It is first must be remembered that the US and Russia had hatred for the opposing's government structure even while allies during WW II. The Americans hated 'commies' and likewise the communists hated the capitalists. So, even while working together there had always been a slight tension. One specific event sparked a hatred for US leadership in Russia's elite though, there lack of second front. Russia had been pouring men into the front line, holding back Nazi Germany at huge human costs. They begged the US to post a second front to divert the Nazi forces but American leadership refused which greatly angered Stalin, for a justified reason. Along with this many times the United States did not give Russia enough resources to help them adequately equip their existing troops.
Another question that drew up tension, was the topic of post war land distribution. With thousands of miles of Nazi claimed land up for grabs after WW II, there rose a tensions between Europe powers... and America. With half of Berlin falling under a communist rule and half falling under a capitalist, American control, competition and tension would rise.
A final causation of the Cold War which arose during WW II was the use of nuclear weapons. The use of the first two atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were turning points in a global arms race. Much of fighting and power throughout the 20th century would be more about potential power rather than actual fighting. Therefore for the US to show the greatest weapon the world had ever seen both inspired the Russians, and terrified them. They would work tirelessly to surpass or at least match this weaponry from the United States.
https://dailyhistory.org/How_did_World_War_II_Lead_to_the_Cold_War%3F
https://www.stripes.com/news/a-bomb-ended-world-war-ii-but-set-stage-for-the-cold-war-1.365555
https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cold-war-history
I think this post is very interesting as it highlights how World War II contributed to the development of the Cold War. I think that one of the most interesting aspects was the development of the atomic bomb and building up the potential power. It was more of a power build up than anything as each side knew that the bombs could wipe out millions of people but if they did it, then the other side would retaliate. Therefore, the arms race was more to scare off the other side than anything else. The sides never actually attacked and it was more of a stalemate.
ReplyDeleteSource:
https://www.britannica.com/event/Cold-War