Joseph Stalin: A Catalyst to the Cold War
Joseph Stalin: A Catalyst to the Cold War By Andrei Mascas-Iovu The blame for the Cold War cannot be placed on one person - it developed as a series of chain reactions as a struggle for supremacy. It can be argued that the Cold War was inevitable, and therefore it was no one's fault, due to the differences in the capitalist and communist ideologies. It was only the need for self-preservation that had caused the two countries to sink their differences temporarily during World War II. Yet many of the tensions that existed in the Cold War can be attributed to Stalin's policy of Soviet expansion. It is necessary, therefore, to examine the role of Stalin as a catalyst to the Cold War. Stalin's foreign policies contributed an enormous amount to the tensions of the Cold War. His aim, to take advantage of the military situation in post- war Europe to strengthen Russian influence, was perceived to be a threat to the Americans. Stalin was highly effective in his goal to gain territory, with victories in Poland, Romania, and Finland. To the western world, this success looked as if it were the beginning of serious Russian aggressions. The western view of the time saw Stalin as doing one of two things: either continuing the expansionist policies of the tsars that preceded him, or worse, spreading communism across the world now that his "one-state" notion had been fulfilled. It
The Cold War was the result of Stalin adopting a policy contrary to the Yalta Agreement.
Cold War The Cold War was the result of Stalin adopting a policy contrary to the Yalta Agreement. Certainly to many supporters of the Orthodox view, this statement will appear rather obvious. In their view, the origins of the Cold War, however, do not essentially lie in the aftermath of Yalta, but in the inevitable clash of capitalism and communism. The fact that Stalin adopted a, in their opinion aggressive, policy was not so much the result of security, but the expansionist nature of Lenin-Marxism. Yet an analysis of a time of such incredible tension is not that simple. It could, naturally, be argued that sooner or later the United States would clash with Soviet Russia. As a matter of fact, the distrust between the two powers has its early origins in the Russian Civil War1, where the Western Allies of World War One2 sent in supplies and men to help the anti-Bolshevik "Whites" defeat the Red Army. This was seen as an attempt to destroy communism in its early years and deeply resented by the Bolsheviks. The Second World War changed the situation. When Hitler launched "Operation Barbarossa"3, it was estimated that Russia would be defeated within weeks, months at latest. Churchill, the British prime minister, immediately provided help to Stalin. The United States joined the Allies and the impossible had become reality: capitalism and communism working hand in hand. The
The Cold War
The issue of Germany in the Cold War has long been a controversial question in that in what ways, and with what results, was Germany the key focus on the early stages of the Cold War. While some historians have held that the Truman Doctrine was the key focus during the Cold War, there is a more valid interpretation. It would appear to be that Germany indeed was the key focus of the early stages of the Cold War as show by the Yalta and Potsdam conferences, the four occupational zones of Germany and Berlin, Germany's division into two countries, the East and West disagreements, the Berlin Blockade and Airlift, as well as the Marshall Plan. As some historians would argue, the Truman Doctrine was the key focus of the early stages of the Cold War. In February 1947, President Truman was faced with a grave problem. In Greece, communist guerrillas were attempting to take over the country. Britain, with 40 000 troops in Greece, had been lending the government a hand in the fight against communists. Without warning, Ernest Bevin, the British foreign minister, told Truman that Britain was no longer able afford to keep their troops in Greece. Close by, Turkey was under that very same threat.[1] The USSR, waiting for just the right moment to invade, had positioned troops all along the Turkish border. President Truman was very worried about this problem. He feared that communism would
Cold war
International History. Option W - 1919-63 Part 2 1945-1963 (Key Issues 7-9) Key Issue 7- Why did the USA and the USSR become rivals in the period 1945-49 The breakup of the wartime alliances . A. What united GB, USA and the Soviet Union between 1941-5 In 1941 Hitler launched an attack on Russia, this breached the terms of the Nazi-Soviet pact. The USA GB and Russia had disliked the Germans for a long time because of their political ideas but this united them together against the Germans. 2. What disagreements were there between the USA and the Soviet Union during this period? The USA and Soviet Union had many differences during this period despite being allies. The main differences between the two countries were their political ideas. The Soviet Union was communist and a one party state, whereas the USA was a democratic country. In America there were numerous parties, all of whom were allowed to be a part of national elections which decided who would take control of their country. They also had social, economic and cultural differences. In the Soviet Union all industry was owned by communists and living standards were poor. Whereas in the USA living standards were higher and industry was privately owned 3. What was agreed at the Yalta conference of February 1945? The Yalta conference took place in February 1945, Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt met and wanted to come
cold war
Despite what many might think, cold war is well known across hundreds of nations all over the world. cold war has been around for several centuries and has a very important meaning in the lives of many. It would be safe to assume that cold war is going to be around for a long time and have an enormous impact on the lives of many people. Social & Cultural Factors cold war has a large role in American Culture. Many people can often be seen taking part in activities associated with cold war. This is partly because people of most ages can be involved and families are brought together by this. Generally a person who displays their dislike for cold war may be considered an outcast. Economic Factors It is not common practice to associate economics with cold war. Generally, cold war would be thought to have no effect on our economic situation, but there are in fact some effects. The sales industry associated with cold war is actually a 2.3 billion dollar a year industry and growing each year. The industry employs nearly 150,000 people in the United States alone. It would be safe to say that cold war play an important role in American economics and shouldn't be taken for granted. Environmental Factors After a three month long research project, I've been able to conclude that cold war doesn't negatively effect the environment at all. A cold war did not seem to result in waste
The Cold War
The term `Cold War' was first used by an American banker in 1947. He was describing the hostility that existed between the USA and the USSR. By calling the war `cold' he meant that the two countries were doing all that they could to harm each other without using their own armed forces to fight a `hot' war. There has always been controversy concerning the causes of the cold war. The orthodox view of the late 40's/ early 50's was that the `expansionist USSR was responsible for the outbreak and continuation of the Cold War.' The revisionist view of the 70's and 80's stated that the `blame was on the US for misunderstanding and over reacting to the Soviet Union.' The post-revisionists believed the Cold War was the `product of mutual mistrust and over -reaction on both parts.' However, when discussing the causes of the Cold War it is also necessary to consider the context on the war and the other factors involved such as different ideologies, post -WW2 Europe and feelings on mistrust and suspicion. Most historians would agree that the root cause of the Cold War was the opposing ideologies of the USA and USSR; Communism vs. Capitalism. This conflict of ideology can be dated back to the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and successive Russian Civil War. The Americans hoped thee revolution would bring about an age of democracy in Russia but watched I alarm as Lenin and
The Cold War.
