How did the USA and USSR become Rivals in the period 1945 to 1949?

1. Why are the meetings at Yalta and Potsdam so important in understanding the beginnings of the Cold War?

2. How did the USA try and prevent the spread of Communism?

3. The Berlin Blockade: the Cold War begins the hot up

How did the USA try and prevent the spread of

Communism?

How did the USA and USSR become Rivals in the period 1945 to 1949?

Stalin

I have taken control of Eastern Europe because I have to keep my country safe and secure. You wanted to destroy us

before the war and you’ll want to destroy us after the war.

I don’t like you lot!!!

Truman Attlee

We don’t like the look of this. This is proof to us that Stalin wants to spread Communism. We want free elections and freedom of speech. What can we

do to make sure that the rest of Europe doesn’t become Communist?

Truman

This is very important to me. Instead of following the

‘ISOLATION’ ideas that the USA had after WW1 I need to make sure that we help other countries from falling into the hands of that crazy Commie

guy with the handlebar moustache!

I’ve got an idea!

The Truman doctrine

Truman felt that it was the duty of USA to protect the West from the USSR. He announced that the USA

would give aid in the form of money and weapons to the poor

countries of Europe. This idea was to try and ‘contain’ the USSR and

prevent the spread of Communism. It became known as the Truman

Doctrine.

I’ll stop the

Commies!!

General Marshall

The ‘Marshall Plan’ was designed to help the war torn countries of Europe to recover from the years of WW2. The USA believed that the poorer a country was, the more

likely that it would turn to Communism. The USA set up a massive fund for the countries in Europe in which all of them could apply. However, Stalin became suspicious of this plan and made sure that those countries

within his control did not apply.

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Stalin

I know what the Americans are up to. They are trying to gain influence over the countries under my control. This is proof

to me that they are out to get me and that it is the USA that are trying to take over the world. This means no more Mr nice

guy.

The use of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan is usually seen as the start of the Cold War. Mutual suspicion and distrust resulted with the USSR and the USA becoming rivals. However. The Berlin Blockade would strengthen this

rivalry.