Why and how was there increased tension with the United States and the capitalist West?

What were the main reasons for this conflict between the US + SU?

· Conflicting ideologies
· Emergence of nuclear weapons
· Fear of communism in the US

Conflict with the United States and Capitalist West

What was stage 1 of the conflict?

· Feb 1946: Telegram (AKA ‘Long Telegram’) sent to Washington from Moscow by George Kennan (US diplomat) urging the US to stop the spread of communism increased the US fear of Soviet expansionism.

· Mar 1946: Winston Churchill made a speech in the US which made clear the West’s view E. Europe – argued that that an ‘iron curtain’ had come over Europe, spoke of ‘communist fifth columns’ in Europe + advised ‘strength’ in dealing with the USSR.

Conflict with the United States and Capitalist West

What is stage 2 of the conflict?

· 1947: W. Europe was in crisis with fears of complete economic collapse + political instability – Italy & France = communist parties becoming very strong.

· March 1947: Truman Doctrine introduced the new policy of ‘containment’ and ‘rolling back’ of communism.

· June 1947: the US put forward the Marshall Plan which would give aid to help rebuild Europe. Designed to halt communism & strengthen US influence.

Conflict with the United States and Capitalist West

Stage 2 - What plan is put forward by the US?

· Stalin believed the plan was hostile to Soviet interests + part of a drive towards US economic + political dominance. Feared that the US rebuilding the economy of W. Germany would lead to a resurgence of German power. Soviet bloc countries were pressured to reject Marshall Aid.

· Feb 1948: Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia which is seen as a communist coup by the West. Intensifies splits between the East + West over the Marshall Plan.

Conflict with the United States and Capitalist West

What was Stage 3 of the conflict?

· 1948: Berlin crisis – Stalin was frustrated with how Soviet control of Berlin had slipped since 1945 + by the introduction of a separate currency in Western zones. Led to Stalin launching the Berlin blockade, cutting off all road + rail links between Berlin + the West. Stalin rightly calculated the W. powers would not risk war + that it would force US into dealing w Berlin on Soviet terms.

· 1948 – 49: Berlin Lift which involved flying essential supplies into W. Berlin, by General Lucius Clay ruined Stalin’s plan. Clay rightly calculated Stalin would not risk war by shooting allied planes.

Conflict with the United States and Capitalist West

Stage 3 - What happens to the blockade?

· May 1949: Stalin calls off the blockade. This confirmed the division of Germany + Berlin. The Cold War had fully been formed: NATO was formed to defend W. Europe against Soviet aggression. The first successful test of the Soviet atomic bomb was announced.

· China: the civil war had ended - CCP win which caused shock + dismay in the US + hardened anti – communist attitudes. Stalin met Chinese leader, Mao Zedong, in Moscow to agree a treaty of alliance.