Topic 2

• What was the policy adopted by the USA before the Truman Doctrine?

  Isolationism
• What did the National Security Act of 1947 establish?

  Department of Defence, National Security Council, CIA
• What was Truman's belief regarding the USSR's expansion in Europe?

  It had to be stopped
• What did Stalin believe about the USA's influence in Europe?

  It was dividing Europe
• How did Stalin view the USSR's role in Eastern Europe?

  As a protector against democracy
• What was the USSR's belief regarding World Communism?

  It aimed to spread communism globally
• How did the USSR use its veto in the United Nations?

  To stop the UN from doing good
• What was the Domino Theory related to?

  Fear of communism spreading
• Why did the USA provide money to Greece and Turkey?

  To fight against communism
• What does the policy of Containment involve?

  Supporting countries to resist communism
• What did Truman declare about the world after adopting the policy of Containment?

  The world was divided into free and not free
• What were the main components of the Truman Doctrine?

  • Stopping USSR expansion
  • Supporting free peoples
  • Providing military and economic aid
• What was Comecon and when was it established?

  Economic assistance for Eastern Europe, 1949
• What was the purpose of Com-inform?

  To link communist countries for cooperation
• What was the time frame for the early developments in the Cold War discussed?

  1945 - 1949
• What was the economic situation in the USA after WWII?

  It boomed economically
• What did the GI Bill of Rights Act provide for returning soldiers?

  Opportunities for businesses and education
• Why did the USSR control Eastern Europe after WWII?

  To create a military buffer zone
• What was the impact of the Marshall Plan on Western Europe?

  Prevented communism and promoted trade
• What were the consequences of the Marshall Plan for the USA?

  • Increased trade with Europe
  • Investment opportunities
  • Gained allegiance from European countries
• How much aid did the USA provide through the Marshall Plan?

  Over $12 billion
• Why did Stalin reject the Marshall Plan for Eastern Europe?

  To maintain control over communist states
• What was the significance of the Red Army's presence in Eastern Europe?

  It allowed Stalin to extend influence
• What were the steps for Eastern European countries becoming communist?

  1. Communists fight Nazis in WWII
  2. Red Army enters Eastern Europe
  3. Communists seek help from USSR
  4. Non-communists are removed from power
  5. Communist governments are established
• What was the outcome of the elections in Czechoslovakia in 1946?

  Communists received 38% of the vote
• What happened to President Benes in Czechoslovakia after the communist takeover?

  He resigned and was found dead
• How did the Polish elections in 1947 demonstrate communist control?

  Only communists could campaign effectively
• What were the main reasons for Stalin's control over Eastern Europe?

  • To create a buffer zone
  • To extend Soviet influence
  • To fill the power vacuum post-WWII
• What was the main action taken by Communists in Eastern Europe with USSR's help?

  Remove non-communists through various means
• How did Communists in Eastern Europe respond to the German Nazis during WW2?

  They fought against them with the USSR's support
• What was the status of the Red Army at the end of WW2?

  It was present in Eastern European countries
• Why did Communists in Eastern Europe welcome the Red Army?

  They looked to the USSR for help
• What were the steps leading to Communist control in Czechoslovakia?

  1. Communists fought Nazis in WW2
  2. Red Army presence in Czechoslovakia
  3. Communists won elections post-WW2
  4. President Denes appointed Communists to ministries
  5. Fear of losing the 1948 election led to a crisis
  6. Communists came to power amid civil unrest
• What were the incorrect statements about Poland's situation during WWI and WWII?

  • Poland's leaders did not live in London during WWI
  • The Polish 'Home Army' did not attack Germans with Red Army help
  • Stalin did not support democratic elections in Poland
  • The election results were not accepted as fair
• What was Stalin's main plan regarding Eastern Europe?

  To create a buffer zone for security
• What was agreed upon regarding Germany and Berlin after 1945?

  Divided into four zones among Allies

  
• What was the USSR's stance on the Marshall Plan?

  They opposed it to keep Germany weak
• When did the Berlin Blockade begin?

  June 24, 1948
• What was the purpose of the Berlin Airlift?

  To supply West Berlin during the blockade
• How many flights were conducted during the Berlin Airlift?

  Around 277,000 flights