Why had tensions already existed between the USA and the USSR BEFORE WW2?
Communism v Capitalism, US refused to recognize Communist Govt in USSR after 1917 revolution. 1917. USA backed "Whites" in the Russian Civil War.
What theory did Stalin have which explained why it took until 1944 for the USA to arrive in Europe?
He felt the West was hoping that the Nazis and the USSR would destroy each other.
Which country of Eastern Europe did the term "Salami Slicing" refer to when talking about how communists gained control?
Hungary. It had a non-communist government in 1946 but gradually Rakosi took more power.
Explain why Stalin ordered the countries of Eastern Europe not to accept Marshall Plan aid.
He felt the USA was offering aid to these countries to get influence over them. Stalin was protective of his "sphere of influence".
What was the Truman doctrine and where did we first see it in action?
It pledged that the USA would assist countries under threat from falling to communism. In 1947, $400m US aid to Greece - civil war.
Explain why Stalin wanted a Buffer Zone in Eastern Europe.
Russia had been attacked by Germany in WW1 and WW2. Lost 28m in WW2. The World's only communist country - felt vulnerable.
Explain what COMECON was designed to do?
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance - Soviets' alternative to the Marshall Plan for Eastern Europe. .
What was COMINFORM and why was it set up?
Communist Information Bureau (1947) - set up to coordinate the activities of communist parties in Eastern Europe - increases Moscow's control of E Europe.
What was symbolic about Winston's Churchill's decision to describe the divisions in Europe as "an Iron Curtain"?
It implies that E Europe is imprisoned against it's will by the USSR. No one can enter or leave.
What did Truman mean by this? "The seeds of totalitarian regimes are nurtured by misery and want. They spread and grow in the evil soil of poverty and strife."
He meant that communism stood a better chance of spreading in poor countries. The US had to invest and build up the economics of Europe.