Assignment 1 question 1 The Cold War In 1945, the United States and the Soviet Union were the most powerful nations in the world: the Soviet Union because of the size and the proven fighting record of her armed forces, her large population and her potential rather than actual economic strength; the United States because of her military, industry and her scientific and technological know-how. The co-operation and understanding between the wartime Allies was eroded by the growing distrust and suspicion. In the post-war period, the world was gradually divided into two sides. The Soviet Communism and the American Capitalism. Open hostility between the two groups broke out even more obviously after the war although they had set up already since long time ago. This hostility led to a serious international crisis- THE COLD WAR. The term 'Cold War' is used to describe the tension and hostility which developed between the capitalist and communist blocs in the post-war period. The Cold War was 'cold' because both the United States and the Soviet Union did not directly resort to war. Both of them realised that a real war between them could mean the total destruction of each other. For this reason, the Cold War was a war without actual fighting. Instead, they took the form of economic competition, military alliances and arms race. Whenever crises broke out, both sides usually
Cold war
Luke Rogers 5-1-00 "Why have historians found it difficult to reach agreement in assessing responsibility for the Cold War?" The Cold War is a product of the combined folly of both the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. However, historians have seen both sides making mistakes, acting aggressively, and pushing one and other to make further mistakes throughout the years. Furthermore, it is human nature to wish to assign blame to one side or the other. Meanwhile, it has been difficult to tell what one side has been doing as neither the US or the USSR has wished to point out the other side what they had been doing. Of course, no issue in recent history has sparked quite so much discussion in historical circles. Assessing not only the blame but also the damage caused by the Cold War has given rise to many a book and historians have often argued quite aggressively for either side. Nevertheless, historians such as Thomas A. Bailey have argued that the US was reacting to Soviet expansionism and attempting to stem the tide of Soviet aggression. "Revisionists" historians such as William A. Williams have written that the US acted for its own concerns in keeping the world economy open to American trade and therefore fought the Soviets for the purposes of maintaining its economic stronghold. Finally, "post-revisionists" such as Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr have
Cold War Revision
Cold War Revision A war short of full scale war because of the development of the Atomic bomb. CAUSES OF THE COLD WAR [BARE] . Beliefs: Russia was a Communist country, ruled by a dictator who cared little about human rights. America was a capitalist democracy, which valued freedom. 2. Aims: Stalin wanted reparations from Germany/ a buffer of friendly states. Britain and the USA [led by President Truman] wanted to help Germany recover/ to prevent large areas of Europe from coming under Communist control. 3. Resentment about history: The USSR did not trust Britain and the USA - They had tried to destroy the Russian Revolution in 1918/ Stalin thought they had not helped the USSR enough in WW2. Britain & USA did not trust USSR - Stalin had signed the Nazi-Soviet pact in 1939. 4. Events turned the mistrust into war: Yalta/ Potsdam/ Salami tactics/ Fulton/ Greece/ Truman Doctrine/ Marshall Plan/ Cominform/ Czechoslovakia YALTA CONFERENCE (February 1945) . Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt agreed to Divide Germany into 4 zones (France, Britain, USA, USSR)/ to hold free elections in Eastern European countries./ to set up the United Nations./ to set up a government of Communists and non Communists in Poland. 2. On the surface, everything seemed friendly, but there was tension behind the scenes POTSDAM CONFERENCE (July 1945) . At Potsdam the tensions surfaced.
Reasons for the Cold War.
Reasons for the Cold War The Yalta and Potsdam peace conferences of 1945 were the beginning of the tensions between the capitalist West and the communist East. The Allies reached agreements on most issues but were still divided on some very important ones. The greatest source of conflict between the East and West was Poland. In 1945 Stalin was the leader of the USSR and attended both peace conferences. Churchill attended the Yalta conference as the leader of Great Britain and was then replaced by Attlee who attended the Potsdam conference. Roosevelt also attended the Yalta conference but sadly died and was replaced by Truman who attended the Potsdam conference. By the end of the Second World War the USSR and the USA were the two superpowers, they had defeated Hitler and the Nazis and this had left both countries very powerful in comparison with the rest of the world at this post war time. Despite the USA and the USSR having been allies during the Second World War there were many disagreements at the peace conferences. These disagreements lead to great tensions between the two superpowers and therefore the Cold War began in 1949. The Cold War was the increasing tension that developed between the two superpowers. The War had two rival sides and there was spying and propaganda from both of these, which also encouraged an arms race. It was not, however a proper war
