Early Tension between the East & West 1941-58

• What are the main features of the Cold War?


  • Spying
  • Propaganda
  • Arms race
  • Space race
  • Loans and aid
• What historical event marked the beginning of the rivalry between the superpowers?

  The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917
• What are the key differences between communism and capitalism as outlined in the study material?

  **Communism:**

  • One political party; no choice
  • No private industry; government ownership
  • Everyone is equal; state welfare

  
  

  **Capitalism:**

  • Several political parties; choice for voters
  • Mixed industry; priority for private businesses
  • Some wealthier than others; minimal state welfare
• What did the USSR do in Greece in 1948?


  Intervened by giving supplies to Greek communists
• What was the significance of the Tehran Conference in November 1943?


  It was a meeting of the leaders of the Grand Alliance to discuss post-war plans
• Who were the leaders involved in the Grand Alliance?

  Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill
• What was the main issue discussed at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945?


  The division of Germany and future agreements
• What were the agreements made at the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?


  Germany and Berlin were to be divided and occupied by the Allies
• What was the Soviet Union's stance on Germany's reparations after World War II?


  They wanted Germany to pay reparations in equipment and materials
• How did Truman's approach to Stalin differ from Roosevelt's?


  Truman viewed the conference as a new beginning for a new world order
• What significant event occurred on July 16, 1945?


  The successful testing of an atomic bomb by the Americans
• What was the main concern of the Western Allies regarding the Soviet Union after World War II?


  They were worried about Soviet expansion and influence in Eastern Europe
• What were the disagreements at the Potsdam Conference regarding Germany?


  • The Soviet Union wanted massive reparations from Germany
  • Truman opposed Soviet expansion and wanted free elections in Europe
  • Differences in views on the future governance of Germany
• What was the strategic importance of Poland for the Soviet Union?


  Poland was crucial for Soviet security and influence in Eastern Europe
• What was Churchill's role in the percentages deal in 1944?


  He assured Stalin of British influence in Eastern Europe
• How did the memory of events from 1918-39 affect post-war relations between Europe and the Soviet Union?


  Many European countries were hostile towards the Soviet Union due to past conflicts
• What were the key events of the peace conferences in 1945-46?

  1. Tehran Conference (1943)
  2. Yalta Conference (February 1945)
  3. Potsdam Conference (July 1945)
  4. Discussions on post-war Europe and Germany's future
• What were the years of the interwar period in Europe?


  1918-1939
• What political problems did European countries face during the interwar years?


  They were beset by severe political problems.
• Which country signed a non-aggression pact with Russia?

  Poland
• Which countries fought on the side of Germany against the Soviet Union during WWII?


  Hungary and France
• Who were the leaders involved in the percentages deal in 1944?


  Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill
• What was the pressing need behind the percentages deal?


  The need for influence in Eastern Europe
• Why did Churchill assure Stalin regarding Eastern Europe?


  He recognized the Soviet Union's influence would outweigh Britain's.
• Why was Poland strategically important to the Soviet Union?


  It was crucial for future security and a friendly government.
• When did a communist government in Poland become more real?

  In the autumn of 1944
• What historical role has Poland played for Russia?


  It has always been a corridor for attack on Russia.
• How many times had the Soviet Union been invaded from the west by Germany before 1941?


  Twice
• What did the Soviet Union want in addition to satellite states in Eastern Europe?


  Future security with friendly countries as a buffer.
• How did the USA, Britain, and France perceive Soviet expansionism?


  They believed it exceeded legitimate aims and threatened Europe.
• Who was George Kennan?


  US Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Moscow in 1946.
• What did Kennan's long telegram describe?


  His interpretation of Soviet foreign policy as aggressive and expansionist.
• What was the significance of the Long Telegram?


  It shaped the USA's policy of containment against communism.
• What was the Soviet Union's response to the Long Telegram?


  They sent the Novikov telegram.
• What did the Novikov telegram state about the USA?


  It indicated the USA's efforts to establish world domination.
• How did the Novikov telegram affect US-Soviet relations?


  It increased tension between the two superpowers.
• What did George Kennan believe about the Soviet Union's view of the USA?


  It regarded the USA as a capital rival, not a partner.
• What did Kennan suggest about Soviet communism?


  It is an aggressive ideology that seeks domination.
• What did Novikov's telegram suggest about US military expansion?


  It indicated a direct threat to Soviet security.
• What was the outcome of the elections in Poland in January 1947?


  The elections were rigged to ensure a communist government.