Foundations of the Cold War by March 1947

What does “foundations of the Cold War” refer to?

The early political, ideological, and strategic tensions (1945–March 1947) that created lasting East–West hostility.

Why might the USSR be seen as responsible for the Cold War foundations? (Overall idea)

Because Soviet expansion and behaviour in Eastern Europe and Germany increased Western suspicion and tension.

How did Soviet expansion into Eastern Europe contribute to Cold War foundations?

USSR imposed communist governments in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, which the West saw as aggressive expansion.

How did the USSR’s actions in Germany escalate tensions?

Demand for heavy reparations and obstructive behaviour in the Allied Control Council deepened divisions with the USA and UK.

Why were Yalta and Potsdam significant in building tension?

Stalin’s insistence on dominating Eastern Europe and reluctance to allow democratic governments increased mistrust.

What role did Cominform (1947) play in Cold War foundations?

It formalised Soviet ideological control and reinforced the Western belief in a coordinated communist threat.

What US action created early tension: atomic bomb impact?

The US atomic monopoly after 1945 encouraged Soviet fear and suspicion, contributing to post-war hostility.

How did US economic policy contribute to the Cold War?

Cutting Lend-Lease abruptly and pushing for open markets in Europe seemed threatening to Soviet security and economic needs.

Why was the Long Telegram (1946) important?

Kennan argued the USSR was inherently expansionist → shaped US containment thinking and hardened attitudes.

How did Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech (1946) influence tension?

It publicly framed Europe as divided and portrayed the USSR as a threat, increasing confrontation.

How did early US actions in Greece and Turkey shape Cold War foundations?

US fear of communist influence in the region pushed it toward active containment even before March 1947.

What is the “security dilemma” and how does it apply?

Both sides interpreted defensive moves as aggression, causing escalating mistrust and mutual suspicion.

Why was Germany a key source of tension for both sides?

US wanted a strong, economically revived Germany; USSR wanted a weak, neutralised one—an irreconcilable difference.

What was the significance of Bizonia (Jan 1947)?

The merging of US and UK zones without Soviet agreement deepened the split and worsened Soviet distrust.

By March 1947, what factors had jointly created Cold War foundations?

Soviet expansion, US containment thinking, atomic tensions, economic conflict, and ideological framing.

Overall judgement: Was the USSR solely responsible?

No—while the USSR contributed significantly, the Cold War foundations were mutually constructed by both superpowers.