CIE IGCSE History Origins of Cold War

Which countries were referred to as superpowers + why?

The USA and the USSR, because

Why was the cold war important?

It was the first major war in the age of nuclear weapons - atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was also important because (some of the) alliances were formed that still exist today.

Why were the USA and USSR rivals?

Economic, Political & Military reasons, and foreign policy.

Explain the economic reasons behind the USA and USSR rivalries.

USA - Capitalist, USSR - Communist. These were very different economic policies and were opposing. Economic policies are fundamental to a country’s running.

Explain the political reasons behind the USA’s and the USSR’s rivalries.

The USA was a democracy (1776), and the USSR was a one party dictatorship. These ideals clearly oppose each other so tensions would be high as each side thinks the other is wrong.

Explain the military reasons behind the USA’s and USSR’s rivalries.

The USA had use of the atomic bomb by 1945, and the USSR had use by 1949, so for four years the USSR felt at threat from the USA as they could be wiped out instantly.

Explain the international reasons behind the USA’s and the USSR’s rivalries.

The USA believed in a ‘free world’ - letting each country having it’s own economical system, whereas the USSR believed in world revolution - spreading communism around the world. These are two conflicting beliefs and show why each country would oppose the other’s international policies.

What was the Yalta conference and when was it held?

Held in February 1945. It was a conference held in Ukraine to plan what would happen to Europe after the defeat of Germany. It was held between the ‘big three’ allies - delegates were Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin.

What agreements were made at the Yalta conference?

How to sort out Germany, elections of liberated countries, Eastern Europe, creation of the United Nations, Japan

Explain the decision about Germany made at Yalta in more detail

This was the first and most important agreement made at Yalta. They agreed that Germany would be divided into four zones: American, French, British and Soviet. They set aside a zone for the French because they were allied previously to the war, and also were heavily damaged during the war.

Explain the decision made about elections of liberated countries at Yalta in more detail.

As the Big Three liberated countries from Nazi rule, they would allow them to hold free elections to decide which government they wanted.

Explain the decision made about eastern Europe at Yalta in more detail

The USSR had approximately 27 million casualties during the war, so Stalin was concerned about the safety and security of the USSR (risk of invasion), so the Big Three agreed that Eastern Europe should be seen as the 'soviet sphere of influence'

Explain the decision about the creation of the united nations at Yalta in more detail.

They agreed that a new organisation should be made to try and keep peace after the war and they all agreed that they would join. This would replace the league of nations in place before WW2.

Explain the decision made about Japan at Yalta in more detail.

They agreed that the USSR would join the pacific war against Japan as soon as Germany surrendered

What did the big three disagree about at Yalta?

They disagreed over what to do about Poland.

Explain the disagreement over Poland in more detail (Stalin).

Stalin wanted the border of the USSR to move westwards into Poland. He argued that Poland could move its border westwards into German territory ( because he wants to make it as hard as possible for Germany to invade again). The UK and US delegates did not agree to this, however they eventually were persuaded to accept it.

Explain the Allie’s response to Stalin’s plans about Poland.

Churchill did not approve of these plans, but he also knew he didn't have much control over it because Stalin's red army was in control of Poland and eastern Germany. Roosevelt was also unhappy, but Churchill persuaded him to accept it as long as the USSR agreed not to interfere in Greece where Br was trying to prevent communists taking over. So, Stalin believed he had a promise that the border could be moved.

 

When was the Potsdam conference held?

July 1945

What changes had occurred from Yalta to Potsdam?

The delegates were different - Truman, Attlee (Changed partway through), Stalin.

Stalin’s armies were occupying most of eastern Europe - instead of liberating countries and withdrawing, Stalin left his troops there. This violated the agreement made at Yalta, especially in Poland, but Stalin argued that it was only a defensive measure.

The Allies had tested an atomic bomb.

Germany had surrendered.

How did President Roosevelt and President Truman differ?

Truman was much more anti-communist than Roosevelt - he saw the actions by the USSR in eastern Europe as preparations for a takeover of the rest of Europe.

Which disagreements were made at the Potsdam conference?

Strength of Germany, Reparations, Eastern Europe.

Explain the disagreement over the strength of Germany in more detail

 Stalin wanted to make Germany completely unable to fight in order to protect the USSR, Truman did not want to repeat the mistake of the TOV (Stalin feels betrayed - he thought this would be his sphere of influence - Yalta)

Explain the disagreement over Reparations at Potsdam in more detail

Stalin wanted reparations from Germany due to the 27 million Russian deaths in the war. Truman however was again not keen as he didn't want to repeat the mistakes of the first world war.

Explain the disagreement over Eastern Europe that occurred at the Potsdam conference in more detail.

