Cold War Overview and Causes

Overview of the Cold War

• The Cold War was a geopolitical tension between the USA and the USSR lasting 45 years post-World War II.
• The term "Cold War" was first used in 1947 to describe the non-direct conflict involving propaganda and proxy wars instead of outright military engagement.

Reasons for the Cold War: General Causes

• The war's origins stemmed from both long and short-term factors that interacted and intensified over time.

Long Term Causes: Differing Ideologies

• The USSR established a communist regime in 1917, which conflicted fundamentally with the USA's democratic capitalism.
• The USSR implemented strict censorship and government control over resources, while the USA promoted free enterprise and individual liberties, leading to mutual fears of ideological destruction.

Long Term Causes: Stalin's Suspicion of the West

• Historical invasions by Germany fostered Stalin's distrust of Western nations, particularly following the lack of support during critical moments in World War II.
• The belief that the Western powers had favored Hitler's rise further deepened Stalin's conviction that they posed a continual threat to communism.

Long Term Causes: Change in USA Policy

• Post-war, the USA rejected isolationism and aimed to confront dictators, positioning itself as a global leader with an interest in spreading democracy.
• The USA sought markets for its goods, fearing that the spread of communism would limit economic opportunities and perpetuate poverty.

Short Term Causes: Yalta Conference (February 1945)

• Key leaders included Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill, who reached agreements on post-war arrangements such as dividing Germany and establishing the United Nations.
• Tensions arose over Poland; while Stalin wanted a pro-Soviet government, the West insisted on free elections.

Short Term Causes: Potsdam Conference (July 1945)

• Agreements made included territorial changes favoring the USSR and a commitment to prosecute Nazi war criminals.
• Disagreements focused on reparations, where Stalin's demands for $20 billion were dismissed, increasing mistrust among leaders.

Short Term Causes: Personality Clash

• Truman adopted a staunchly anti-communist stance and refused to negotiate with Stalin, exacerbating tensions between the two leaders.

Short Term Causes: The Atom Bomb

• The successful testing of the atomic bomb by the USA in August 1945 heightened Stalin's suspicions and fears of American intentions, marking a pivotal moment in the Cold War dynamics.