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AQA A Level History 1D Marshall Plan Essay
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Marshall Plan had been important In starting the beginning of the cold war. From the yearsof 1945- 48.
1. ‘The Marshall Plan marked the beginning of the Cold War.’ Assess the validity of this
view, with reference to the years 1945 to 1948.
Between the years of 1945-48, The Marshall Plan had a vital role in the beginning of the Cold
War. The Marshall Plan (June 1947) which was an economic recovery plan aimed at
containing communism had deterred relations Stalin referred to as ‘Dollar imperialism’. As a
result, Stalin tightened his control of satellite control in the fearsome countries not
communist already swayed to Marshall Aid. However, other factors also played a significant
role in the onset of the Cold War, as evidenced in Stalin's 'Revolution without permission.'
Rigged elections throughout Eastern Europe had a more profound effect on igniting the Cold
War, prompting the USA to abandon its isolationist stance and contain communism through
economic aid. Additionally, it can be argued that the Cold War had already been brewing,
with mistrust arising as early as 1946 through the Kennan Telegram and Winston Churchill's
Iron Curtain speech in March 1946. Overall, Whilst Marshall's plan had been important at
the beginning of the start of Cold War other factors overshadowed this through Stalin's
aggressive containment policy and the mistrust established by the Kennan telegram (Feb
1946) and the Churchill Iron Curtain (March 1946).
Marshall's Plan was a significant turning point in marking the beginning of the Cold War
from 1945 to 1948. Stalin's 'revolution without permission,' where he extended his influence
over all of Europe, signified a turning point in American intervention through economic aid.
The Marshall Plan, initiated in July 1947, allocated $16.5 billion to 13 countries with the
overarching aim of containing communism and forging strong ties with America. While it
successfully contributed to the post-war rebuilding of most Western European countries, it
also sowed the seeds for the Cold War. Stalin's rejection of the aid was a key aspect of this
development. He not only refused to accept Marshall Aid but also prevented its enactment
in his 'buffer zone' and the USSR itself. He recognized the Marshall Plan as a discreet anti-
Communist policy and saw it as a direct act of aggression against the Soviet Union. Prior to
the introduction of the Marshall Plan, Stalin had been attempting to maintain good relations
with the West out of fear of another war. However, once the plan was implemented, his
efforts at fostering good relations soured, leading him to bolster the USSR and the Soviet
sphere of influence to increase strength and authority. This demonstrated how the Marshall
Plan strained Soviet relations with the West and played a crucial role in the build-up to the
peak of the Cold War. As a direct result of the Marshall Plan, Stalin established Cominform in
September 1947 and accelerated the 'delayed revolution' in Czechoslovakia in February
1948 to solidify his 'buffer zone' and enhance the power of Soviet allies. While the Marshall
Plan significantly contributed to souring relations between the superpowers, it cannot be
solely attributed as the singular event marking the beginning of the Cold War.
While the Marshall Plan was undoubtedly crucial at the start of the Cold War, other factors
overshadowed it due to Stalin's aggressive containment policies. Whilst the Marshall plan
was essential in the formation of the cold war, arguably Stalin’s aggressive expansionist
policies marked its beginning. he actions of the USSR in Eastern Europe undermined
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