At Yalta, the allies had agreed that Stalin could set up pro soviet governments in Eastern Europe. He said that if eastern Europe was united, then no one would dare attack them. Truman was very unhappy about Russian intentions and adopted a 'get tough' attitude against Stalin.

What agreements were made at Potsdam?

Denazification and Demilitarisation

What was denazification?

Removing all Nazi influence from Germany including rounding up all leaders and putting them on trial

What was the situation in Hungary after WW2?

Communists came into power in the 1947 election. They imprisoned opposition politicians and attacked Church leaders.

What was the impact of the Communist takeover in Hungary?

It made the USSR/Communism seem very aggressive, and so heightened tensions between the USSR and the USA.

What was the situation in Poland after the war?

At first, there was a coalition government including the communists. However, in 1947 the communists became the outright leaders and the non-communist leader was forced into exile.

What was the situation in Czechoslovakia after WW2?

There was a coalition government formed in 1945. In 1946, the communists became the largest party but there was still a coalition. In 1948, the communists banned other parties and made Czechoslovakia a communist, one-party state.

What was the ‘Iron Curtain’?

The Iron Curtain was a term coined by Churchill in 1946, when visiting the USA. He used it to describe the divide that emerged in Europe - From the top of east Germany to the bottom of Albania (Not incl. Greece). He used it to try and warn the world esp. USA that the peace is being ruined by the communists.

What was the ‘soviet sphere of influence’?

The area of Eastern Europe that had communist governments + surrounded the USSR, which the USSR had some power over - very influential to those countries.

Why did Stalin want to create the Soviet Sphere of Influence?

He wanted it to protect the USSR, by creating a buffer zone around the edge thus making it a lot harder for any country to attack the USSR on foot. It also meant the USSR seemed a lot more threatening. It also helps to support the communist idea of ‘world revolution’ by spreading communism.

How did Stalin manage to establish complete control over the soviet sphere of influence?

He introduced a secret police, known as the KGB, who imprisoned anyone who opposed communist rule.

What was the Cominform?

The Cominform was the communist information bureau, which co-ordinated with all the communist parties of eastern Europe. It regularly brought all the leaders together to be briefed and to allow Stalin to keep watch over all these leaders, and replace any independent thinkers with more loyal ones.

What was the one exception to the Cominform?

Yugoslavia, as Tito (leader) resented all control that Stalin had, so Yugoslavia was thrown out in 1948.

What did the Soviet Sphere of Influence create?

Buffer and Satellite states.

What were satellite states?

The states that surrounded the USSR - they a) ‘kept watch’ of any unusual/suspicious activity for Stalin, and also ‘orbited’ the Soviet Union, leading them to be called satellite states.

What were buffer states?

Buffer states were the states that surrounded the USSR. They were called this as they created a buffer zone between western Europe and the USSR, to reduce threats and make the USSR safer.

Were local communist parties immediately in power?

No, they were responsible for getting elected individually. This only worked because there was enough support for the communists in each country. No invasions were carried out to force communist rule, however there were many cases of soviet aggression where communist takeovers were forced in countries such as Czechoslovakia by the local communist parties .

What was the ‘long telegram’?

Was a telegram sent from the US embassy in Moscow by George Kennan to the government in the USA, which warned them of the USSR’s plans and is believed to have been a key influence on Truman’s policy decisions in 1947.

What were the USA’s concerns about the Soviet Sphere of Influence?

In the SSI, they had expected friendly (to USSR) and democratic governments, however in their eyes there was only complete communist domination.

As the only eastern European countries not controlled by communists were Czechoslovakia and Greece, the USA was worried they and also Italy and France could be vulnerable.

How did Truman interpret Stalin’s actions in eastern Europe?

Truman saw soviet policy in eastern Europe as only aimed at furthering the spread of communism, whereas Stalin saw it as keeping the USSR secure.

What was the role of George Kennan in 1946?

George Kennan was the chief US diplomat who sent the long telegram.

What was the role of Churchill in 1946?

He coined the term ‘Iron Curtain’ which helped to plant seeds of distrust towards the USSR in the USA.

What was the situation in Greece (1947)?

In Greece, there were two rival groups, communists and royalists. In 1945 Britain sent troops to restore order and supervise free elections, however Britain supported the royalists and returned the king to power. The USSR protested to the UN that Britain was a threat to peace, however the UN did nothing and the communists tried to take Greece by force, so a war developed.

What decisions were made by the UK and the USA in Greece after civil war broke out?

The British could not afford the cost of a war an in early 1947 said they needed to withdraw troops. Truman did not want this to happen and paid for some British troops to stay in Greece who eventually restored a weak royalist government.

