At Sources of Cold War (Global Plans of Washington and Illusory Expectations and Miscalculations of Moscow)

In this article the author reviews the course of political events of the World War II and first peaceful years. These events led to major confrontation of the two systems, and this confrontation has defined the majority of the history of the XX century, and in many respects, the present political environment of the world, as well as the Russia’s situation on the international stage. After the Second World War, the Soviet Union has become a truly great power, possessing not only a powerful army went through violent battles and a potent industry. What is very important, the USSR had a high moral authority in the international community and among the population of different countries. The Soviet Union was a state that liberated the Europe and world from the «brown plague» of fascism. Along with the USA and UK, the USSR was a creator of a new world in its own right. However for the Western states, especially the USA, the USSR was a more of a dangerous rival in a race for world domination. Even before the complete defeat of the Axis powers, the UK and US defined diminishing of the Soviet Union’s influence as one of their goals. This led to growing tensions. The Soviet administration’s attempts to defuse these tensions were unsuccessful, and some of them have even had deleterious influence to the development of political situation. It is very important to consider personal factor while reviewing the events in the relations of the USSR and the Western allies. For sure, it is more likely that there was not any friendship among the members of the Big Three - Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill. But there was mutual respect and - especially from Roosevelt’s side towards Stalin - favorable attitude. As is well-known, there was no Big Three on the Potsdam Conference: F. D. Roosevelt has passed away, and Churchill had to give his place to the new Prime Minister during the conference. New American and British administrations’ approach aimed at isolating USSR and reduction of its influence has mostly determined the confrontation that has emerged. For sure, it would be incorrect to state that the Cold War was a pure Western child, and that the Soviet Union had only peace-loving intentions. But it would also be incorrect to give reverse state-ment. The Cold War was a result of two sides’ actions. The outcome of these action is the world mostly divided. This division still can be felt in politics and other life domains of the world community.

USA, USSR, UK, Cold War, confrontation, Iron Curtain, Second World War, Potsdam Conference, Tehran Conference, diplomacy

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