Who was to blame for the breakdown of the Grand Alliance?

Depends… was it an economic rivalry? Battle of ideology? Power rivalry? Role of ideology From the US’ point of view: Bolshevik revolution, 1917, Red Scare, 1920 Salami tactics in Europe (Czechoslovakia coup), PBHR = desire to spread communism COMINTERN - promote a worldwide revolution, communist unity Rise of communist parties in Greece, France, Italy all …

Did the Berlin Blockade trigger the Cold War? (ideology + economic factors)

Background 1945: Germany invaded by the West and USSR, and in Yalta/Potsdam conferences, it was agreed that they would split Germany into 4 parts temporarily Governed by the Allied Control Council But by 1949, Germany had been permanently divided Example of where political + ideological differences are the cause of tension Long term causes of …

Role of economics in the emergence of the Cold War

The Marshall plan January 1947: Marshall became the US Secretary of State, and believed the unstable economies of Europe needed money to fight communist expansion June 1947: Makes a speech at Harvard, which initiates the Marshall plan USA offered dollar loans to Europe (including USSR) Conditions: All offer takers had to have transparent accounts → …

Role of fear and aggression in the emergence of the Cold War

Soviet actions Soviet takeover of Eastern EU Salami Stalin tactics = slice of political leaders 1945: Moscow trained communist leaders who dominated post-war governments 1946: Polish elections rigged, 50,000 deported and 246 disqualified Soviet influence in Iran USSR tried to increase control in Iran (agreed to withdraw previously) Left 30,000 troops until pressure from UN …

Role of ideology in the emergence of the Cold War

Formation of the Grand Alliance June 1941: Operation Barbarossa Germany decides to invade the USSR USA was (pre-1939) isolationist and neutral until Pearl Harbour August 1941: Roosevelt and Churchill meet Form the Atlantic Charter, agreed by USSR + others in September Defined the allied goals after the war E.g. peace, cooperation with Soviets, free trade, …