Tensions Between The USAd The Soviet Union

US Overwhelmed at Home At the end of the second world war in 1945, only two dominant forces had prevailed; the United States and the Soviet Union. While both suffered major casualties, none of which compared to those in Europe or Japan, they still retained the facilities to establish a new world order and fill the void of such power vacuum. However, tensions ensued due to the conflicting nature of their perspectives on the new world order, which were backed by their own national interest. The US desired to cultivate a free world that was founded on the principles of capitalism with hopes that it would bring Europe back to its feet. On the other hand, the Soviet Union advocated for Marxist and Leninist ideals that will not only be the foundation
More importantly, without Kennan, I believe that Soviet Powers would have infiltrated and embedded themselves into various pillars of our society, leaving the government as well as the American people oblivious until it completely dismantled and collapsed. However, there are Americans, as well as Soviets, who have reservations about Kennan’s "Long Telegram." For example, in July 1946, Secretary of Commerce and former Vice President Henry A. Wallace urged Truman to reconsider what he perceived as a warlike policy aimed at intimidating the Soviet Union and potentially igniting another conflict. Notably, this is a former Vice President presenting this opposition, which holds significant weight for Soviet officials as it can be used to exploit divisions within American society. Individuals in positions of authority like Wallace have the power to influence public opinion and shape perceptions. “It is of the greatest importance that we should discuss with the Russians in a friendly way their long-range economic problems and the future of our cooperation in trade matters” (Zaretsky
The Truman Doctrine was particularly significant for the Soviet Union, as it aimed to rebuild various aspects of both countries after World War II. The budget of $400 million was allocated as follows: $300 million for Greece and $100 million for Turkey. Although Turkey received a third less than Greece, the U.S. government emphasized a comprehensive plan to revitalize Turkey, enabling it to defend itself against a potential Soviet attack. In March 1947, President Truman publicly announced the Truman Doctrine, delivering a message that underscored his goals in providing such economic aid: “I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way” (Zaretsky 15). This message became the backbone of the plan to strengthen Turkey’s military and infrastructure. Essentially, the U.S. not only provided Turkey with the means to protect against a potential invasion but also ensured its security through War Plan Pincher, ultimately deterring any Soviet