by Lime Red Tetrahedron

Created on: June 21, 2010   Last Updated: June 22, 2010

Potsdam Conference – [17 July 1945] to [2 August 1945]

After the surrender of Germany on May 8th 1945, the major powers met at Potsdam to determine what the post-war world would look like. The world had changed significantly since the Yalta Conference (February 1945) that had been held with similar intentions, necessitating further discussions. In effect, decisions made at Potsdam had the effect of dividing Europe between Soviet and Western influence, and deciding the fate of the defeated Germany (which, controversially, was divided between the West and the USSR). The division of Europe at Potsdam, and the disagreements surrounding this division (especially concerns as to the growing power of communism and the USSR in Europe), marked the beginnings of the tension between the USA and the USSR that characterized the Cold War Era.

George Kennan’s Long Telegram – February 22 1946

Shortly after WWII, George Kennan, a U.S. diplomat stationed in the USSR, wrote the Long Telegram in an attempt to inform the United States of the Soviet ideology – about which the United States knew little – and to explain how the U.S. should deal with the USSR. This document, with its chilling characterization and analysis of the Soviet ideology, became the foundation of American Cold War policy and shaped the western public opinion of the USSR. In particular, it introduced the concept of containment: that the U.S. should consistently work to oppose Soviet expansion. This telegram, when published, led to widespread distrust of the Soviets outside of their sphere of influence and assured the Soviets that the U.S. was not an ally, leading to increased tension between the superpowers.

Cominform is Created – September 1947

The Cominform was an organization of communist governments dominated by the Soviet Union. Formed in response to division among various communist Eastern-European governments on whether to accept Marshall Plan Aid (introduced a few months earlier), it was intended to increase the unity of the Soviet sphere against Western influence. This event marked an increase in tension between the two superpowers, as it not only increased the power and control of the USSR over Eastern Europe, but also because it represented a rejection of the Marshall Plan, which aimed to align Europe as a whole towards a more liberal ideology – a concept wholly incompatible with the Soviet ideology.

Berlin Blockade / Airlift – [June 24 1948] to [May 12

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