1. From WWII to the Cold War
Axis vs. Allies
Becomes
United States vs. Soviet Union Or
Democracy vs. Communism

2. COLD WAR CONFLICTS

3. The U.S. & the Soviet Union had been WWII allies……
However, after the war, the U.S. and the Soviet Union came into conflict.

4. “Pretty Much the Cold War”- video

5. At the end of the war, people hoped that the United Nations (UN) would help bring a time of peace.
Flag of the United Nations
Instead, the U.N. became a place where the 2 superpowers competed & tried to influence other nations.

6. U.S. President Harry Truman met w/the British & Soviet leaders at the Potsdam conference in July ’45.

8. Truman reminded Stalin of his promise at Yalta to allow free elections in Eastern Europe.
But Stalin wouldn’t listen to Truman. Soviet troops occupied Eastern Europe & Stalin was not going to allow free elections.

9. Truman & Stalin disagreed over the future of Europe.
Truman wanted strong democratic nations. Stalin wished to spread communism. He also wanted to control Eastern Europe to prevent another invasion of Soviet territory.

10. Stalin set up Communist governments in the European nations occupied by Soviet troops.
Victory Banner
They became satellite nations, countries that depended on & were dominated by the Soviet Union.

12. The U.S. answered w/a policy of containment.
Communism
This was an effort to block Soviet influence by making alliances & supporting weaker nations.

13. US and USSR are trying to each control as many countries as possible!!!
Stalin and the USSR
United States

14. In 1946, Winston Churchill described “an iron curtain” coming down across Europe.
Europe at the time of the Iron Curtain
It separated the nations in the “Soviet sphere” from the capitalist democracies of the West.

16. Congress agreed. Aid was sent to Turkey & Greece.
In the Truman Doctrine, the president argued that aid should be sent to any nation trying to stop communists from taking over.
Greece’s flag
Turkish flag
Congress agreed. Aid was sent to Turkey & Greece.

17. A terrible winter in ’46-’47 increased hardship.
Western Europe was also in terrible economic shape. Factories & fields had been destroyed.
Dresden in ruins 14 February 1945
A terrible winter in ’46-’47 increased hardship.

18. The Marshall Plan
Secretary of State George Marshall wanted to send aid to rebuild nations that cooperated w/American economic goals.

19. But Berlin was located in Soviet-controlled East Germany.
The Soviets cut off all transportation to West Berlin.

20. The Soviets said they would hold the city hostage until the West gave up the idea of German reunification
Instead, the U.S. & Britain started the Berlin Airlift… For 327 days, planes brought food & supplies to West Berlin.

21. Cold War standoff!!! NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
Warsaw Pact (Stalin and his communist buddies)