The Origins of the Cold War, c1945-1949​

Simplified Version

Conflicting Ideologies – Main Differences

• USA/UK were capitalist democracies with free elections

• USSR was a communist one-party state with a command economy and state control.

Conflicting Ideologies – Source of Mistrust

Each side viewed the other as expansionist

• the West feared communism spreading

• the USSR feared capitalist encirclement.

Conflicting Ideologies – Impact of WWII

The shared goal of defeating Nazi Germany masked ideological conflict but did not remove underlying distrust.

Yalta Conference – Key Agreements

• Germany divided into four zones

• free elections promised in Eastern Europe

• USSR to enter war against Japan

• creation of the UN.

Yalta Conference – Sources of Tension

Vague wording about “free elections” allowed different interpretations, increasing suspicion between powers.

Yalta Conference – Poland Issue

• The USSR wanted a pro-Soviet Polish government for security

• the West insisted on democratic participation

Roosevelt vs Churchill Approaches to Stalin

• Roosevelt sought cooperation with Stalin

• Churchill was more distrustful and believed only strength would limit Soviet expansion.

Stalin’s Suspicion of Allies

Stalin distrusted the West due to delays in opening the Second Front, ideological opposition to communism, and fear of encirclement.

Leadership Personalities

• Roosevelt’s diplomacy eased tensions

• Churchill’s realism increased caution

• Stalin’s paranoia increased mistrust.

Potsdam – Changes Since Yalta

Roosevelt died, Churchill was replaced mid-conference, and the US had tested the atomic bomb, altering relations.

Potsdam – Main Disagreements

Disputes over reparations, Germany’s future, and Soviet control of Eastern Europe created significant tension.

Potsdam – Atomic Bomb Impact

Truman tried to pressure Stalin with the bomb; Stalin already knew from espionage, worsening distrust.

Truman’s Attitude vs Roosevelt’s

Truman took a tougher stance, refusing further concessions to the USSR and favouring containment.

Attlee’s Attitude to USSR

Attlee shared US concerns but focused on domestic reconstruction; still supported a firm approach to the USSR.

Post-Potsdam Soviet Actions

USSR’s rapid imposition of communist governments in Eastern Europe alarmed Truman and Attlee.

Summary – Collapse of the Grand Alliance

Ideological differences, leadership changes, disputes over Eastern Europe, and atomic diplomacy caused the alliance to break down.

Summary – 1945 and the Start of the Cold War

Failure to agree on the post-war order and rising mistrust created hardened blocs, making Cold War conflict likely.

Summary – Symbols of Breakdown

Potsdam disputes, Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, and Truman’s hardline stance marked the end of cooperation.

What were the main disagreements at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?

• Disputes over Poland’s borders

• free elections in Eastern Europe

• the occupation of Germany, and reparations

Increasing mistrust due to Truman’s harder stance at Potsdam.

How did Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe increase tensions?

The USSR installed communist, pro-Moscow governments across Eastern Europe, violating wartime agreements and alarming the West.

How did US atomic policy contribute to tension?

USA kept atomic information secret; atomic monopoly (1945–49) increased Soviet suspicion and accelerated arms competition.

What was the Soviet strategy in Eastern Europe after 1945?

Establishing a buffer zone through "salami tactics"—gradually removing non-communist politicians and rigging elections.

Which countries were brought into the Soviet sphere by 1948?

Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and (to a lesser extent) Yugoslavia.

Why did Yugoslavia break from the Soviet bloc?

Tito resisted Stalin’s control; Yugoslavia wanted independent communist development and rejected Cominform directives (expelled 1948).

What was the main argument of Kennan’s Long Telegram?

The USSR was expansionist, insecure, and would only respond to firm containment.

How did the Long Telegram influence US policy?

It shaped the emerging containment doctrine, encouraging a tougher stance toward Soviet expansion.

What did Churchill claim in the Iron Curtain Speech?

That Eastern Europe had fallen under Soviet domination behind an “Iron Curtain,” calling for Anglo-American unity to resist Soviet expansion.

Why was the Iron Curtain speech important?

It publicly acknowledged a divided Europe and intensified Cold War rhetoric; angered Stalin.

What caused the Greek Civil War?

Tension between communist-backed ELAS and the royalist government; Britain could no longer fund support by 1947.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A US promise to support free peoples resisting communism—politically, economically, and militarily.

Why was the Truman Doctrine significant?

Marked the official start of containment and the USA’s shift to global leadership against communism.

How did the USA intervene in Greece?

Sent money and military advisors; helped defeat communist insurgents by 1949.

What was Cominform?

The Communist Information Bureau—Stalin’s organisation to coordinate communist parties across Europe.

Why was Cominform created?

To tighten Soviet control over Eastern Europe and respond to perceived Western aggression, including the Truman Doctrine.

How did Cominform impact Eastern Europe?

Enforced ideological conformity, purged anti-Soviet elements, and strengthened Stalin’s dominance.

What were the main causes of increasing East–West tension 1945–48?

• Conflicting ideologies

• Soviet expansion

• US containment policies

• nuclear rivalry

• breakdown of wartime cooperation.

Which events marked the shift from wartime alliance to Cold War?

• Long Telegram (1946)

• Iron Curtain speech (1946)

• Truman Doctrine (1947)

• creation of Cominform (1947).

What had the Cold War map of Europe looked like by 1948?

A divided continent: communist Eastern Europe under Soviet influence; Western Europe aligned with the USA.

