opposition would be arrested or killed - Would rig elections to have primarily communist governments
Who was to blame for starting the Cold War. In what ways was Stalin to Blame? Pt 2
- Stalin did not abide by the agreements he had made at Yalta. - Between Yalta and Potsdam he had installed communist governments in Poland and Romania. And he went on to impose this throughout eastern Europe in the years following the war. - Political opposition was banned - Establishment of COMINFORM was a clear sign to undermine capitalism. - He frequently used ideological language when condemning the West and justifying his own actions
Potsdam Conference (agreements)
- The Polish/German border was to be settled at the Oder-Neisse Lind -Germany would be denazified - Germany would be governed by an Allied Control Council in Berlin where each decision required a unanimous verdict and the country would be treated as a single economic unit. - Each country was allowed to take reparations from its own zone of occupation. The USSR could also take some equipment from the industrialized western zones.
Why did the U.S and USSR alliance begin to break down in 1945?
- There were wartime disagreements. In 1941 when Russia entered the war, the public was given an image that Britain, Us and USSR had close relations and had the common goal of defeating nazism. These allies cooperated extensively during the war. British Merchant ships braved the horros of the Baltic to supply the USSR with much needed materials. And the USA extended its Lend-Lease program to the USSR.
How can Stalin's role in the Cold War be defended? PT. 2
-Britain refused to share details of the German secret Enigma codes - From Stalin's perspective the western Allies deliberately delayed opening a second front in the west in order to weaken the soviet Union. - The USA kept details of the Manhattan Project secret from the USSR.
Countries view on the future of Germany
-It was clear that the Western powers goal was to rebuild Germany and help it recover, while Stalin was using German resources to rebuild the USSR. -With the creation of Bizonia (which France would later join) Stalin felt threatened and feared he was being forced out of Berlin. -The three western powers also agreed to unite their zones politically as well. Stalin knew about this.
What changed between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. (1 of 5)
A number of changes took place between these two important meetings that affected the outcome of the Potsdam Conference.
Why did the U.S and USSR alliance begin to break down in 1945? PT 2
But though things looked nice on the surface, tensions were beginning to arise between the Eastern and Western allies. Stalins obsessive secrecy prevented him with sharing his battle plans with either Britain nor the USA. Churchill would not share his knowledge of the Enigma codes with the USSR.
Attitude towards Germany and the post war world
By the end of 1944, two things had become obvious, the allies were going to win the war, and The Soviet Union will play a much greater role in world affairs then she previously had done. In October of 1944, Churchill met Stalin to discuss post war "Spheres of Influence." This is where the two leaders agreed to assign their respective influences in south-eastern Europe.
2nd contribution
Churchills Iron Curtain speech delivered a powerful case for greater American intervention in Europe's affairs. The speech highlighted not only the extent of Russian control in eastern Europe but the threat to the rest of Europe if firm action wasn't taken.
The Warsaw Pact
Due to the fact that Britain USA and France withdrew military occupation from Germany and Germany joining NATO. Russia had a response. The created a pact that would unify Russia with 7 other countries into one big state. It was a direct response to the rearmament of West Germany.
Agreements made at the Yalta Conference (2 of 4) (agreements made on the issue)
Establishment of the United Nations Organization: - Initially it was to consist of all the states at war with Germany - The Security Council would consist of five permanent members, each with a power of veto. - Arrangements were made to convene the UN held in San Francisco.
Lend-Lease
From 1941 America lent, leased and sold military equipment to any countrys fighting Germany, Italy or Japan.
Agreements made at the Yalta Conference (4 of 4) (agreements made on the issue)
Future of Poland: - A provisional government would be made incorporating members of the pro-Soviet "Lublin" Government, and the exiled "London" Pole, who fled from the German and Soviet armies in 1939. - Free and fair multi-party elections would be held as soon as possible.
Agreements made at the Yalta Conference (3 of 4) (agreements made on the issue)
Getting the USSR to enter the war against Japan: - Stalin agreed to intervene in the war against Japan after Germany was defeated. - In return, the USSR was given territory lost to Japan during the Russo-Japanese war, and Outer Mongolia and Manchuria would become Soviet "spheres of influence."
