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Who was to blame for the Cold War?
by air, as the only available route was the air corridors. At first it seemed impossible. West Berlin would need 4500 tons of supplies every day. But with 24 hour takeoffs and a large fleet of planes they were able supply West Berlin with most of the Supplies it needed. Stalin ordered for troop movements so it looked like the USSR was readying for attack and scare the West but American spies knew that it was only intimidation. In response Truman sent a squadron of B-29 bombers to West Germany. These Bombers had the capability to drop atomic weapons on long-range targets. Russian intelligence informed Stalin that the West were determined to stay in Berlin so Stalin lifted the blockade after nearly a year; the increasing threat of War with the West and the atomic bomb would mean catastrophic problems for the USSR.
As a result of the Berlin airlift Germany was permanently divided. America set up NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) for the USA and its Western allies. One agreement with NATO was if one country belonging to NATO were attacked, it would be seen as an attack against them all. The USSR saw NATO as Aggression towards them but the west saw it as just defensive.
So who was to blame for the cold war? I personally take the view of a post-revisionist and say that it was both sides to blame. The Lack of information and understanding on both sides caused a rift in communications. Each side saw any movement or change as an aggressive move (such as the USSRS buffer zone) and lack of understanding on what each side wanted to achieve. The difference between Communism and Capitalism was also a main factor. They were two different systems at either end of the spectrum, both economically and socially.
Neither side wanted war. The threat of the atomic bomb kept the USSR from any real aggressive movements until 1949. The West was worried by the Strength of the Russian army and its position in Eastern Europe. Problems from the war that needed co-operation caused strain and arguments. Such as the problem of what to do with Germany and Poland.
Both sides had intentions, America wanted to extend its trade into Europe and the USSR wanted to create a defensive line for its country. Both motions were seen as acts of aggression and to get as many allies as possible. The USA set up NATO, the USSR set up communist parties in different countries.
In conclusion the Cold War was the result of endless suspicion and no co-operation. Stalin’s need for safety and Americas need for trade and Capitalism in Europe. It was fuelled by post war problems in Europe such as Germany and the incompatibility of both systems, Communism and Capitalism. The Atomic bomb was a huge propaganda tool for the USA as was the supposed strength of the Russian army. The history before the Second World War set the scene for the cold war with the Russian [next page]