The Origins of the Cold War: When Did It Become Apparent That the US and the USSR Were Enemies?

The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union

The Early Stages of Conflict

The roots of the Cold War can be traced back to the tumultuous events of the 20th century, particularly the years surrounding the end of World War II. It wasn't a sudden shift, but rather a gradual diminishing of cooperation between the US and the Soviet Union. This hostility can be traced back to the early 1920s, when American troops fought alongside the forces of the White Russian regime against the Bolsheviks. However, the pivotal moment that marked the beginning of this enmity was in the late 1940s.

The Iron Curtain and the Yalta Conference

The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1918 did little to quell the animosity between these two powers. It was not until the Yalta Conference in 1945 that the seeds of the Cold War were sown further. The conference agreed on dividing Germany and Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, with the Soviet Union exerting control over much of Eastern Europe. Yet, the agreements required the Soviet Union to conduct free and fair elections in these regions. However, these post-war elections fell far short of expectations, being manipulated by Soviet-backed authorities.

The witnessing of these elections left a bitter taste in the mouth of many who had hoped for true democracy. In Poland, the communist-led Polish Workers' Party won a majority, and similar stories unfolded in Hungary and Czechoslovakia. The Soviet-controlled elections excluded opposition parties, leading to a widespread perception of coercion and unfair practices. This setup created an environment where the Soviet Union could cement its influence over Eastern Europe.

Stalin's Speech and Kennan's Telegram

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, in his speech on February 9, 1946, painted a grim picture of an inevitable clash between the Western democracies and the Soviet bloc. This preceded the famous 'Long Telegram' by George F. Kennan, delivered to the US State Department. Kennan clearly articulated the strategic concerns that would eventually lead to the Cold War. His telegram warned of the communist threat and influenced US policies towards the Soviet Union.

The Fulton Speech and the Iron Curtain

As early as March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his infamous 'Iron Curtain' speech in Fulton, Missouri. This address was a defining moment that marked the beginning of the Cold War. In his speech, Churchill articulated the division between the 'Free World' and the 'slave world' under Soviet domination. He coined the term 'Iron Curtain' to describe the physical, ideological, and political barrier that had emerged between East and West.

Conclusion and Reflections

It is easy to blame figures like FDR, Churchill, or Stalin for the onset of the Cold War. However, the underlying tensions were much deeper, rooted in the very foundations of the Soviet Union's governance and societal structure. The Cold War was not just a political confrontation but a clash of ideologies and economic systems. As the world reflects on the past, it is crucial to acknowledge the lessons of history. Today, as the world faces new challenges, it is essential to understand the origins of the Cold War to navigate future conflicts more effectively.