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Note: Although the course begins in 1944, understanding the seeds of conflict is useful.

Differences in Ideology - Capitalism | Communism

Often overlooked, deep-rooted ideological differences began to emerge during WW1, and
undoubtedly went some way to causing the Cold War.

Chaos of WW1 somewhat responsible for Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Bolsheviks sought to
create a socialist state, ending working class exploitation.

Many governments in Europe saw Communism as highly destabilising, and a threat to social and
political order; especially as many communists advocated revolution.

Marxist communism was directly opposed to the economic and political principles traditionally
held in the West. Believed capitalism was inherently unstable and evil, and sought to overthrow it
for the benefit of workers worldwide.

Economic differences

Communism State-owned economy, where all business is nationalised.

Capitalism Private, free market economics.

Political differences

Communism No need for different parties, as parties are a result of class conflict. One-party
state, with nationalism discouraged.

West guardians of liberal democracy, based on freedoms and multi-party politics.

International relations

Bolsheviks had to devise a foreign policy after 1917, cam up with:
conflict between capitalism and communism inevitable. Worldwide revolution necessary to
communisms success. Comintern set up in 1919 to facilitate the spread of communism and
collapse of capitalism. Ideology of communism was hostile to the West and its values.

Wilsonian liberalism

In 1918 Woodrow Wilson issued his Fourteen Points, a statement of Americas war aims.
Basically promoted three core principles:
1) self-determination right of national groups to decide own govt.
2) open markets no trade barriers or limitations to capitalism
3) collective security - a world peace-keeping organisation

Wilson believed that the US had a moral duty to spread its values to the rest of the world.




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Tensions between USSR & capitalist world in 1920s and 1930s

1) Ideological differences diametrically opposed systems

2) Decision of Bolshevik govt. to withdraw Russia from WW1, resulting in Treaty of Brest-
Litovsk (1918). Allies felt betrayed.

3) Soviet regime refused to honour debts owed to the West. Also, by nationalising their
businesses, many foreign investors lost their stakes.

4) Bolsheviks executed Tsar of Russia & family. Tsar Nicholas II was the cousin of King
George V.

5) Allies all sent help to enemies of Bolsheviks in Russian Civil War of 1917-21.
Bolsheviks didnt forget this.

6) Comintern raised tension via anti-capitalist propaganda.

7) Mutual mistrust and hostility between USSR, UK and France. USSR highly suspicious of
Britains appeasement towards Germany.

8) Britain and France condemned Stalin signing the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939.


Strains in the Grand Alliance

1) Opening a Second Front. Stalin was concerned for USSRs security, as they had had
serious losses and borne the brunt of fighting so far. Stalin saw a second front as an urgent
need, to relieve pressure on the USSR and he saw Britain and USAs refusal to do so as
suspicious.

2) Poland. This country was of immense importance to the USSRs security, and it had been
the route of 3 invasions of Russia in the 20thC. Polish govt. was set up in exile in London,
but Stalin wanted the Union of Polish Patriots (based in the USSR) to take power.

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