How can America's role in the Cold War be defended
How might President Truman defend Americas conduct as the starter of the Cold war. -Countries in Western Europe were free to decide on their choice of political and economic systems after the war.
Federal Republic of Germany
In May 1949, the formal political unification of the western zones took place with the creation of the FRG. With the Basic Law providing the basis for the new countrys constitution. Soviet response was to create the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
Consequences of the Blockade
In many ways, the crisis completed the breakdown in relations between the superpowers and establish a political, economic, military and territorial division of Europe which would last for 40 years.
Stalins response Pt 2
In response Stalin had a conference of how threatening implementation of Marshall aid could be for the future of communism in Europe. The conference also established COMINFORM (Communist Information Bureau,) whose purpose was to maintain the unity of the assembled nations under Moscow's control. Stalin also used this to tighten his grip on Czechoslovakia, the only country which still retained some political independence fro the USSR.
Development of a containment doctrine Pt 2
In response to what was happening Truman introduced a policy of containment which consisted of two main elements: a commitment to help any country threatened by totalitarian aggression (Truman Doctrine) and the creation of the European Recovery Program. (Marshall Aid.)
European Recovery Program. (Marshall Aid.) Pt 2
It lasted for four years and provided $13.3 billion for European recovery. By providing loans to other countries, Marshall was hoping to create stronger markets for US exports. Stalin refused to allow Soviet bloc states to participate.
Potsdam Conference (disagreements)
It marked a significant deterioration in relations between the Allies. - They disagreed over the future of Germany. Stalin wanted to dismember Germany, and prevent it developing its own industry. - The USSR wanted access to Germany's industrial heartland in the Ruhr. This was rejected. - Stalin wanted to gain a foothold in Japan, a demand that Truman rejected.
Operation Vittles/Berlin Airlift
It was an airlift which lasted for 11 months. It involved nearly 300,000 flights and brought over 2 million tons of cargo to the city of Berlin. Coal, food and petrol and other resources were transported by air to Soviet Berlin. In may of 1949 the Soviets, having failed their goal of uniting the city under soviet control, lifted the blockade. The efforts of the British and American air forces and the determination of the two million Germans in West Berlin ensured the maintained control of the city by the western powers.
What changed between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. (5 of 5)
No change in the USSR, Stalin was still the leader and he was determined to look after the interests of the USSR. His top priorities were getting reparations out of Germany and making sure that the USSR would not be invaded through Eastern Europe.
Major issues that were somewhat all agreed on in relation to the future of Germany.
One of the most difficult issues that the former allies faced in regards to the future of Germany. - It was agreed (in short term) that the country would be divided into 4 zones and the permanent fate of Germany would be discussed in a future peace conference. - Germanys capital would also be divided into 4 zones - Russia could take reparations from Germany - The wartime powers agreed to denazify, demilitarize and democratize Germany. -Polish border would be pushed westwards. - A control council with representatives from all four occupying powers would decide matters affecting Germany.
How can Stalin's role in the Cold War be defended? PT. 3
Stalin also detected a significant shift in American policy after the death of President Roosevelt. The new president, Truman was much more tough and adopted a more hare lone policy over issues such as the future of Germany, Poland and the ending of Lend-Lease loans to the USSR.
How had the USSR gained control of Eastern Europe by 1948?
Stalin had intended to create "spheres of influence" in eastern and central Europe for some time. He used a variety of methods to assert his influence in each of the different countries.
The Blockade
Stalin responded to the introduction of a new currency by blockading West Berlin, blocking all traffic moving west to east. He increased the pressure on the city by turning off all electricity and gas supplies. He hoped that he could force the other three powers out of Berlin by doing this. He would remove a award symbol of western life from his zone.
Stalins response (to the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid.)
Stalin wasn't too concerned with the Truman Doctrine. But he saw Marshall aid as a serious threat. He recognized that the program would require recipients to bring their economic policies into line with American interests. This would undermine his control over eastern Europe. He saw it as ideological warfare.
How can Stalin's role in the Cold War be defended? PT. 34
Stalins desire to impose his own system on eastern Europe was largely driven by the need to aid Soviet post-war recovery. Soviet losses, including civilian deaths, have been estimated to be almost 20 million. whereas total American losses were less than half a million. In addition Russia was actually invaded and mainland America did not experience any wartime action. Much of the German occupied land of the USSR was destroyed. Horrific sieges in the war led to 25 million citizens being homeless post war.
