1. Ch 18 Sect 1
Origins of the Cold War

2. United States vs. Soviet Union
Communist system – govt. controls all property & economic activity
No opposing parties
Stalin resented delay in German attack & secret a-bomb development.
Installed communism in Poland & East Germany to keep them weak.
Created “satellite” countries throughout Europe
Capitalist system – private citizens can own businesses & property
People elect leaders
US didn’t like Stalin & his original alliance with Hitler.
Wanted to create world with self-determination (free elections)
Wanted to rebuild Europe to ensure stability & new markets
Goal was to reunite Germany

3. II. United Nations
In spite of differences b/t U.S. and Soviet Union, hopes for world peace were high after WWII.
April 25, nations combined for new peacekeeping body, U.N.
The U.N. became an arena for U.S. & Soviet Union to compete, tried to spread their influence.

4. III. Broken promises at Potsdam Conference
At the end of WWII (1945) - FDR, Churchill and Stalin met to discuss end of war.
Stalin agreed to free elections in Poland & Eastern Europe.
US & Soviet Union disagreed about Germany, agreed to divide country (p.605)
Stalin gave speech announcing communism & capitalism are incompatible, war inevitable!

5. IV. Cold War in Europe
US begins policy of containment – Taking measures to prevent spread of communism.
Europe became divided by an iron curtain.
U.S. 1st tried to contain Soviet influence in Greece and Turkey, Truman Doctrine
Gave $400 million in economic & military aid which halted communist takeover.

6. IV. Cold War in Europe cont.
Western Europe was in chaos after the war (land destroyed, no jobs, little food, etc)
U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947 proposed aid to nations that needed it, became known as Marshall Plan.
Next 4 yrs, 16 countries received $13 billion in aid.
By 1952, Western Europe was flourishing & no communism.

7. V. Berlin Airlift
June 20, 1948 – Soviet troops stopped all highway, railway & barge traffic between Western zones of Germany & Berlin
US was caught unprepared; took 2 weeks to gather a plan.

8. VI. Truman establishes a Two-Part Response
Massive airlift of food, supplies & fuel for 10,000 US troops & 2 million Germans
Transfer 60 B-52’s that carried atomic bombs to base in Britain
Never sent a-bombs (Soviets didn’t know that!)

9. VII. Soviets Gave In
Early 1949 Soviets stopped blockade in return for a diplomatic meeting with US about German occupation
Showed US strength to the world!

10. VIII. NATO Created Berlin blockade increased fear of Soviet Union.
April 4, U.S., Canada and 10 Western European countries formed NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Was a defense alliance, also placed countries under US nuclear shield.