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Creation of the Eastern bloc 1945-48

The United States used its power to try to protect existing democratic governments around the world. 

Soviet Union established and enforced communism and created an alliance to countries on the 

Eastern borders that became known as the "Eastern Bloc". 

The "Iron Curtain Speech" 1946 

March 5, 1945 Churchill gave his famous speech the "Iron Curtain Speech". Reason for his speech

was to argue for an even closer "special relationship" between the United States and Great Britain.  

The Iron Curtain speech divided communist and capitalist sphere of influence in Europe. 

The Long Telegram/ Containment 1946 

An increasingly worried United States tried to offset the growing Soviet threat to Eastern Europe.

Adopted containment. Policy directed at blocking soviet influence and stopping expansion of 

communism.  George Kennan sent a word telegram to the department of state detailing his views on 

the Soviet Union and the United States policy towards the communist states. This lead Truman 

administration to decide a tougher stance and rely on the nations military and economics muscle 

rather than diplomacy in dealing with soviets. 

The Truman Doctrine 1947 

In a speech asking Congress for a foreign aid for Turkey and Greece, Truman contrasted democracy

with communism. It caused great controversy. Some even objected that the United States could not

afford to carry on a global crusade against communism. Congress, however, immediately authorized

more than $400 million in aid to Turkey and Greece.

The Marshall Plan 1947 

George Kennan and other created the Marshall Plan concept. The plan was to rebuild the economies 

it also provided food, machinery, and other materials to rebuild Western Europe. From 1948- 1952

European economics grew at an unpredicted rate. Trade relations led to the formation the North

Atlantic alliance. Communist seized power in Czechoslovakia.

Berlin Blockade/ airlift 1948-49

The Soviet Union wanted to keep their former enemy weak and divided. In 1948, France, Britain,

and the United States decided to withdraw their forces from Germany occupation zones. Soviet

Union responded by holding West Berlin hostage. Soviet Union cut off water and railroad traffic.

After 11 months Soviets admitted defeat and lifted the blockade.

Soviets get the A-bomb 1949 

Creation of NATO 1949 

Western Europe's fears of Soviet aggression. Resulted, 10 Western European nations joined with 

the United States and Canada to form a defense military alliance that became known as (NATO) 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Soviet Union saw this as a threat so they created the Warsaw

Pact.

China becomes communist 1949 

The communist had a stronghold in northwestern China. From, Thanks to their efforts literacy and

improve food production, the communist won their loyalty. By 1945, they controlled much of

northern China.