The Marshall plan marked the beginning of the Cold War.' Assess the validity of this view, with the reference of the years 1945 - 1947

Introduction

1. Disagree

Agree

1. First action directly against USSR to implement policy of containment - USA stated that risk of continued post-war economic strengthening could lead to communist regimes being democratically elected by a despairing population and fall to one like the USSR's - all previous decision and situations were discussed by the big three at conferences however, this was first action of just the west

2. First time USSR saw USA acting through methods of economic imperialism ($13.5b) - USA using economic means to gain support and containment - first real disagreement where USSR expressed unhappiness, as thought Europe will be split into two camps where one half will be taken over by the Soviets/hostile to them but was a LIE, Molotov walked out of “unsatisfactory” 1947 Paris meeting discussing plan, saw as way to control

Disagree

1. Conferences were the beginning - whilst some agreements were made, both seriously worsened relations - Yalta; disagreements over how the declaration on liberated Europe was interpreted/how it should be applied to Poland, disagreements over German reparations - Stalin decided communist government but Roosevelt in opposite view - Potsdam; failed to reinforce notion of international cooperation aimed at reconstructing LT future for post-war Europe, didnt address clearly growing tensions

2. Truman Doctrine was the beginning - outlined the contents of the Marshall Plan, first action in which the USSR could reject/respond to - Stalin responded by creating 1947 Cominform - same concept but USSR version - first response, suggesting the beginning of Cold War

Conclusion

1. Disagree

2. Marshall Plan followed after Truman Doctrine which created first chain of USSR response