-
Period: to
Origins of Cold War
-
USA provoking actions
USSR had asked USA for $6 billion in loan. However, USA were willing to loan it to them but had imposed conditions of opening Eastern European Market to US manufactured products.
USA then terminated lend-lease in May 1945 that made USSR desperate for capital need
As a result of USA provoking actions it had led to the USSR failure to cooperate in international agreements which marked the beginning of economic schism -
Yalta Conference
At the Yalta Conference, several agreements laid out between the Soviet Unioin, United States and Britain. The USA and Britain demanded the inclusion of the London Poles inside the Lublin Committee. In addition, Stalin signed the Declaration of Liberated Europe which pledged free elections and democratic institutions. -
Yalta Conference (FInal Implementation)
In the end, Stalin adhere to part of the agreement as shown in his inclusion of only 2 London Poles in the Lublin Committee however, free elections failed to take place in Poland. Stalin's action of including London Poles in the Lublin Committee was an act of tokenism. He wanted to portray Soviet Union as a country who refuse to escalate tensions however his actions was done without sincerity. -
Kennan's Long Telegramme
Kennan deemed the Soviet leadership to be suspicious and aggressive thus it results in Insecurities that developed an anti-communist sentiments around the world. Hence, he asserts that there should be no compromise with the USSR.
The Long Telegramme had cemented US policy makers negative perception towards the USSR and it had influence Truman's administration in taking a firm political stance and policy towards the USSR. -
Iron Curtain Speech
Some of the themes discussed in the Long Telegramme were now publicly aired. This event had shaped the attitude of the political elite around the world towards USSR. The Iron Curtain Speech had hardened teh attitude of the American Public.
Stalin reacted by calling Churchill a warmonger and accusing him of provoking a World War. Nontheless, Stalin took no concrete actions again it. -
Truman Doctrine
Greece:
The Communist factions were involved in the Greek Civil war. Unfortunately, Britain could no longer protect Greece and withdraw its troops..
Fearing that Greece would fall under communist controlled USA implented TRuman Doctrine to certiffy its assistance towards greece.
Turkey:
Soviets demanded access to the Straits of Bosphorus and Dardanelles. USA activated the Doctrine to help Turkey in case of Soviets aggressive actions against Turket
However, this elicit response from Stalin. -
Marshall Plan
In 1947, western Europe was facing severe economic and psychological crisis. Hence the Marshall plan was implemented to restore economic stability and hence political stability
However, USSR reluctant to partake in the plan as they realised that USA was trying to create an Economic Empire in Europe. Hence, it would undermine communist credibiity. Therefore, Molotov plan was created. This cemented economic schism in europe. -
Berlin Blockade
Western powers planning to create and circulate new german currency all over Germany. Stalin interpreted this as a move to reinvigorate Germany under democracy thus, Stalin initiated a blockade in Berlin.
This event led to the creation of two separate German States which was a microcosm of the division in Europe. -
Formation of Nato
Creators of Brussels Pact in March 1948 - Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and luxembourg- realised that a military alliance is ineffective without American particaption. Hence, USA was invited to join the new Military aliiance called North Atlantic Treaty of Organisation.
Formation of NATO resulted in the beginning of military split in europe. Nontheless, warsaw pact in 1955 was the one that cemented the split. Hpwever, Warsaw Pact was not an immediate response to the NATO.
