Grungy Flags of Soviet Union and USA. insidehook.com.
The Cold War - U.S and Soviet Tension
Post-war Reconstruction Disagreement
Conference of the Big Three at Yalta, 1945, U.S. National Archives.
After the defeat of Germany in WWII, the allies differed on how to handle the reorganization in Europe. Germany had attacked the Soviet Union so the Soviets wanted to punish them by taking control of the nations in Eastern Europe that Germany had defeated. The other allies, including the United States, wanted to help Europe rebuild. There was already tension between the two countries because of the differing political views and the disagreement over Germany only added to it.
“I can deal with Stalin. He is honest, but smart as hell.”
~ President Harry Truman
“The United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace.”
~ George C. Marshall, Secretary of State
Truman Doctrine - Stop the Spread of Communism
Soon after the war the Soviet Union began installing Communist governments in the Eastern European nations it controlled. The allies were concerned this was a start of a plan to spread communism throughout the world. Rather than try to force the Soviets out of Eastern Europe, the U.S. decided to keep communism contained in the nations the Soviet Union already controlled. President Truman announced the Truman Doctrine in 1947 that stated the United States would provide financial and military aid to any democratic nation facing communist threat. The doctrine led to instances in which the U.S. and Soviet Union supported nations that engaged in military conflict.
“The main element of any United States policy toward the Soviet Union must be that of a long-term, patient but firm and vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies.”
~ "Mr. X", (George Kennan)
President Truman addresses Congress, 1947, The Truman Library.
The Cold War In Full Effect
Put out that light. Library of Congress.
With differing political views and the disagreement about the aftermath of WWII, the Truman Doctrine started a period of tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Neither side used military force against the other; instead they competed politically, militarily and scientifically.
“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.”
~ Winston Churchill
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
~ President John F. Kennedy
“All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words, Ich bin ein Berliner.”
~ President John F. Kennedy