The Cold War, 1945-1950 Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions from the Cold War study guide.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods.

Free Trade

The international trade of goods and services without tariffs or other restrictions.

Smoot-Hawley Tariff

A U.S. law that raised tariffs on many imports, significant for its role in reducing international trade.

Soviet Expansionism

The policy or practice of the Soviet Union to expand its influence and territory, particularly in Eastern Europe.

Containment

A geopolitical strategy to stop the expansion of an enemy.

Truman Doctrine

A policy established in 1947 to provide military and economic assistance to countries resisting communism.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe to help rebuild economies after World War II.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

A military alliance formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion.

British Labour Party

A political party in the UK advocating for social justice and workers' rights.

Greek Civil War

A conflict in Greece from 1946 to 1949 between the government and communist forces.

EAM (National Liberation Front)

A Greek political organization during World War II that fought against Axis occupation.

Blockade of West Berlin

A Soviet attempt to starve the city into submission by cutting off all ground access.

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance

An organization for economic cooperation among socialist countries in Eastern Europe.

Warsaw Pact

A military alliance of communist nations in response to NATO, established in 1955.

Ideological Motivation

The reasons behind actions based on political or moral beliefs.

Economic Plans

Strategies implemented by a government to manage its economy and achieve goals.

Post-World War II World

The global political and economic landscape following the end of World War II.

Military Aid

Financial assistance provided by one country to another for military purposes.

Security Interests

National interests associated with the safety and protection of a country.

Anti-Communism

Opposition to communism, emphasizing capitalism and individual liberties.

Left-Wing Governments

Political parties or governments that advocate for social equality and government intervention in the economy.

Soviet Comintern

An international communist organization that aimed to encourage worldwide communism.

Stalin's Concerns

The perceived threats and needs that guided Stalin's foreign policy decisions.

Historical Consensus

General agreement among historians on a particular subject or event.

Bipolar World Order

A geopolitical landscape dominated by two superpowers, particularly during the Cold War.

Militarization of Conflict

The process where disputes become influenced by military capability and actions.

U.S. Economic Goals

The objectives that the United States pursued internationally during the post-war period.