Making Sense Of The Sixties
...West competition, tension, and conflict between the Soviet Union and the Western democracies. The Cold War was a period in which mutual perceptions of hostile intentions and conflicting ideologies between military and political alliances occurred between our country and the Soviet Union. The hostilities between the United States and Soviet Union involved the use of nuclear warfare, which was the center threat, and greatly increased the severity of the situation. The Western world felt threatened by the spreading influence the Soviet regime over Europe, and Stalin's attempt at communistic takeover. Allies such as Europe and Great Britain, were worn down from WWII, and could not hold their usual control and guidance over the European countries. As a result, the United States became involved. The United States also saw a good chance to win allies, such as Turkey, and this would help keep the war on foreign soil. Policies such as NATO and the Marshall plan were also implemented at this time, in an attempt to gain alliances. NATO involved the alliance of democratic countries, in a policy which would have them working together. The Marshall Plan consisted of foreign aid for European countries, harmed by WWII.
The Soviets under Stalin vowed to rid Europe of the U.S. Capitalists, and offered their communistic dream to every country. There were several countries who were willing to accept the ruling of the Soviets, unknowing that they would eventually be taken complete control of. Stalin believed that WWII was an inevitable result of our capitalist imperialism, and war would probably occur again.
The United States main policy in the Cold War was containment of communism. Communism led to a controlled economy, and lifestyle. Our democratic views believed in a Capitalist economy. The differences are apparent, and the Russian policy which attempted to expand and spread...
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