reasons why America was to blame for the Cold War ( 1947- 1991)

argument 1 }

{the us policy was influenced by the need to create global free markets for us goods}

1. the us ended the lend-lease arrangement with the Soviet Union in 1945

2. Marshall aid wasn’t designed to prevent European economies collapsing

3. its true purpose was to provide a market for us goods to ensure the preservation of capitalist and free market systems

4. the creation of Bizonia and later introduction of a new currency into western zones was a breach in the Potsdam agreement

5. this was an attempt to impose a capitalist system across Germany

argument 2}

{ us policy was influenced by important personalities such as Truman}

1. Truman was aggressive in his dealings with Molotov { the soviet foreign minister} during his meetings in April 1945

2. Truman believed that the US atomic monopoly would allow it to dictate terms at the Potsdam conference

3. the Truman doctrine and Marshall aid was regarded by the soviets as highly provocative and designed to isolate the USSR

HOWEVER HOE CAN THE ROLE OF THE US BE DEFENDED?

1. COUNTRIES IN WESTER EUROPE WERE FREE TO CHOOSE THIER POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

2. THE TRUMAN DOCTRINE WAS CLEARLY A DEFENSIVE REACTION TO THE COMMUNIST THREAT

3. TRUMAN TOOK 2 YEARS TO RESPOND TO THE COMMUNIST ISSUE IN EASTERN EUROPE

4. STALLIN’S ATTITUDE TO THE LONDON POLES SHOWD HIS DESIRE TO BREAK WITH THE WAR TIME AGREEMENTS