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Origins of the Cold War. April 28, 2014 Note Packet C. At the Yalta Conference (Feb. 1945), FDR, Stalin & Churchill agreed to the creation of the United Nations (UN) The UN’s structure includes a General Assembly & Security Council
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Origins of the Cold War April 28, 2014 Note Packet C
At the Yalta Conference (Feb. 1945), FDR, Stalin & Churchill agreed to the creation of the United Nations (UN) • The UN’s structure includes a General Assembly & Security Council • The Security Council includes 10 rotating member nations & 5 permanent members (US, Britain, Soviet Union, China & France) • The UN serves as a forum for world leaders to voice concerns
Soviet Union allied with US due to Germany violating their nonaggression pact during WW2 • At the Potsdam Conference (July 1945), Truman, Stalin & Atlee met to discuss issues of Germany & Poland • Stalin wished for a Communist based Polish gov’t framework • Truman insisted on free elections in Poland
Atomic bomb kept secret from Stalin • Main US postwar goal was to bring democracy & economic opportunities to conquered in Europe & Asia • Main Soviet postwar goal was est. satellite nations & spread communism
US foreign policy post-WW2 was influenced by 2 factors: • Willingness of US to become involved in international peacekeeping efforts • Determination to prevent spread of communism • Policy of containment • Confine communism to area it already exists • Will be carried out through increased presidential power
Truman Doctrine • Truman asked Congress for economic & military aid to Turkey & Greece • Containment strategy • Major step in foreign policy, moving away from isolationism & neutrality
The Marshall Plan became a main point in US foreign policy • Created by Truman’s Secretary of State, General George Marshall • Called for European nations to create economic recovery plans • US would provide financial aid • Reflected idea of strong democracies& new markets for American goods