Development of the Cold War 1947-49

• What was the main purpose of the Truman Doctrine introduced in 1947?


  To contain the spread of communism
• Why did the US introduce the Marshall Plan in 1947?


  To aid the economic recovery of Western Europe and prevent the spread of communism
• Who announced the Marshall Plan?


  General George Marshall
• What were some of the economic problems faced by Western Europe after World War II?


  Food shortages, lack of fuel, damaged infrastructure, and unemployment
• How did the US believe the Marshall Plan would prevent countries from becoming communist?


  By helping them regain economic strength and providing employment
• How much money did the USA provide to European countries by 1952 through the Marshall Plan?


  US $13 billion
• What was the aim of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) established under the Marshall Plan?


  To organize the distribution and use of US economic aid
• What was the Soviet Union's reaction to the Marshall Plan?


  They accused the USA of trying to dominate Europe
• What was the purpose of the letter from a US citizen to President Truman during the Berlin crisis?


  To blame Truman for the crisis due to inaction
• What was Bizonia?


  The merging of the US and British zones in Berlin and Germany into one economic unit
• What was the significance of the introduction of the West Deutschemark in June 1948?


  It escalated tensions leading to the Berlin Blockade
• What was the Warsaw Pact?


  A military alliance of eight countries led by the Soviet Union
• What was the main purpose of the Warsaw Pact?


  To counter the NATO alliance
• How did the Warsaw Pact contribute to the arms race during the Cold War?


  It intensified military presence and competition between the USA and the Soviet Union
• What were the key components of the Marshall Plan?


  • Economic aid to rebuild factories and agriculture
  • Technological assistance for economic comparison
  • Aimed to restore normal economic powers in Europe
  • Encouraged fair trade and access for US companies
• What were the consequences of the Marshall Plan on Europe?


  • Provided $13 billion in aid by 1952
  • Helped raise the standard of living in Europe
  • Strengthened the division between East and West
  • Led to Soviet withdrawal from Eastern European economies
• What were the long-term causes of the Berlin crisis?

  • Economic recovery efforts in Western Europe
  • Creation of military alliances like NATO
  • Expansion of democratic societies feared by the Soviet Union
  • Rising tensions due to differing economic systems
• What were the main developments in the Cold War from 1947 to 1949?


  • Introduction of the Truman Doctrine
  • Implementation of the Marshall Plan
  • Formation of NATO in 1949
  • The Berlin Blockade and subsequent airlift
• What were the consequences of the Warsaw Pact?


  • Strengthened military cooperation among Eastern Bloc countries
  • Increased tensions with NATO
  • Contributed to the arms race
  • Solidified the division of Europe into East and West