Cld War04 Reactions Web

The Reaction of the WestThe Reaction of the West

Soviets in Eastern Europe• Western Powers understood need for

some soviet influence– Accepted USSR needed security– Agreed E Europe would be Soviet ‘sphere of

influence’

• Alarmed at USSR’s complete domination– Believed democratic gov’ts that were friendly to

USSR were possible in E Europe– Stalin saw moves as giving USSR security– Truman saw them as spreading Communism

• 1948: E Europe turns red– Only Greece & Czechoslovakia not Communist– US feared spread of Communism to (F) & Italy– Events in Greece & Czech effected US policy

Police performing Every Move You Make

Do these two political cartoons have the same message? Explain.

Activity: Soviet Political Cartoon• Men: Design a Soviet cartoon

or poster commenting on the USSR’s actions. It could either:– Attack the attitudes of the West– Justify and explain Soviet actions

• You will have 15 minutes• Blank paper & drawing

materials will be at the front of the room

Cartoon from a book called A Shattering Blow by Boris Efimov, Plakat, Moscow, 1985. The caption reads: "Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe - These two old toads love croaking loudly. Their base in an old rubbish bin containing provocations, lies, slander, inventions

The Russian folksong Volga Boatsman, sung by the Soviet Army Choir

Greece• 1944: Nazis leave

– Two Greek groups wanted to rule: Monarchists & Communists

• 1945: Churchill sent (E) troops– Churchill claimed it was to restore order– In fact, it was to support Monarchists

• 1946: USSR protests– USSR protested to UN that (E) threatened

peace in Greece. UN did nothing– Communists in (G) began civil war

• 1947: (E) is broke, bankrupt– 24 Feb: (E) announced it will pull out

troops– Truman paid for (E) troops– Monarchists stay in power, though weak

You are listening to Mikis Theodorakis performing Zorba the Greek

The Truman Doctrine• US intervention in Greece marked new era• ‘Truman Doctrine’ born

– US prepared to send $$$, equipment or advice to any countries threatened by Communism

– Goal: stop the spread of Communism

• ‘Containment’, George F. Kennan – ‘Truman Doctrine’ really Kennan’s ‘containment’

– Some gov’t officials wanted containment to include active US military force against Soviet expansion

– Korean War would be first use of US troops

You are listening to excerpts from President Truman’s March 12 1947 ‘Truman Doctrine’ speech to a Joint Session of Congress. It clearly outlines the concept of ‘containment’.

Activity: USA Political Cartoon• Women: Design a USA cartoon

or poster summarizing the Truman Doctrine. It could either:– Attack the attitudes of the USSR– Justify and explain US actions

• You have 15 minutes• Blank paper & drawing

materials are at the front of the room

Smashmouth sings All Star

Fin