Why did the USA increase involvement in Europe after 1945?

To prevent the spread of communism, rebuild European economies, create stable markets for US trade, and counter Soviet influence.

How did US involvement contrast with pre-WWII foreign policy?

Marked a shift from isolationism to active international leadership.

Why was Britain important to US strategy in Europe?

Britain was seen as a key Western ally capable of containing Soviet influence and supporting US-led reconstruction.

What was the US view of Britain’s post-war economic situation?

Britain was financially exhausted; the USA believed economic collapse risked political instability and communist influence.

How did the US support Britain before the Marshall Plan?

Through loans (e.g., the 1946 Anglo-American Loan) and by taking over Britain’s commitments in Greece and Turkey in 1947.

What was the broader US policy toward Western Europe?

• Promote recovery

• Encourage cooperation (leading to OEEC)

• Prevent communist electoral success in France and Italy.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A US economic aid programme offering $13 billion to help rebuild Europe and strengthen resistance to communism.

What motivated the USA to introduce the Marshall Plan?

• Fear of European economic collapse

• communist influence in Western Europe

• the need for stable trading partners.

How did the USSR respond to the Marshall Plan?

Rejected it as “dollar imperialism” and forced Eastern European states to refuse it; led to formation of Cominform.

What were the consequences of the Marshall Plan for Europe?

Economic recovery in the West, increased political stability, deepened division between East and West.

Why did the USA consider Germany crucial to European recovery?

Germany was the industrial engine of Europe; a strong West Germany was seen as essential for economic stability.

What was the US position on German reconstruction initially?

Initially cautious (Morgenthau Plan), but shifted by 1946–47 towards rebuilding Germany to counter Soviet influence.

What was Bizonia?

The economic merger of the British and American zones of Germany in 1947 to promote efficient recovery; later joined by France to form Trizonia.

How did the USA view Berlin’s strategic importance?

A symbolic frontline of the Cold War; maintaining a Western presence there was vital for demonstrating commitment to resisting Soviet pressure.

What did the US believe about Soviet intentions for Berlin and Germany?

That the USSR aimed to keep Germany weak and extend communist control, prompting a US push for democratic, economically strong West Germany.

What were the main aims of US policy in Europe 1945–47?

Containment, economic reconstruction, political stability, and strengthening Western alliances.

How did US actions contribute to early Cold War division?

Through the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, support for Western Europe, and moves to rebuild West Germany.

Why did Germany become the centre of Cold War tensions?

Its economic importance, symbolic value, and the competing aims of the USA and USSR regarding its future.

What was the situation in post-war Germany after 1945?

Divided into four occupation zones (US, UK, France, USSR) with the ACC (Allied Control Council) intended for joint administration.

How did the USSR run its occupation zone?

Centralised control, land reform, nationalisation, and merger of KPD + SPD into the SED (dominant communist party).

How did the Western powers run their zones?

Encouraged democratic political parties, economic recovery, and retained more political freedoms.

Why did joint occupation begin to break down?

Increasing Cold War tensions, Soviet obstruction in the ACC, and disagreements over reparations and economic policy.

What was Bizonia?

The merging of the US and British zones in January 1947 to improve economic efficiency.

Why was Bizonia created?

To stabilise the western zones, rebuild the economy, and counter Soviet intransigence in the ACC.

What was the Currency Reform of 1948?

Introduction of the Deutsche Mark in the western zones (June 1948) to tackle inflation and revive the economy.

Why did the currency reform anger Stalin?

It was introduced without Soviet consent and undermined Soviet control in the eastern zone and in Berlin.

What caused the Berlin Blockade?

Soviet reaction to currency reform and western plans for a separate West German state.

What did Stalin hope to achieve with the Blockade?

To force the Western Allies out of Berlin by cutting off all road, rail, and canal access.

How did the West respond to the Blockade?

Launched the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles), flying supplies into West Berlin for almost a year.

Why did the Blockade fail?

The airlift successfully sustained Berlin, and the USSR risked war if it interfered with air corridors.

What were the consequences of the Blockade?

Permanent division of Germany, creation of NATO, and increased US commitment to Europe.

When was West Germany (FRG) established?

May 1949, following formation of a Basic Law and elections.

What political model did the FRG adopt?

A democratic, federal system closely aligned with the West.

When was East Germany (GDR) established?

October 1949, after the Soviet zone consolidated under the SED.

What political model did the GDR adopt?

A socialist one-party state dominated by the SED under Soviet influence.

What is NATO?

A defensive military alliance formed by the USA, Canada, and Western European states in April 1949.

Why was NATO created?

In response to Soviet aggression, the Berlin Blockade, and the need to commit the USA to European defence.

What principle underpinned NATO?

Collective security—an attack on one member is an attack on all (Article 5).

How did the USSR react to NATO?

Condemned it as an aggressive, imperialist alliance; later responded with the Warsaw Pact (1955).

What were the main causes of conflict over Germany 1947–49?

Disagreements over economic recovery, currency reform, Soviet security concerns, and differing political visions.

How did the West contribute to rising tensions?

Creation of Bizonia, currency reform, and moves toward a West German state.

How did the USSR contribute?

Blocking ACC cooperation, imposing communist control in its zone, and launching the Berlin Blockade.

What was the overall significance of the 1947–49 conflict over Germany?

It solidified the division of Europe, created two German states, and led to lasting military alliances (NATO).