Topic 8C – The Cold War

Topic 8C – The Cold War

What is your definition of war?

What do you think causes war?

What is your definition of the term COLD WAR?

WWII Aftermath

• Soviet distrust of Allies• More fighting in WWII

• US post WWII goals• No more world wars!• American lifestyle is the answer!• Democracy/capitalism = the

solution for everything

• Soviet post WWII goals• If we control the nations, we will

ensure WWIII never happens again.

• Democracy/capitalism is what can get us into trouble again.

Battle of Ideals

• Capitalism (Free Market)1. Government is democratic2. Property is privately owned3. Uneven distribution of

wealth4. Class system5. Focus on the individual and

his own life6. “People need freedom”7. “Competition =

achievement”8. Small government

interference

• Communism1. Government is totalitarian2. Property is owned by the

gov.3. Even distribution of wealth4. All classes are equal5. Focus on the progress of

the community6. “People need one another”7. “equality over freedom”8. Central government in

control

• Containment• The restriction of

communism to its current borders.

• Stalin’s decision• The West responds• Watch

US Policy

• The restriction of communism to its current borders.• Stalin’s decision• The West responds• The Cold War

begins

CONTAINMENT

The Fear

• Both sides feared one another’s ideals.• Both sides had their own ambitions for being supreme

on earth.• Both sides were afraid of each other’s power. (both are

superpowers – a state with dominant position with unmatched ability to influence others)• Both sides greatly misunderstood each other, thinking

they were out to hurt one another.• All stemmed from each nations belief in how to end

World War II and the paranoia that followed. (!)

THE COLD WAR

•President Truman•The Truman Doctrine

• George C. Marshall• The Marshall Plan

“A United States-Soviet conflict in which the two powers would avoid fighting each other directly but would block each other’s goals around the

world.”