To what extent had
superpower relations broken
down by the end of 1945?
long term causes of conflict had existed since 1917: 2
superpowers had emerged that represented directly opposed
ideologies
imminent defeat of Nazi Germany had started to create a power
vacuum in Europe into which both countries were drawn to protect
their own interests
However, CW had not yet developed and was by no means inevitable
USA had capability to play world role after 1918, but neither gvt. or public had
the will. Ignored policies of Wilson and returned to isolationism.
Tensions and hostility between USA and USSR
were kept to a minimum because neither
country took on a world role before 1941
USSR lacked capacity to play world role in this period
devastated by WWI and Civil War
Inter-war years ensuring its on survival, rather than
spreading world communism
The War provided, in the Axis of Powers of Germany, Italy
& Japan, to the security of both countries
Defeat of Germany, Italy and Japan in 1945 that led to re-emergence of tensions between East and West
USA and USSR now in a position in which they both possessed ability to impose their ideology on a broad scale
Attitudes and policies of USA and USSR were to develop towards each other were to develop
during and after 1945 that led to the final breakdown in relations