TO WHAT EXTENT WAS THE SOVIET UNION'S EXPANSION INTO EASTERN EUROPE THE MAIN CAUSE OF THE INTENSIFICATION OF THE COLD WAR IN THE YEARS 1945-1956?

TO WHAT EXTENT WAS THE SOVIET UNION'S EXPANSION INTO EASTERN EUROPE THE MAIN CAUSE OF THE INTENSIFICATION OF THE COLD WAR IN THE YEARS 1945-1956?

1) SOVIET EXPANSION

Evidence of Eastern European countries 'falling' to Communism influence of Stalin - Soviet role in expansion (ignoring Yalta and Potsdam agreements by manipulating elections etc.) Leads to Cold War because --> tension in ideology  The US fear the spread of Communism

2) US'S REACTION - PERCEPTION

It was perceived that Stalin was doing it because of ideological motivation This was suggested by Marx, Truman was also told this by Kennan and Churchill THEREFORE creating a Cold War

3) SUPPORTED BY FURTHER EVENTS

Czech Coup Berlin Blockade Cominform

4) PERCEPTIONS AND REACTIONS

US policy in response embedded the Cold War Containment - Marshall Plan Truman Doctrine Division of Germany 1949: NATO

HOWEVER 5) STALIN WAS DEFENSIVE

Need for a buffer zone / security concerns / lost so much in the war Stalin was involved in Greece as the US thought Berlin Blockade was in response to the new currency brought in by the US Cominform/Comecon was a response to Marshall Aid

6) US ECONOMIC MOTIVATIONS

Wanted to retain their superpower status Had a desire to retain good economy - had to have a capitalist Europe to buy their products IMF and World Bank based on the dollar Marshall Aid conditions Military plan assistance in NATO boosted American military

7) FAR EAST INTENSIFICATION

Mostly from 1949 onwards USSR gained the atomic bomb Warsaw Pact Expansion into Korean War Militarised containment