overall 6 causes of cold war

• different ideologies


  russia was communist and wanted to spread it, US + UK were capitalist and wanted democracy
• personality clashes


  Stalin didn't trust Churchill and tried to manipulate Roosevelt

  Attlee didn't care too much about it, just wanted to rebuild Britain

  Truman didn't have much experience in international relations - "get tough" attitude with Stalin which annoyed him
• Future of Germany


  USSR wanted to de-industrialise Germany and take 10 bil in reparations - feared attack from them as had already been attacked twice

  West wanted to help rebuild Germany for trade
• Eastern Europe


  Stalin didn't hold free elections as promised and took control (Eastern Bloc)

  US wanted democracy for smaller countries
• Truman doctrine


  It was very provocative and isolated the USSR. Was seen as an act of ideological warfare.

  Solidified russia as the enemy

  Seemed like a bribe for capitalism
• Berlin Blockade


  Stalin tried to force the West out of Berlin and risked thousands of lives (went against agreements at Y + P)

  US started airlift and refused to leave, maintaining capitalism