Early tensions between the East and West (Part 1)
Key features of the cold war
Ideolgical rivalry
The cold war was a war of ideas between the communists and the capitalists. They both were trying to spread their ideologies and as a result it created conflict
Communism
Capitalism
People will have a choice about who runs the country
The best way to make money is for businesses to be privately owned. Government should not own any business
Everyone has the right to be UNequal. Some people will be wealthier then others
People need to spread our beliefs to become richer and more prosperous through trade
Communist party will run the country and there will be no elections
The fairest way is for businesses to be owned by the Government. The Government should own all businesses so profits will be shared by everyone
Everyone has the right to be equal
People need to spread their beliefs so the world will become more peaceful if everyone was communists
Politics, economy, equality and spreading our beliefs
Propaganda
Cold war was a war of words
Both sides wanted everyone to think that they were the good guys
Both sides told their own people that the other side was evil and dangerous
Both sides recognised how important it was to keep their own people loyal
Arms Race
Cold war was of military competition
Both sides wanted than the other
The conflict became particularly dangerous because both sides developed nuclear weapons
These were much more powerful than anything that been used in war before
Space Race
The Cold War was a war of non-military competition
This was a way of competing with each other and the space race was the best example
Soviets won the race to put the first satellite into orbit, sputnik
(1957)
Conferences
Yalta (February 1945)
Potsdam (July 1945)
Tehran (November 1943)
Also put a man into space (1961)
Main Goal-It was inevitable that Germany would lose, this conference was focused mainly on defeating Germany.
Americans was first to put a man on the moon (1969)
Second Front-Invasion of France, Britain and USA agreed to invade France and attack Germany from the West.
Showing strength, skill and power
Polish Borders-Borders of Poland would change. Soviet Union would gain a large part of eastern Poland. Meanwhile, Poland would acquire a large part of eastern Germany - up toOlder Neisse Line
Spying
Cold war was a war of secret information
Both sides needed information about each others military strength
If the cold war became a hot war, they wanted to know what the other side had
Spying became a key part and as a result both sides became more secretive, This increased tension, fear and suspicion on both sides
United Nations-All three agreed that some sort of international organisation should be set up to keep the peace
Tehran conference was a major success for Stalin because Stalin was worried the British were delaying the invasion of Europe. Second Front was a major boost for USSR
Main Goal-The allied forces, now closing in on Berlin, were deciding what to after WW2
Churchill was disappointed as he wanted to invade Europe southeast through Greece and Balkans. Involved attacking Germany from the East. Roosevelt disagreed and invasion happened through West
Division of Germany and Berlin-Germany and Berlin temporarily divided into "four zones of occupation".Each of "The Big Three" and France would occupy each portion of Germany and Berlin
Free elections-Germany occupied countries were allowed to choose their own Government after the war.
Easter Europe-An agreement was made that Easter Europe would be a "Soviet sphere of influence".This was left vague on purpose.
United Nations-All three agreed to set up a "United Nations" organisations, headquartered in New York.
Focused on what to do after WW2
Free elections was a success for Roosevelt and Churchill. They were both pleased. This seemed to be a concession from Stalin, who was desperate that the eastern Europe should not become unfriendly to USSR
Reparations was a success for Stalin as he would receive the most and showed he was getting some of what he wanted
Americans wanted reparations to be small however the Soviet Union wanted lots and as a result this delayed the decision
Germany and Berlin would be divided. Germany would be divided and demilitarised. Germanys army would be disbanded
Germany would pay reparations mainly yo USSR. This would be paid in the supply of equipment, materials and industrial goods manufactured in Germany
Germany would have free elections . However, the timing of these elections for a united Germany were not specified
Potsdam conference achieved relatively little as the divisions were becoming clear
Stalin was disappointed as they were not being paid actual money however Truman dod allow some reparations to be paid. USA did not want to make Germany pay too much because they were concerned over another harsh settlement which could have resulted as another Hitler come to power
Truman was also left disappointment. Stalin went back on his promise at Yalta about free elections eastern government. Stalin put a pro Russian government in control. Consequently, the British and Americans became more suspicious of the Soviet Union as they felt betrayed by Stalins actions