Origins of the Cold War Notes

Origins of the Cold War

  • The United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) transitioned from allies to adversaries after World War II, engaging in a struggle for world power known as the Cold War. This period was characterized by the absence of direct military conflict between the US and USSR.

Post-WWII Conferences: Yalta and Potsdam

  • The Cold War's origins can be traced to the post-World War II conferences at Yalta and Potsdam.

Forming an Uneasy Peace

  • During WWII, the US and USSR formed an alliance based on mutual interest against the Axis powers, setting aside political differences.

  • These differences resurfaced after WWII when planning for the postwar era began.

Yalta Conference (February 1945)

  • Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill met in Yalta and agreed to collaborate in shaping postwar Europe.

    • Germany was divided into four occupation zones, controlled separately by the US, Britain, France, and the USSR.

    • All parties agreed on the principle of self-government and free elections in Eastern Europe.

Potsdam Conference (July 1945)

  • Key Attendees:

    • President Harry S. Truman represented the US (following FDR's death).

    • British Prime Minister Clement Attlee replaced Churchill.

    • Stalin represented the USSR.

Occupation Zones

  • At Potsdam, Allied leaders finalized postwar plans for Germany and defined the borders for each zone.

    • Three zones were controlled by Western democracies, and one by the communist Soviet Union.

  • Berlin, located within Eastern Germany, was also divided into four zones.

Distrust

  • The atmosphere at Potsdam was tense due to mutual distrust.

    • The US tested its first atomic bomb and hinted at its existence to Stalin, fueling his distrust.

    • Truman was concerned about the Soviet army's occupation of Eastern Europe and Stalin's unfulfilled promise of free elections.

    • The Soviets rigged elections in Poland to ensure a communist victory.

Government Ideology

  • Stalin aimed to establish a buffer zone of communist states to protect the USSR.

  • Truman advocated for Eastern European nations to choose their own form of government, expecting they would opt for democracy.

The Berlin Wall

  • Refer to the provided video links for additional information on the Berlin Wall. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Xe4AdJaFQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9fQPZZ1-hg)

Cold War Europe

  • Map showing the division of Europe, Russian, American, British, and French Occupation Zones.

  • NATO members in 1952.

  • Warsaw Pact members before 1968.

The Berlin Airlift

  • In 1948, the USSR (Stalin) attempted to starve West Berlin with a blockade.

  • The Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, which led to Stalin lifting the blockade.

Check for Understanding

  • The United States and the USSR had differing goals for postwar Europe.

  • Stalin prioritized Soviet security and aimed for communist states in Eastern Europe.

  • Truman wanted Eastern European nations to determine their own governments, anticipating they would choose democracy.

  • The Soviet Union requested a loan, but Truman declined due to disagreements.