Which was the more important cause of the development of the Cold War after 1945: - The Truman Doctrine, 1947 or -the formation of NATO, 1949?
- The Truman Doctrine was a clear opposition towards communism and many historians regard it as the defining moment of when the Cold War began. In February 1947 Britain could no longer aid Greece against the Communists and Truman realised that if Communism was going to be stopped, America would have to get involved. Congress granted Truman $400 million and the Communists were defeated in Greece and Turkey. It is significant to note that Turkey provided access to the Dardanelles. The interpretation that the Truman Doctrine was more significant in causing the Cold War than Nato demonstrates that America was no longer isolationist. Moreover, the "containment of communism" was important as it directly showed opposition towards the USSR and their ideologies.
2) The formation of NATO in 1949 was significant as it had 12 members and by 1955 West Germany had also joined. This increased tensions and suspicion within the USSR as these countries contained American air bases which were an immediate threatened to the USSR. What it is also significant about NATO was the manner in which the USSR responded by introducing the Warsaw Pact. However, although a direct retaliation, the Warsaw Pact took 6 years to form. Overall, NATO was a strong military alliance (if one country was attacked they would all help) and contributed to creating an increasingly tense atmosphere between the USSR and the USA
3) Overall, the most significant cause of the development of the Cold War was the Truman Doctrine. It was a colossal statement against communism. It was clear that the alliance between the West and and the USSR had ended. Also, many historians argue that the Marshal Aid Plan originated from the Truman Doctrine. This was the largest aid donation ever given in history at $17 billion, which caused the USSR to respond with comecon. On the other hand, the formation of NATO was not as significant as the alliance was never used until 2001 and the alliance was not fighting against the USSR. The possibility of threat was what alarmed the USSR rather than anything happening because of NATO.
