Tension between the two superpowers: USA and USSR

Tension between the two superpowers: USA and USSR

1. The Atomic bomb

   • After the a-bomb was successfully tested. Truman told Stalin about the test
     • However Truman refused to share any technology
       • Stalin grew suspicious of the USA and by 1949 the Soviets tested their own A-bomb
   • Caused tension between the two countries because the two superpowers had continued testing bombs
     • E.g The USA developed the Hydrogen bomb. In 1952 the USSR did the exact same.
   • Later on Caused an 'Arms Race'
     • Many feared that this will cause not just a war but a nuclear war.

2. The Secret Telegrams

   • Truman and Stalin feared the breakup of the Grand alliance and the threat of a new war.
   • Both countries had secret reports from their embassies for information and plans
   • There wer two major secret telegrams: the Long telegram and the Novikov telegram both in 1946
     • The Long Telegram
       • Truman recieved a worrying telegram from Kennan- The American ambassador
       • Stalin had given a speech wanting to destroy Capitaism.
         • The U.S couldnt achieve peace while Russia opposed Capitalism.
         • The USA should sheek communism
       • The USSR was building military power
   • Novikov telegram
     • Novikov, the soviet ambassador reported to Stalin about the USA's desires of dominating the world.
     • After Roosevelts death the United states were not interested in co-operation with the USSR
     • The American public was preparing for war and joined the war effort
   • Following both telegrams both countries that there was a high possibility of a war