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THE COLD WAR. The Beginnings. Origins of the Cold War. Communism (USSR) v. Capitalism (US) Stalin resents the US after WWII ends Why? Delay in attacking Germany so German troops pull out of USSR US keeps atomic bomb secret. The United Nations. April 25, 1945
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THE COLD WAR The Beginnings
Origins of the Cold War • Communism (USSR) v. Capitalism (US) • Stalin resents the US after WWII ends • Why? • Delay in attacking Germany so German troops pull out of USSR • US keeps atomic bomb secret
The United Nations • April 25, 1945 • 50 nations meet in San Francisco • Establish a peacekeeping body • UN Security Council • Winners of WWII! • Britain, France, US, USSR and China (permanent seats) • US and USSR use UN to spread influence
Arab-Israeli Conflict • Dispute over land • Until 1948 both groups claimed “Palestine” as their own • 1949 > region was divided into three parts • Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel • Israel’s claims to the land • biblical claim, land promised to Abraham’s descendants (Jewish people) • Jews need haven from anti-Semitism • “The Wall” constructed around West Bank, when complete will take over about 50% of Israeli West Bank • Palestine’s claims to the land • Continual occupation of the land for centuries • Arabs represent the demographic majority • Biblical claim, Arabs AND Jews alike to live here
Palestine Israel
Truman Becomes President • During Truman’s VP term… • Not included in policy-making decisions • Unaware of Manhattan Project • In the dark! • US doubts his ability as president
Potsdam Conference • “Big Three” meet at Potsdam • US, USSR, Britain • Same ones present at Yalta • Representatives • Stalin (USSR) • Churchill / Atlee (Britain) • Truman (US) • Stalin’s Broken Yalta Promises • No free and fair elections • Banns democratic parties
Bargaining at Potsdam • Decisions • “Big Three” would take war reparations from their own German occupation zones • US allowed sell goods to E. European nations • Soviets also want stake in E. Europe • To prevent future attacks
Tension Mounts… • Stalin establishes Satellite Nations • Countries dominated by USSR • US Containment Policy • By George F. Kennan • Prevent extension of Communism into other nations • Europe is divided… • Eastern part is Communist • Western Part is Democratic
The “Iron Curtain” • Name given to the division of Europe by Winston Churchill
Cold War In Europe • No actual land battles! Hence, “Cold” War • Truman Doctrine • Democratic help to Turkey and Greece • Truman asks congress for $400 million to help • CONTAINMENT! • Reduces chance of communist takeover • Marshall Plan • US provides aid to all European nations in need • “not against any country or doctrine” • 16 European countries receive $13 in aid • Results?
Struggle over Germany • Stalin closes all highways into Berlin • The Berlin Airlift • Britain and US fly food/supplies into W. Berlin • W. Berlin survives because of this • Boosts American prestige • USSR lifts the blockade • A New Germany • E. Germany > Federal Republic of Germany • West Germany > German Democratic Republic
NATO • Soviet blockade increases fear of aggression • North Atlantic Treaty Organization • Pledge military support to each other • Significant for US • First peacetime military alliance