Historical Context
During WWII, the Soviet Union and the U.S. were allies in fighting against the Nazi party. After World War II, the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R., Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) and the U.S developed tensions due to their differing views on global economy (trade) and the international political community. This was an ideological struggle known as the Cold War. Both countries contributed to the increasing enmity between the two superpowers. Tensions between the countries were clear as soon as discussions between the “Big Three” (the U.S., England and the Soviet Union) began about the form of government Poland would adopt after WWII. Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, wanted a communism, while England and the U.S. were anti-communism. The Soviet Union also wanted Poland to act as a buffer between Germany and the rest of the world, should Germany decide to attack again. England and the U.S. did not agree with this idea. They wanted Poland to be a free, independent nation with a democratic government. Harry S. Truman, the president of the United States, was very critical of Joseph Stalin and his ideological views, as well as his country's form of government. There were numerous other reasons for tension as well. Both countries had recently perfected the atomic bomb. It was common knowledge that a war between these two countries would be the most devastating one known to mankind. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union and the United States continued to harass each other. Previously, the Soviet Union promised to allow all countries close to it become independent nations with their own choice in government. The Soviets reneged on this promise. Instead, any country beyond Russia's "iron curtain" was subject to Soviet totalitarian control. These countries included Hungary, Romania and East Germany. The Americans annoyed the U.S.S.R. by ignoring their legitimate security concerns. Russia had a history of getting invaded and attacked. The Soviet Union created their sphere of influence to protect themselves from any future attack from their enemies. The Americans also pushed trade dominance and international superiority relentlessly. Both countries added to the growing tensions between the U.S.S.R. and the United States.
Citations for Historical Context:
History.com Staff. "Cold War History." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2016
History.com Staff. "American Leaders During the Cold War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2016. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
"A Brief Introduction." Omeka RSS. Omeka, 20911. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
Shmoop Editorial Team. "Causes of the Cold War Summary & Analysis." Shmoop. Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.
History.com Staff. "Cold War History." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2016
History.com Staff. "American Leaders During the Cold War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2016. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
"A Brief Introduction." Omeka RSS. Omeka, 20911. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
Shmoop Editorial Team. "Causes of the Cold War Summary & Analysis." Shmoop. Shmoop University, 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.