Democracy vs. Communism Cold War Conflict Democracy vs. Communism

U.S and Soviet Aims Around the World Soviet Union Encourage Communism in other countries as part of the worldwide struggle between workers and the wealthy. Transfer the industrial equipment of Eastern Europe to the Soviet Union to help rebuild its war-ravaged economy. Control Eastern Europe to balance the US influence in Western Europe. Keep Germany divided and weak, since the Germans had waged war against Russia twice in 30 years and had caused most of the 20 million Soviet deaths in WWII. United States Encourage democracy in other countries to help prevent the rise of new totalitarian governments. Gain access to raw materials and markets for its booming industries. Rebuild European governments to ensure stability and to create new markets for American goods. Reunite Germany, believing that Europe would be more secure if Germany were productive and less bitter about defeat.

Communism vs. Democracy (Capitalism) A Deadly Equation Communism vs. Democracy (Capitalism) + Nuclear Weapons = COLD WAR

Terms Associated with the United States Cold War Terms to Know Terms Associated with the United States Containment – The U.S. policy of blocking or stopping the spread of Communism. (Or democracy…Soviet Union) Truman Doctrine – U.S. plan to support any nation or government opposed to Communist rule. Marshall Plan – U.S. plan to economically and industrially rebuild Europe with U.S. funds. NATO – Military alliance between the U.S. and other non-Communist nations.

Terms Associated with the Soviet Union Cold War Terms to Know Terms Associated with the Soviet Union Satellite Nations – Countries dependent upon the Soviet Union for all forms of existence. Iron Curtain – Communist stronghold in Europe…a term coined by Winston Churchill. (Separates democratic and Communist Countries) Warsaw Pact – Military alliance between the Soviet Union and other Eastern European nations.

Democracy vs. Communism Cold War Conflict Democracy vs. Communism Democracy: Private Citizens control almost all economic activity Voting by the people to elect President and Congress from competing political parties Communism: The state controlled all property and economic activity Communist Party established a totalitarian government with no opposing parties.

Conflict: Elections in Poland A major conflict between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. began at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945 (just before the war ended) Stalin promised Roosevelt that he would allow free elections in Poland – he didn’t and he banned political parties This theme continues throughout all of the Soviet occupied territories (Satellite Nations: Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Poland)

U.S. Policy of Containment Developed by George F Kennan in 1946 A policy of taking measures to prevent any extension of Communist rule in other countries Containment divides Europe into two political regions: Democratic Western Europe/Communist Eastern Europe Containment of Communism becomes the policy of: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan (1945-1989)