Origins of the Cold War 1945-1949

Introduction to the Cold War

  • Context following World War II (WWII).

    • Majority of Americans did not expect postwar tensions.

    • Anticipated continued cooperation among allies, particularly the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Initial Relations Post-WWII

  • Initial meeting of U.S. and Soviet troops in Germany after WWII.

  • Rapid disintegration of U.S.-Soviet relations post-1945.

    • Emergence of the term "Cold War"; characterized by high tension without direct military conflict.

  • U.S. adaptations by 1949:

    • Established a military draft.

    • Began a nuclear arms race.

    • Created new governmental agencies: CIA and NSA—often referred to as the "deep state."

Roots of U.S.-Soviet Tensions

  • Historical backdrop tracing back to early 20th century, especially 1917.

    • 1917 Russian Revolution led to the rise of the Bolsheviks and execution of the TSAR and his family.

    • Establishment of the Soviet Union under communist control.

American Perspective on Communism

  • American views of communism:

    • Represented the antithesis of American ideals: property rights, individual freedoms, and political liberties.

    • Communism viewed as a frightening societal model absent belief in God.

  • Example of American fear:

    • Political cartoon from 1919 by Atlanta Constitution “The Cloud” depicting an imminent communist threat.

  • U.S. response to the Bolshevik Revolution:

    • In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson sent troops to thwart Bolshevik control but ultimately failed.

Soviet Perspective on the U.S.

  • Perception among Soviet leaders:

    • The U.S. viewed as perpetually hostile to communism.

    • American troops seen as a threat to their revolution.

Post-War Disintegration of U.S.-Soviet Relations

  • Despite previous cooperation [trade and allying together] (1941-1945), significant tensions escalated after WWII.

  • Key question:

    • Why did U.S.-Soviet relations deteriorate between 1945 and 1949?

CONFLICTING VISION

Impact of WWII

  • World War II significantly altered the international landscape:

    • Shift from a multipolar world to a bipolar world dominated by the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

  • Decrease in power of traditional European nations.

  • Emergence of U.S. and Soviet superpowers:

    • Previous balance shifted; many traditional powers weakened.

    • Soviet expansion following their victory over Germany.

Soviet Goals Post-WWII

  • Despite damage, the Soviet Union emerged stronger politically (1945):

    • Control over vast territories in Eastern Europe.

    • Use of military presence to assert influence.

  • 1941- Germany attacked Soviet Union, but the Soviets pushed them back

    • April 1945- Soviet Union battered their way into German capital Berlin and other territories (over 10 million Soviet Troops)

  • Domino effect of Soviet expansion:

    • Buffer zone established through Eastern European communist governments loyal to the USSR.

Joseph Stalin’s Goals for USSR

  1. Security in Eastern Europe—prevent further invasions.

    • Putting communist government in power, and closing off countries loyal to the USSR from other economies in the world.

  2. to take advantage of Soviet power to push Russian influence-to take advantage of the chaos caused by a World War II with the rest of the world is weak and divided and vulnerable.

    • Extend influence in Iran for horses and pressure on Turkey for naval access.

    • Potential aspirations for Western European influence.

U.S. Goals Post-WWII

  • The U.S. emerged from WWII as a global superpower:

    • Dominance in economic and military sectors, exclusive atomic capabilities.

  • 1945- Strong belief in responsibility to reshape the post-war world:

    • Promotion of democratic governments and free trade.

    • Prevention of dictatorship and closed economies to avoid conflict.

  • Concerns about economic downturn post-war:

    • Anxiety about returning to pre-war depression levels.

  • Dual motivation: idealism and self-interest in creating a stable, prosperous world.

Competing Visions Leading to Clash

  • Conflicting ideologies of the U.S. and Soviet Union:

    • U.S. seeks an open trading world; Soviets build a closed empire in Eastern Europe.

    • Shared sentiments among Americans portraying Stalin as a new Hitler, posing a significant threat.

Containment Strategy Development

  • Late 1945 to early 1946, tensions escalate further.

  • 1946; a message sent from the state department to the American Embassy in Moscow, asking how to deal with the Soviet threat.

  • George Kennan’s (a career diplomat and foremost American expert on the Soviet Union) perspective:

    • Long Telegram outlining a strategy of containment regarding Soviet expansionism. (sent in February 1946)

    • Idea that Soviet Union behaves aggressively but not irrationally; likely to back down if confronted firmly.

  • Adaptations in U.S. policy based on Kennan's recommendations:

    • Firm, patient, vigilant containment to prevent Soviet expansion.

Implementation of Containment Strategy

  1. Marshall Plan (1947):

    • Financial assistance to restore economies of Western Europe.

    • Objective: economic stability to stave off communist influence.

  2. Formation of NATO (1949):

    • Military alliance to deter Soviet attacks.

    • Marked the commitment of the U.S. to protect Western Europe.

    • operated on collective defiance; if one is attacked, then all are attached.

  • Resulting division of Europe post-1949:

    • Clear split between democratic/capitalist West and communist East.