2. US-USSR relations Versailles to 1945

2

Ideology of Lenin and Wilson

There was an ideological fault-line between the two. Both of their visions were universalist (had to be widely accepted to work). Nationalism prevented both sides from succeeding - nationalism is pluralistic which is the opposite of nationalistic as it has no interest in benefits for all

Failure of Versailles

Europe was not ready to accept either proposed idea. US and USSR never became members, Germany was never allowed to join

US in the inter-war years

US took less interest in the intl world focusing on dominating the West only. Many citizens denounced the US intervention in WW1. 1930s economic depression caused Roosevelt to focus on economic recovery

USSR in the inter-war years

Lenin superseded by Stalin who main goal was to modernise the Soviet economy in fear of more war

When did Lenin change to Stalin

1920s

Marxism-Leninism

Capitalist war in inevitable so industrialisation of the military-industrial complex was essential. Survival of the USSR had higher ideological stakes as it meant survival of socialism and Stalin’s leadership

Life in the USSR under Stalin

Police and terror state, widespread famine, no consumer goods, persecution of political oppositions

how did the US and USSR become allies in WW2

1940: USSR signs peace treaty with Germany

1941: Germany attacks USSR in breach of treaty, USSR joins UK

1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbour, US joins the UK

US AND USSR NOW ALLIES

Importance of the Battle of Stalingrad

Soviets win through the harsh winter, meaning Nazis were occupied in Stalingrad for longer than expected. Had they not been defeated, there would have been far more free soldiers to move West, likely overwhelming the UK

Question at the Tehran Conference 1943

Should the US and UK should seek to re-establish the old BoP from before the war, once it was won?

Answers at the Tehran Conference

WC: Yes, help protect against the threat of the USSR

FR: No, the BoP failed before so will again. If the USSR becomes a threat, Europe will turn to the US for protection

JS: idc, only wants to remain unchallenged in E. Europe

Roosevelt’s post-war vision

Continuation of WW’s ideas but with an enforcer, as this was what Roosevelt thought had failed the last time.

1. US to establish the UNSC inc the P5

2. self-determination for all nations as colonialism was main route of world wars

3. free capitalism. discussed in Bretton Woods 1944 to create the BWIs, shift to $ for trade

Stalin’s response to Roosevelt’s vision

1. requested a veto on the UNSC as there was only one socialist representative

2. their sphere of influence acted as in E. Europe meant Stalin did not try to show any support for self-determination

3. Stalin’s commitment to socialism was underestimated, he would not open the USSR up to intl trade without giving up socialism. Rejects membership