Who was to blame for starting the Cold War. In what ways was Stalin to Blame?
Stalins guilt for starting the Cold War can be demonstrated in many ways. - Historians argue that communist ideology was expansionist and universal meaning that communism could not co-exist with capitalism and intended to impose its own system of government throughout the world. There is evidence to support this view. (Pt 2)
Attitude towards germany post war. PT 2
The "Big Three" met twice in 1945 to discuss the nature of the post-war world. The first meeting was at Yalta, all three leaders wanted to discuss the war, but they were all more focused on the future.
1st contribution
The 1st contribution was the "long telegram" by George Kennan. The telegram went over five main points. 1. Russia was hostile, the reasons for the hostility was because of insecurity which included a fear of its own people and what might happen if they found out about the outside world. 2. Communist ideology did not create this insecurity. Marxism teaches that conflicts in society cannot be solved peacefully. This helped the Russian government justify the kind of relentless hostility to the outside world. 3. The effect of this insecurity was that no Russian Government would try to make a peaceful settlement with the USA. So a partnership with the two countrys was futile. 4. The way to defeat russia was by a "policy of firm containment." If faced with immovable resistance the USSR would have trouble expanding. 5. Contrary to what soviet said (keenan said) their rule would collapse one day with an internal struggle for control.
Potsdam Conference
The conference clearly illustrated the differing views of the USSR and the western powers over the future of Germany and Poland.
Bizonia
The single economic unit of the merged British and American zones of post-war Germany.
What changed between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. (4 of 5)
The soviet Union had liberated eastern Europe and was starting to install sympathetic governments, while targeting political opponents. No free elections had so far been held in any of these countries.
European Recovery Program. (Marshall Aid.) Pt 1
This was a plan announced by Secretary of State George Marshall in June 1947. The aims of the plan were to stabilize the economies of Europe and prevent the growth of communism in European democracies. 16 countries accepted Marshall Aid and it would also be applied to the western zones in Germany (in breach of the Potsdam agreement.)
Truman Doctrine
Truman Persuaded Congress to provide 400 million in economic and military aid for Greece. He described the world as divided between the free and the oppressors and provided an open-ended commitment to defend free countries threatened by aggressive neighbors throughout the world.
How did the USA react to Soviet Expansionism?
Truman was initially confused and uncertain. However, two important contributions to the debate over future American policy towards Europe and the USSR had a significant impact on the President and provided him with a clearer sense of direction.
Who was to blame for starting the Cold War: In what ways was USA to Blame? Pt. 2
US policy was influenced by important personalities such as President Truman - Truman had been very aggressive in his dealings with Molotov, the soviet Foreign Minister during meetings in April 1945. - Truman believed the US atomic monopoly would allow it to dictate terms at the Potsdam Conference. - The Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid were regarded by the USSR as highly provocative and designed to isolate the USSR.
Who was to blame for starting the Cold War: In what ways was USA to Blame?
US policy was influenced by the need to create global free markets for US goods. - US ended its Lend-Lease arrangements with USSR - Marshall Aid was not designed to prevent European economies from collapsing; its true purpose was to provide a market for US goods and to ensure the preservation of a capitalist, free market system. - The creation of Bizonia and later introduction of a new currency in the western zones was a clear breach of the Potsdam agreement, and was an attempt to impose a capitalist system across the whole of Germany.
Agreements made at the Yalta Conference (1 of 4) (agreements made on the issue)
What to do with Germany after it was defeated: - Only unconditional surrender would be acceptable - There was to be no separate peace - Germany (and its capital Berlin) would be temp. divided into four occupation zones. - Germany's eastern border would be moved westwards. - Reparations would be payments unkind, a total of $20 billion to be paid, half going to USSR.
What changed between the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. (3 of 5)
Winston Churchill had been replaced due to an election, and the new leader was Labour leader Clement Attlee.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
in April 1949, the USA pledged to join NATO. It was the first time in the countrys history that it had committed itself in peacetime a military alliance, and one which would not require an attack on the USA to involve it in possible military action. 11 other states joined in 1949. West Germany joined in 1955
