Origins of the Cold War: USA vs Soviet Union rivalry

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Why did the USA and the Soviet Union become Cold War enemies despite being allies in WWII

Reasons for the Cold War

Ideological Conflict between the USA and the Soviet Union

World War II: A necessary alliance with continued distrust

Post-World War II: Worsening relations between the USA and the Soviet Union

Vision of democratic and capitalist USA

- To create and sustain social, economic and cultural conditions that ensure political self-determination.

- To create a world where individual rights over areas such as property, profits, and freedom of expression are protected.

Vision of communist Russia

- To incite world revolution and destroy capitalism through a worldwide class struggle.

- To create a utopian world where all people are equal, and all property and work are shared equally among the people.

Political system

- Country to be governed by two or more political parties

- Government to comprise representatives elected by the people.

- People could choose among two or more parties to vote for

Economic system

Free-market economy:

-Individuals and companies to be free to develop, own and control resources and capital.

-Ideally, the government would only need to regular the market and ensure that competition is kept free and fair.

Political system

- Country to be governed by a single political party- the Communist party

-Political power to be centralised in the hands of the Communist Party and its leadership.

-People could only vote for the Communist Party.

Economic system

Command economy:

-Government to plan and allocate all aspects of the economy, and distribute resources to individuals and companies based on their assessments of what the economy should produce

-All land and means of production,such as factories and tractors, to be owned and provided by the state.

The western european democratic countries were concerned that the communist would spread their ideas to their countries and incite similar revolutions there.

The USA also viewed Russia as a threat to its own political and economic security and influence.

The USSR and USA entered WWII in June and December in 1941 respectively, they worked together with Britain to fight Germany a common enemy. It was and alliance formed out of necessity. Distrust and competing views remained as each fought for and guarded their own interests.

Tension began to rise again later once it was clear the Germany would soon be defeated.

Alliance to resist German advance in Britain and the Soviet union

In 1939, Stalin had signed the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggressive Pact. Caused the Western Powers to distrust the USSR even more.

Perceived delay in open in a second front

The Soviet Red Army faced immense pressure from Germany's continuous attacks, and Stalin urged the Allies to open second front in France to relieve the pressure. The USA and Britain had been providing assistance to the Soviet Union in the form of of economic aid and military supplies, and also invaded Italy, Germany's ally, in 1943. However, it was not until June 1944 that the second front was opened with the D Day landings.

Disagreements during negotiations for a post-war settlement

Yalta Conference

In February 1945, Soviet leader Stalin, American President Roosevelt & the British Prime Minister Churchill met at Yalta to decide on matters regarding final strategies against Germany as well as the arrangements for post-war Europe.

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