What was the Truman Doctrine (1947)?

This was a definitive change in US foreign policy. Under this, the USA was prepared to send money, equipment and advice to any country that they thought was threatened by a communist take-over. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism, known as containment. It was a policy of intervention, which was a stark change to the previous policy of Isolationism.

Why did Truman send representatives to asses the economic state of Europe?

He sent representatives because he believed that communism succeeded when people faced poverty and threat.

What did these representatives find?

They found a heavily damaged economy. The countries of Europe owed over $11.5 billion to the USA. There was an extreme shortage of goods and most countries were still rationing basics like bread.

Specific Example - In the winter of 1947 UK, electricity had to be turned off for a period each day due to a large coal shortage.

What did these representatives suggest?

They (Marshall) suggested about $17 billion would be needed to rebuild Europe, as the countries were so poor they could not self-recover.

What was congress’ original reaction to this proposal?

They disallowed it as it was a lot of money, and the USA was still partially recovering itself, and many Americans were concerned by the involvement in foreign affairs.

Why did the views of Congress change so suddenly?

They changed as a result of the communist takeover in Czechoslovakia.

Describe the communist takeover in Czechoslovakia, 1948.

Originally, there was a coalition government. However, in March 1948, the communists came down ‘hard’ and anti-Soviet leaders were effectively purged. One pro-American leader, Jan Masaryk, was found dead below his open window. The soviets insisted he fell. The Americans thought he was pushed.

What was the name of the pro-American dead Czechoslovak leader?

Jan Masaryk

Why did the communist takeover in Czechoslovakia lead to congress immediately approving the Marshall plan + what did they approve?

They immediately approved a portion of the money , $5 billion, as they saw the negative effects of communism and they didn’t want it to spread.

What percentages of Marshall aid were loans and grants?

20% was loans and 80% was grants.

What are some examples of Marshall aid?

Missouri Mules were given to Greek farmers to help with agricultural production, as well as farm machinery and fertilisers

Food such as grain and baby milk.

Clothing as many clothing factories were destroyed in the war

For how long did Marshall aid last, and which countries did the bulk of it go to?

It lasted from 1948-1952, and the most was given to Germany, UK, France and Italy.

What did the Marshall plan turn out to be for the US?

A massive propaganda victory, as it made many European citizens become supportive of the USA as a result of their generosity. To remind everyone that it was a gift from the USA, every crate of Marshall aid was stamped with it’s logo.

What were the reasons behind the introduction of the Marshall plan?

US Recovery - Had a post-war recession and also to create an export market for US goods

Economic idealism - Compassion for suffering

To support containment/anti-communist beliefs.

What was Stalin’s view on the Marshall plan?

He though that it was no different to him spreading communism as the MP is a form of indoctrination - the western area of Europe was sometimes described as an ‘empire by invitation’

What was the USA’s response to Stalin’s view on the Marshall plan?

Marshall aid was optional and well-received (i.e. democratic), but the SSI was a dictatorship and control was sometimes taken by force.

Why was Germany a problem after the second world war?

Germany was divided into four sectors - Soviet, American, British and French. This meant there were many problems, as the Allies and the USSR had different aims. Furthermore, there was a practical side, as well as the problem of who should have Berlin due to it’s symbolism and also the position of Germany.

Explain the problem of Germany in terms of the two superpowers different aims in more detail.

• The USA wanted a strong Germany, firstly to protect western Europe from the USSR, and also to avoid mistakes made at the ToV. However, the USSR wanted a weak Germany so they did not have the threat of invasion (they were ‘haunted’ by WW2)

• The USSR wanted reparations from Germany as a result of damage suffered in WW2, the USA did not want to repeat mistakes made at the ToV.

Explain the problem of Germany in terms of the practical side in more detail

Germany was split into 4 sectors, of which three’s controlling powers were allied (western). This was a problem as two strong superpower nations (+ allies) were effectively competing over one country. This also made it hard to deal with Berlin, and also the occupation/governing of Germany.

Explain the problem of Berlin’s symbolism in more detail

Berlin was located entirely in the soviet sector of Germany. However, it was also divided into four as the powers agreed it was fair to share it due to to it’s symbolism - as it was where all Nazi decisions came from - and also power (as it was the capital). Therefore, the western allies and the USSR both wanted it to feel some ‘revenge’ for damage in WW2 - USSR was angry it did not have full control as it was in their sector and it had suffered some of the most damage.

Explain the problem of Germany’s geographical location in more detail.

Germany is located in Central Europe. This makes it a swing state, as whichever country that controlled it would be at a great advantage (in the cold war), so both countries wanted full control of it.

What was the Berlin Blockade?

