The Origins of the Cold War
The tensions (of fear) created by the first attempted solutions (conferences held) by presidents Roosevelt and Truman were instigated mainly by governmental decisions, shaping the political relationship, cultural and social opinions between the U.S. and U.S.S.R.
The Yalta Conference was to plan the postwar world, but marked the very first signs of tensions as Stalin of the Soviet Union asserted a need to control Poland for safety. This lead to the Declaration of Liberated Europe, which limited the Soviets in their abilities to control Poland and eventually became to restraining for them. The Cold War resulted from the Soviet Union violating this Declaration, especially after the Potsdam Conference was held with Truman. Truman’s actions were also very demanding and assertive. There was no friendly interchange at Potsdam. Finally, the “Iron Curtain” descended, officially marking the beginning of the Cold War.
The Declaration of Liberated Europe, which was referenced at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences, set the limits on the Soviet Union. They couldn’t resist to carry out their goals completely.
Geography/Political
Poland was on the Soviet Union’s western border. Stalin needed Poland to be a friendly government, as it was “life or death.” A compromise was made with the Declaration of Liberated Europe. The U.S. first accused the Soviets of violating it when they refused to allow more than three non-communist Poles to serve in the 18-member Polish government.
Political/Ideas/Social
The Cold War resulted in the first place because the U.S. and U.S.S.R. had different goals. Soviet Union leaders wanted to keep Germany weak and assure the countries between them and Russia were under Soviet control. Soviet leaders were also communists: they believed communism was a superior economic system (to eventually replace capitalism) and the Union should encourage communism in other nations. When Harry S. Truman, strongly anti-communist and new president, met with Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov, he immediately brought up Poland and demanded the free elections as promised at Yalta. This set the stage for further confrontations, marking an important shift in Soviet-American relations.
Political/Economic/Geography
At the Potsdam Conference, where Truman met Stalin, Truman was convinced that industry was critical to Germany’s survival. If that was not allowed for revival, the rest of Europe would never recover and German people may turn to communism out of desperation. Stalin wanted Germany to pay much more (for the war) than they were, and he disliked Truman's proposal. Truman tried hinting a new weapon (atomic bomb) which was unnecessary. Stalin had to accept the terms because there was no other way for Soviets to get any reparations in the country. The conference marked another increase in tensions. Eventually, the Soviets refused to make any stronger commitments to uphold the Declaration. The presence of the U.S.S.R. arm in Eastern Europe ensured a pro-Soviet communist government would be established. The resulting communist countries were called “satellite nations”: controlled by Soviet Union and had to remain communist and friendly toward them (including their policies). The Iron Curtain descended, ending World War II with the start of the Cold War to follow. The Iron Curtain separated the communist nations (satellite nations also) of Eastern Europe from the West.
The U.S.’ power, its progress in the early years, its first World War, its boost from the war, and its immediate low after the high all helped orchestrate the governmental decisions, political relationships, and opinions among separate countries to create the initial fear and tension of the Cold War.
US as a World Power
At the time of tension, or even before, one country or the other was destined to become the world power during the era. The U.S. rose in power because the “shaping confrontational policies” were chosen over the initial plan of simple ideological arguments. It was the choice of the U.S. government to confront the Soviet Union, and the larger power eventually shifted to the Unites States.
Progressive Era
In the Progressive Era, one of the main problems within the U.S. country was big business and trust swindling. The solutions to those economic disturbances had to be handled mainly be the government with acts and programs. If no authorities of such had intervened, than the bossy monetary disturbance would’ve dominated the entire country and its people, and would’ve very likely had led to a worsened Depression. The government, in numerous circumstances, should take the lead to bring order to the country’s own interferences to be able to handle outside (foreign) confrontations. That can very well be said about the prominent issues before the Cold War actually started. Because the government took control, the U.S. was able to gain power and success in the Cold War.
World War I
During their first World War, America leaped at solutions for funding the war. Congress raised taxes and $20 billion was borrowed through the sale of Liberty Bonds. Three million "dough boys" were additionally drafted in the Selection Act. Jane Adams and other women pushed for war and CPI patriotic literature was released to support the war (anti-German). These efforts proved very useful in that World War and it side effects/ after effects gave the country a decade boost. Nearly all actions made were in unison (political, economic, social). They aren't seen so prominently or forcefully in the Cold War as in WWI, but the preparation was necessary to teach a young country about international conflicts. Force and control was taught, as well as that their is no time to waste in critical situations. Truman helped attest to this, as he demanded actions for the Soviet Union in his early presidency.
The Roaring 20s
Culture differences between Russia and America contributed much to the tension during the Cold War. At least with America, the culture was shaped mostly in the "Roaring 20s" as that was recent anyway. The new music, films, fiction and other began to focus much on a common theme of mutual suspicion. In many cases, popular culture served to subvert Cold War anxieties by questioning the reigning assumptions of both the government and the public.
The Great Depression and New Deal
President Harry S. Truman initially felt "ill-prepared" to govern the United States, especially in the international situation Roosevelt left for him. To overcome his nerves, Truman hastily and forcefully demanded things. Truman wasn't a one-man show, because he had Roosevelt's New Deal to build off of. Truman was grateful for the New Deals, and looked up to F.D.R. as they were also both Democrats.
Significance and Current Events: because of the roughly 44-year period of tension between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. known as the Cold War, European countries are more bound together and Russians lack trust toward Americans (vice versa) today. After nuclear power was introduced and demonstrated, such weaponry hasn't been used outside of experimentation. Its strength can't be harnessed, and the world knows that after the atomic bombings. This fear is what prevents a third World War, and (relatively) contains prominent countries' hostility towards each other.