Why did the United States and the Soviet Union go from being allies during World War II to enemies in the post-war period?
There are several reasons for the shift from allies to enemies between the United States and the Soviet Union in the post-war period, leading to the beginning of the Cold War.
1. Ideological differences: The United States and the Soviet Union had fundamentally different political and economic systems. The United States was a capitalist democracy, while the Soviet Union was a communist state. These ideological differences created tensions between the two countries.
2. Competition for influence: Both the United States and the Soviet Union sought to expand their influence and control over other countries and regions during the post-war period. This competition for power and influence led to conflicts, especially in areas where their interests intersected.
3. Atomic weapons and military buildup: The development of atomic weapons by both countries heightened tensions and led to a militarization and arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The fear of mutual destruction and escalation of military capabilities contributed to the hostile relationship between the two superpowers.
4. Disagreements over post-war arrangements: The United States and the Soviet Union disagreed on the post-war settlement of Europe and other regions. This included issues such as the division of Germany, the establishment of spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, and the status of other countries liberated from Nazi occupation.
Overall, a combination of ideological differences, competition for power and influence, military build-up, and disagreements over post-war arrangements contributed to the transition from allies to enemies between the United States and the Soviet Union in the post-war period.