The berlin Blockade (1948-9), was where Stalin blocked all railways, roads and canals into West Berlin from the non-Soviet sectors, meaning no aid, food, water etc. could reach west Berlin. The USA and its allies could not try and pass through these blockades as it could be seen as an act of war, leading to the outbreak of war.

Why did Stalin blockade Berlina?

He blockaded Berlin to try and show the western allies that he would fight back if they tried to take action near the SSI, and potentially to try to force the western allies out of Berlin, giving Stalin full control.

Why did Stalin lift the Berlin Blockade in 1949?

He lifted it for political reasons - it had actually ended up being a huge propaganda success for the US and made the USSR look bad, and for military reasons as it just ended up being a waste of resources.

How did the USA and its allies react to the Berlin Blockade?

They reacted by conducting the Berlin airlift. They could not give in to Stalin’s blockade as this may lead to Germany falling to the USSR.

What was the Berlin Airlift?

The berlin airlift was when, to ensure the sustainable function of west Berlin, goods were delivered to Berlin many times daily via air (Planes). At the time of the Berlin Blockade, west Berlin only had about 36? days of food left. The planes had to deliver 2,000 tonnes of goods a day to survive incl. Coal, medical supplies , Oil, Food, Flour.

Why was the berlin airlift a massive propaganda victory for the USA?

It helped to cement very positive views of the USA in Berliners minds, thus ensuring their loyalty and potential support of capitalism. An example which heavily reinforced this positive view was the ‘Candy Bomber’ who, when they flew into Berlin, dropped parachutes of sweets, chocolate bars and chewing gum (American). It also showed how the USA did not have to choose war - ‘dovish’ ideas.

What were the consequences of the Berlin Blockade for Europe 1949-55?

• Berlin becoming a powerful symbol for cold war rivalry

• Berlin becoming a cold war ‘flashpoint’

• introducing cold war patterns of thinking/acting

• division of Germany.

Explain the consequence of Berlin becoming a powerful symbol for cold war rivalry in more detail

from US perspective it was an 'oasis' of democratic freedom in the midst of communism, from the Soviet perspective, it was a 'cancer' growing in the worker's paradise of East Germany.

Motivation - became a symbol of successful containment, and this meant the USA had a strong affinity to Berlin - wanted to protect it

Explain the consequence of Berlin becoming a cold war ‘flashpoint’ in more detail

One of the few places where there was a constant standoff between US and Soviet troops, and Berlin would be vulnerable if the USSR decided to act.

Explain the consequence of introducing cold war patterns of thinking and acting in more detail.

The crisis in Berlin suggested that there would never be a direct war between them, but other types of conflict. Each side would never trust the otehr and concede that the other side had a point, and used propaganda to reinforce this. They fought 'proxy wars' - helping any state, group or individual opposed to the other side, no matter what they were like - they also had more formal alliances.

Explain the consequence of the division of Germany in more detail

Germany was divided into two in 1949, as a result of the Berlin crisis. Both sides realised that neither would ever be willing to leave its zones of Germany. As a result, the USA and its Western Allies backed the creation of West Germany; in response the USSR backed the creation of East Germany. Both German nations existed for precisely 40 years, from 1949 to 1989. West Germany became a capitalist democracy, reflecting the USA's values in the Cold War; East Germany became a communist dictatorship, reflecting Soviet values. Germany was reunified - as it is today - after the Cold War ended

What was NATO and why was it formed?

NATO was an alliance formed between the western powers. It stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It was formed due to war seeming like a strong possibility.

What were the two main terms of NATO?

• Each party should keep up it’s individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack

• Each party agrees that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against all of them

What was the Warsaw pact?

The Warsaw pact was a pact formed between the USSR and main communist states in eastern Europe, as a response to West Germany being allowed to join NATO in 1955. The members would protect each other if they were attacked

What was the purpose of NATO? [4]

• To ensure collective security, as each country agreed to step in to protect other countries if they are attacked.

• To discourage attack from the USSR, as if the USSR attacks they will have to end up fighting 10 countries instead of just the one they attacked, and won’t be able to ‘pick on’ smaller countries as they are supported by strong countries

• To ensure that countries remain prepared for attack. One of the terms is that each country should keep up its individual capacity to reduce attack, so as war seemed likely it meant that the countries would not be caught blind.

Describe the takeover of Czechoslovakia [4]

• Czechoslovakia, until 1948, had been ruled by a coalition government.

• However, in March 1948, the communists came down hard and took power - forced anti-communists out

• They purged/imprisoned anti-soviet leaders

• One pro-american leader was found dead beneath his open window

• US suspected pushed, USSR insisted fell

• This turned Czechoslovakia into a satellite state, allowing the USSR to have more power over it + more influence.