1. THE COLD WAR

2. provides an interpretation of Soviet intentions and characteristics.
The Long Telegram
Feb. 22, 1946
A document by George F. Keenan, a Russian specialist in the American embassy in Moscow.
provides an interpretation of Soviet intentions and characteristics.
They perceive themselves to be at war with capitalism
They respond to force, not logic
It later contributes to NSC-68 & containment

3. IRON CURTAIN SPEECH
March 05, 1946
A speech made by Winston Churchill to American students in Fulton, Missouri.
It referred to the division between Soviet dominated Europe and Western Europe as an “Iron Curtain”.

4. Truman Doctrine
March 12, 1947
A policy by which the US will give military support to any country resisting totalitarian (communist) domination.
May of $400 million in military aid was given to Greece and Turkey.

5. MaRshall Plan
June 05, 1947
Named after US Sec. of State, George Marshall.
A policy by which the US contributed to the economic rebuilding of Europe.
$13 billion was spent from ’48-’52, leading to a 25% increase in economic output.

6. German Currency
June 21, 1948
The Allies introduce the Deutsche Mark, a new currency for W. Germany and West Berlin.
The Soviets previously devalued the Reichsmark.
The USSR wants a weak Germany, the West wants a rebuilt Germany.
June 22, 1948
Soviets announce the Ostmark and insist it is the only currency of Berlin.
Soviets threaten the west with economic sanctions.

7. Berlin Blockade
June 24, 1948
The Soviets block all road, rail, and water access to the western zones of Berlin.
June 25, 1948
Allies announce “Operation Vittles”, the operational name for the Berlin Airlift.
The Allies intend to supply all food, medicine, fuel & other necessities to Berlin.
Berlin becomes a symbol of Western intentions and their commitment to democracy.

8. The Berlin Airlift June 25, 1948 – Sept. 1949
The allies supplied 2.5 million people.
4,500 tons/day
Three airports were used; planes landed continuously, in 3 minute intervals, 24/7.
The Soviets harassed the aircraft (jamming, drifting balloons & spotlights).
May 11, 1949
Blockade ended (airlift continued until September- just in case…)

9. NATO
April 04, 1949
The allies announce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
A defensive military and economic alliance.
An attack on one would be considered an attack on all.
The purpose was to oppose any aggressive Soviet activity, and commit the US to defending Western Europe.

10. The Tale of Two Germanies
April 23, 1949
The allies announce the Federal Republic of Germany, (West Germany).
The goal of a unified Germany is not viable.
Sept. 15, 1949
Konrad Adenauer becomes the first Chancellor of West Germany.
October 07, 1949
The Soviets announce the creation of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

11. Bad to worse…
August 29, 1949
The Soviets test their first Atomic Bomb
October 01, 1949
Communists win the civil war in China.
The world’s most populous country becomes communist.
February 14, 1950
USSR & China commit to mutual defence.

12. CONCLUSION: POLICY
April 14, 1950
NSC-68: National Security Council Report affirming containment as the foreign policy of the United States.
POLICY TESTED:
June 25, 1950
North Korea Invades South Korea…