Soviet Union Relationship
The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union developed during World War II was built on classic convenience, not forged through strong diplomatic ties or anything of the sort, in fact, both nations had deep distrust with each other, the entire liaison was formed around the two countries mutual enemy, Hitler, and once that enemy had been defeated, the foundation in which the relationship was formed, slowly, but inevitably collapsed. The “alliance” with the Soviet Union during the war did little to actually help the Soviets. The United States main contribution to the Soviets was minimal aide provided through the Lend-Lease act of 1941, which was originally intended to help Great Britain, a close ally of the U.S.
The relationship …show more content…
The people of both the United States and the Soviet Union became overly nervous of their military power. The worry planted a seed that would eventually amount to fear, and fear led to the breakdown of the strategic alliance. Turning their relationship to pure hostility and mutual distaste. However, it wasn’t just fear of military power that incited the end of the alliance between the World Superpowers, the two countries were polar opposites in almost every way imaginable. One of the major differences between the countries were, very clearly; their governments. The United States was a democratic state, with actual elections, freedom of speech, and a mostly capitalist economic system. The Soviet Union was a communist country. This form of government was unsettling to the American people, causing conflict between the two countries.
At the Potsdam Conference it was agreed that Germany would be divided into zones, and that they would have to pay reparations for war losses. Contrary to the decisions made at the conference, the United States realized that they did not want a weakened Germany in Europe, as it was believed this would ultimately lead to a breeding ground for communism, something the Americans would not stand for. Stalin agreed to host free elections in the communist Soviet Union but later neglected to meet his agreements …show more content…
Their ability to manufacture atomic weaponry was first demonstrated in 1949 when they tested their first atomic bomb. This was unsettling to both the United States, and other neighboring countries around the world. In desperation to protect themselves, the U.S and Western Europe came together to form NATO in 1949, which erected a coordinated military defense against foreign threats, communism in particular. The warsaw pact was later formed by the Soviet Union and their surrounding allies in 1955 with the intent to defend against neighboring threats.
Overall, the demise of the relationship formed between the United States and the Soviet Union during World War II was an indirect result of Joseph Stalin’s imperialistic agenda. The development and expansion of atomic and nuclear weaponry resulted in a both dangerous and costly arms race between the two nations. Joseph Stalin’s dishonesty to supposed allies and later, the formation of the warsaw pact created a great fear among Americans, and that fear materialized into a capitalist-communist conflict, which is now known as the Cold
The relationship …show more content…
The people of both the United States and the Soviet Union became overly nervous of their military power. The worry planted a seed that would eventually amount to fear, and fear led to the breakdown of the strategic alliance. Turning their relationship to pure hostility and mutual distaste. However, it wasn’t just fear of military power that incited the end of the alliance between the World Superpowers, the two countries were polar opposites in almost every way imaginable. One of the major differences between the countries were, very clearly; their governments. The United States was a democratic state, with actual elections, freedom of speech, and a mostly capitalist economic system. The Soviet Union was a communist country. This form of government was unsettling to the American people, causing conflict between the two countries.
At the Potsdam Conference it was agreed that Germany would be divided into zones, and that they would have to pay reparations for war losses. Contrary to the decisions made at the conference, the United States realized that they did not want a weakened Germany in Europe, as it was believed this would ultimately lead to a breeding ground for communism, something the Americans would not stand for. Stalin agreed to host free elections in the communist Soviet Union but later neglected to meet his agreements …show more content…
Their ability to manufacture atomic weaponry was first demonstrated in 1949 when they tested their first atomic bomb. This was unsettling to both the United States, and other neighboring countries around the world. In desperation to protect themselves, the U.S and Western Europe came together to form NATO in 1949, which erected a coordinated military defense against foreign threats, communism in particular. The warsaw pact was later formed by the Soviet Union and their surrounding allies in 1955 with the intent to defend against neighboring threats.
Overall, the demise of the relationship formed between the United States and the Soviet Union during World War II was an indirect result of Joseph Stalin’s imperialistic agenda. The development and expansion of atomic and nuclear weaponry resulted in a both dangerous and costly arms race between the two nations. Joseph Stalin’s dishonesty to supposed allies and later, the formation of the warsaw pact created a great fear among Americans, and that fear materialized into a capitalist-communist conflict, which is now known as the Cold