Development of the Cold War

Truman Doctrine

Truman Doctrine

US policy to support free peoples resisting communism

Consequence of Truman Doctrine

Increased tensions between US and USSR, solidified ideological divide

Narrative of Truman Doctrine

Truman's speech to Congress requesting aid for Greece and Turkey, setting the stage for Cold War interventions

Marshall Plan

US aid program to rebuild Western Europe

Consequence of Marshall Plan

Stabilized Western Europe, fostered economic growth, further divided Europe

Narrative of Marshall Plan

Devastation in post-WWII Europe, US motivations for aid, Soviet response with Comecon

Cominform

Communist Information Bureau for coordinating communist parties

Comecon

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance for communist states

Consequence of Cominform/Comecon

Reinforced division of Europe, intensified Cold War rivalry

Narrative of Cominform/Comecon

Stalin's need to counter Western influence, increased Soviet control over Eastern Europe

Berlin Blockade

Soviet blockade of West Berlin to force out Western Allies

Berlin Airlift

Western Allies' response to the blockade, supplying West Berlin by air

Causes of Berlin Crisis

Disagreements over Germany's future, Soviet attempt to control Berlin, introduction of Deutschmark

Outcome of Berlin Crisis

Demonstrated Western resolve, solidified German division, heightened Cold War tensions

Narrative of Berlin Crisis

Blockade, airlift, challenges for Berliners, eventual lifting of blockade