‘The main reason for the worsening relations between the Soviet Union and the USA
in the years 1945-49 was the Berlin Crisis 1948-49.
How far do you agree?
berlin crisis
marshall plan
+ ur own info
In the years 1945 to 1949 the tension of the two superpower relations deteriorated very
dramatically. The USA and USSR had very different visions for the world, while the USSR
endorsed communism, the US was trying to stop the expansion of communism and promote
capitalist ideology to other countries. The differing views of the two superpowers made the
US implement a strategic plan by Truman called containment, protecting other countries
from the Domino effect of communism occurring.
One of the reasons for the worsening relations between the superpowers was the economic
aspect, the Marshall plan, fighting communism with financial aid. The Marshall Plan was a
practical outcome of the Truman Doctrine: providing economic aid to help war-torn countries
in order to stop communism from taking over in western Europe. Between 1948 and 1952,
the US gave $13.7 billion of aid, in addition to $13 billion already given by the US before the
Marshall plan went into action. The Marshall plan caused tension between Truman and
Stalin, as the USSR believed it showed dollar imperialism, that the US was trying to extend
its influence in Europe. Also, any remaining belief that there was still a Grand Alliance was
gone, as the USA had now set itself up in direct opposition to the communist soviet Union.
Another impact it had was, Stalin’s suspicions were heightened, he believed he now had
evidence that the USA was trying to destroy the USSR. Additionally, the Marshall plans great
success for America as it got support from western European countries. Stalin's rejection the
Marshall plan and set up its own economic plan, Comecon, in 1949. Europe and the
superpowers became divided into two economic and political camps.
Another reason for the worsening of relations is due to the political factor, the Berlin crisis.
Stalin knew that the Western-occupied zones of Berlin were easy to attack, as they were
entirely surrounded by soviet-occupied territory. In addition, there were only two agreed land
routes and two air routes, across the soviet zone of Germany into western-occupied Berlin.
He wanted west Berlin to be dependent on the Soviet union. By cutting off all road, rail and
canal routes he threatened the stability of East Berlin. However, the U.S. decided to respond
peacefully by airlifting supplies to West Berlin for eleven months, until Stalin backed down.
This humiliated stalin as he was seen as the aggressor.
Lastly, a significant event which worsened the relationship of the superpowers was the
creation of East and West Germany and the creation of NATO. After the blockade incident, it
was clear that the division of Germany would continue. The western allies quickly moved to
create a separate West Germany. Stalin responded by creating the German Democratic
Republic in October 1949. Only the communist bloc countries recognised it as a nation. The
Federal Republic refused to recognise that Germany had been split into two until the 1970s.
Secondly, the creation of NATO in April 1949. A military alliance, where members would
defend other members if attacked.The Truman Doctrine said the USA would offer
assistance, but the creation of a formal military alliance was a major step beyond this. NATO
resulted in the Americans keeping bases in Europe throughout the Cold war. Stalin saw the
alliance as a direct threat to the Soviet Union and therefore relations further deteriorated
between the two superpowers.
In conclusion, although the Berlin Crisis and the creation of East and West Germany and
Nato were significant in worsening the superpower relations in 1945-1949, I think the main
in the years 1945-49 was the Berlin Crisis 1948-49.
How far do you agree?
berlin crisis
marshall plan
+ ur own info
In the years 1945 to 1949 the tension of the two superpower relations deteriorated very
dramatically. The USA and USSR had very different visions for the world, while the USSR
endorsed communism, the US was trying to stop the expansion of communism and promote
capitalist ideology to other countries. The differing views of the two superpowers made the
US implement a strategic plan by Truman called containment, protecting other countries
from the Domino effect of communism occurring.
One of the reasons for the worsening relations between the superpowers was the economic
aspect, the Marshall plan, fighting communism with financial aid. The Marshall Plan was a
practical outcome of the Truman Doctrine: providing economic aid to help war-torn countries
in order to stop communism from taking over in western Europe. Between 1948 and 1952,
the US gave $13.7 billion of aid, in addition to $13 billion already given by the US before the
Marshall plan went into action. The Marshall plan caused tension between Truman and
Stalin, as the USSR believed it showed dollar imperialism, that the US was trying to extend
its influence in Europe. Also, any remaining belief that there was still a Grand Alliance was
gone, as the USA had now set itself up in direct opposition to the communist soviet Union.
Another impact it had was, Stalin’s suspicions were heightened, he believed he now had
evidence that the USA was trying to destroy the USSR. Additionally, the Marshall plans great
success for America as it got support from western European countries. Stalin's rejection the
Marshall plan and set up its own economic plan, Comecon, in 1949. Europe and the
superpowers became divided into two economic and political camps.
Another reason for the worsening of relations is due to the political factor, the Berlin crisis.
Stalin knew that the Western-occupied zones of Berlin were easy to attack, as they were
entirely surrounded by soviet-occupied territory. In addition, there were only two agreed land
routes and two air routes, across the soviet zone of Germany into western-occupied Berlin.
He wanted west Berlin to be dependent on the Soviet union. By cutting off all road, rail and
canal routes he threatened the stability of East Berlin. However, the U.S. decided to respond
peacefully by airlifting supplies to West Berlin for eleven months, until Stalin backed down.
This humiliated stalin as he was seen as the aggressor.
Lastly, a significant event which worsened the relationship of the superpowers was the
creation of East and West Germany and the creation of NATO. After the blockade incident, it
was clear that the division of Germany would continue. The western allies quickly moved to
create a separate West Germany. Stalin responded by creating the German Democratic
Republic in October 1949. Only the communist bloc countries recognised it as a nation. The
Federal Republic refused to recognise that Germany had been split into two until the 1970s.
Secondly, the creation of NATO in April 1949. A military alliance, where members would
defend other members if attacked.The Truman Doctrine said the USA would offer
assistance, but the creation of a formal military alliance was a major step beyond this. NATO
resulted in the Americans keeping bases in Europe throughout the Cold war. Stalin saw the
alliance as a direct threat to the Soviet Union and therefore relations further deteriorated
between the two superpowers.
In conclusion, although the Berlin Crisis and the creation of East and West Germany and
Nato were significant in worsening the superpower relations in 1945-1949, I think the main
