The Origins of Containment

Essay , 2008 , 9 Pages , Grade: 70

History of Germany - Postwar Period, Cold War

Did the Cold War start in Eastern Europe or was Eastern Europe irrelevant to the origins of it? Did it actually start in the Middle East? This essay will analyze the relations of the USSR and the US from the beginning of 1945 until the pronouncement of the Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947) to determine which of the two regions was more important or if they were equally important for the onset of the Cold War.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Origins of Containment
• The Post-War World and the Problem of Eastern Europe
• The US and the Atlantic Charter
• The USSR and the Question of Security
• The Origins of the Cold War – US and USSR from 1945 to 1947
• The Question of Poland
• The US Position on the Polish Question
• The San Francisco Conference and the Future of Eastern Europe
• The Middle East and the Origins of Containment

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay analyzes the relations of the USSR and the US from the beginning of 1945 until the pronouncement of the Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947) to determine which of the two regions, Eastern Europe or the Middle East, was more important, or if they were equally important for the onset of the Cold War.

• The divergent visions of the US and the USSR for the post-war world
• The role of Eastern Europe as a point of contention between the two superpowers
• The importance of the Polish question in shaping US-Soviet relations
• The emergence of the Middle East as a new arena for US-Soviet rivalry
• The impact of strategic considerations and the pursuit of national interests on the development of the Cold War

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The Origins of Containment: This section introduces the concept of the 'Grand Alliance' formed during World War II and discusses the expectations and hopes for a peaceful post-war world. It highlights the contrasting perspectives of the US, the USSR, and Great Britain on key issues such as self-determination, security, and economic recovery. The essay argues that the seeds of the Cold War were sown during this period due to fundamental disagreements and mistrust between the allies.
• The Post-War World and the Problem of Eastern Europe: This chapter explores the divergent objectives of the US and the USSR in shaping the future of Eastern Europe. The US, influenced by Wilsonian ideals, advocated for self-determination and open markets, while the USSR prioritized security and territorial gains. The chapter examines the Atlantic Charter, the USSR's pursuit of its security interests, and the tensions surrounding the acceptance of Soviet territorial claims.
• The Origins of the Cold War – US and USSR from 1945 to 1947: This section focuses on the Polish question and its role in exacerbating tensions between the US and the USSR. It describes the breakdown of negotiations over the reorganization of the Polish government, highlighting the clash of interests and the changing US position. The chapter discusses the impact of the San Francisco Conference and the role of military realities in determining the fate of Eastern Europe.
• The Middle East and the Origins of Containment: This section examines the USSR's attempts to increase its influence in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Turkey. The chapter analyzes the US and GB's concerns about Soviet intentions, highlighting the importance of oil reserves in shaping US policy. It also discusses the role of the United Nations Security Council in addressing the crisis in Iran.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay explores the origins of the Cold War, examining the relationship between the US and the USSR from 1945 to 1947. Key themes include the competing visions of the US and the USSR for the post-war world, the role of Eastern Europe in the development of the Cold War, the significance of the Polish question, the emergence of the Middle East as a new arena of US-Soviet rivalry, and the impact of strategic considerations and national interests on the Cold War.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the origins of the Cold War between 1945 and 1947?

The Cold War originated from divergent post-war visions, strategic mistrust, and conflicting interests in Eastern Europe and the Middle East between the US and the USSR.

Why was the "Polish Question" so important?

Poland became a major point of contention because the US advocated for self-determination, while the USSR saw Poland as a crucial security buffer and insisted on a pro-Soviet government.

What role did the Middle East play in the onset of the Cold War?

Soviet attempts to influence Iran and Turkey raised Western concerns over oil reserves and strategic routes, leading to the emergence of the "Containment" policy.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

Pronounced in March 1947, it established that the US would provide political, military, and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external or internal authoritarian forces.

How did the Atlantic Charter influence post-war relations?

While the Charter promoted ideals of self-determination, the USSR’s prioritization of its own security and territorial claims created immediate friction with the Wilsonian ideals of the US.

• College: London School of Economics
• Grade: 70
• Author: MA Judith Becker (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V129095
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640357628
• ISBN (Book): 9783656415503
• Language: English
• Tags: Cold War, US, Soviet Union, Turkey, Iran, Greece, Marshall Plan