The European Recovery Program Essay Example
The European Recovery Program Essay Example

The European Recovery Program Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (927 words)
  • Published: May 9, 2022
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The cold war is characterized by a situation of hostile political tension between nations, involving propaganda, threats, and non-physical conflict. It primarily occurred between the Soviet union and the Western allies led by the US, from 1945 to 1990. The relationship between these two countries was shaped by various factors such as politics, economics, and ideology, causing shifts between cautious cooperation and intense rivalry. The differences in their political systems often hindered a mutual understanding of major policy issues, and even brought them to the brink of war during events like the Cuban missile crisis. This paper aims to examine the main conflict between the superpowers and outline the American strategy in the war.

The paper will discuss the events and strategies employed by the US during the war. Initially, despite ideological differences due to socialism, the US

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government used threats against Soviet leaders to force Russia out of World War I. In the 1920s, business ties were established between the US and Soviet Union during the New Economic Policy period, creating a stark contrast between both nations. The US formulated a policy with the aim of revitalizing global economy and fostering conditions conducive to political and social freedom.

The European Recovery Program led to a resurgence in European industrialization and spurred economic growth through market stimulation. Nevertheless, tensions arose between the US and Soviet Union due to disparities in human rights as well as the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.

Tensions persisted among the United States, Russia, and other newly formed countries of the former Soviet Union until the popular changes of 1989–91 led to the collapse of the Communist system. Post World War II

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a sequence of significant events occurred that emphasized a trade-off between risks. The distinctive conflicts during the war caused some to perceive Hitler and Imperialist Japan's alliance with the USSR as a justifiable basis for right-wing global dominance.

The Cold War emerged in the aftermath of World War II as a result of the strained relationship between capitalist systems in the West and communist and socialist systems in the East. This era was characterized by fear and uncertainty, leading to an extended standoff between the two sides. Key occurrences during the Cold War encompassed an arms race, proliferation of nuclear weapons, exploration of space, espionage activities, and heightened paranoia. Notably ironic was the endeavor to ensure peace among nations. On June 26, 1945, the Allies from World War II formally established the United Nations (UN) with the objective of preserving peace between countries and employing military intervention only as a last resort.

During the Korean conflict, a decision was made after five years that revealed the impact of the Cold War on East-West relations. The UN Security Council vote occurred without the Soviet Union, one of its permanent member nations. This absence is significant because the Soviets controlled North Korea while the Americans occupied South Korea. After American troops were withdrawn, South Koreans initiated an invasion of North Koreans, which escalated the war.

In April, The Economic Cooperation Act of 1948, also known as the Marshall Plan, offered assistance to European countries affected by war to improve their agriculture and infrastructure.

In June 1948, the Soviets imposed a blockade on West Berlin due to the merging of zones and economic changes by the US, Great Britain, and France. The

Berlin Airlift was conducted from June 1948 to September 1949 as a means to deliver medical supplies and food to West Berlin through continuous flights by the US and Britain. Additionally, in August, South Korea established the Republic of Korea while North Korea formed the Democratic People's Republic in September with control over both North and South Korea.

Religious church leaders were arrested and the school was taken over by fake Russian fighters after the war. These impostors served black potato soup for lunch and burned books, with even the nearby newspaper being involved in this deception. The United States eventually emerged victorious in the cold war against the Soviet Union, although it is still not confirmed whether American wealth played a role in their victory. Research has yet to validate this belief. Through proxy wars and the race for nuclear weapons, the United States drained the Soviets economically, which would not have been possible without a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons. Consequently, the USSR sought to surpass the US.

Atomic capacities were increased through nuclear innovation, at a high cost. The United States closely monitored the Soviets' progress in this field and responded with increased military strength.

Despite their best efforts, the Soviets were unable to match the Americans in producing basic consumer needs because of the collapse of their system. During the war and under increasing pressures, the Soviets eventually surrendered, giving an advantage to the Americans. The disarmed Soviets fragmented into smaller ethnic groups and aligned with other nations like Russia, effectively ending their involvement in the war. Consequently, the United States emerged as victors. Overall, the cold war was a prolonged conflict between America

and the Soviets where both countries faced immense pressure and aimed to prevent destruction. Ultimately, these circumstances were exploited by the US president to bring about a peaceful conclusion to the war.

Extensive research is necessary to address the questions of citizens concerning the Cold War, as there are numerous uncertainties regarding its conclusion and the successful outcome for Americans.

Work cited

  1. Gaddis, John Lewis. The United States and the origins of the Cold War, 1941-1947. Columbia University Press, 2015.
  2. Engelhardt, Tom. The end of victory culture: Cold war America and the disillusioning of a generation. Univ of Massachusetts Press, 2014.
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