Definition of the Cold War

• The Cold War was a global struggle that emerged after World War II between the United States and its allies and the Soviet Union and their allies.

The Soviet Union

• The term Soviet Union refers to the Russian Empire from 1917 to 1991, encompassing Russia and several colonial territories (e.g., Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova).

• The Soviet Union was allied with the U.S. during World War II, fighting against Nazi Germany.

Transition from Allies to Enemies

• A significant question is how the Soviet Union shifted from being a U.S. ally in World War II to an adversary in the Cold War within a year and a half.

• The Cold War's moniker is misleading; while it indicates no direct war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, many smaller wars occurred that were violent and deadly (e.g., Korean War, Vietnam War).

• Millions died as a consequence of Cold War-related conflicts despite the absence of direct warfare between the two superpowers.

The Strange Alliance During WWII

• The alliance consisted of three leaders: Franklin Roosevelt (U.S.), Winston Churchill (Great Britain), and Joseph Stalin (USSR), formed to combat a common enemy, Nazi Germany.

• Stalin was viewed as a reluctant hero in the U.S. for his resistance against the Nazis during WWII.

Shift in US-Soviet Relations

Factors Influencing the Cold War

1. Stalin's Brutality

   • Though Stalin was a brutal dictator responsible for the deaths of millions, wars are typically fought due to national security concerns rather than humanitarian reasons.

2. Expansion of Communism

   • Stalin's desire to expand communism into neighboring countries fueled fears in the U.S., particularly because of Soviet actions in Eastern Europe post-WWII (e.g., Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia).

3. Economic Concerns

   • The U.S. feared economic implications of Soviet control over European trade and was committed to free trade.

4. Need for a Defined Enemy

   • The U.S. had been engaged in wars against fascism, communism, and terrorism since 1941, suggesting a trend of seeking external enemies for national unity.

The Nature of the Cold War

• The Cold War manifested through various smaller conflicts (e.g., Korean War, Vietnam War), suggesting that while there was no traditional hot war, the ideological battle was deadly and violent.

• Stalin’s betrayal (the invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941) prompted the unlikely alliance with the U.S. and Britain during the war.

• Tensions escalated after the war due to differing ideologies, trust issues, and geopolitical ambitions.

The D-Day Invasion

• The D-Day invasion (June 6, 1944) was a pivotal moment, as it showcased the overwhelming casualties suffered by the Soviets before they received support from Western Allies.

• Lack of prompt support for the Soviets during significant battles like Stalingrad led to distrust that intensified post-war relations.

Conferences and Agreements

• The percentages deal between Churchill and Stalin highlighted early negotiation efforts regarding post-WWII Europe but foreshadowed later conflicts over control of Eastern Europe.

• Transition from Roosevelt to Truman had profound implications for U.S.-Soviet relations; Truman's approach differed significantly from Roosevelt’s diplomacy.

Truman Doctrine and Containment Policy

• In March 1947, Truman established the Truman Doctrine, proposing to support free peoples in resisting totalitarian regimes.

• The doctrine was framed in the context of crises in Greece and Turkey, emphasizing U.S. responsibility to deter the spread of communism.

• Containment became the central strategy of U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing economic and potentially military assistance to prevent communist expansion.

Impact of Truman’s Presidency

• Truman filled the leadership void left by Roosevelt, adopting a more confrontational stance against Stalin and the Soviet Union, reflected in his policies.

• The emergence of the Cold War is attributed to this shift in U.S. leadership and changing international dynamics.