The post-war years witnessed a "freedom explosion" across the globe, especially in Asia and Africa. Why did several of these new nations turn to the Soviet Union rather than the United States for support
One reason was idealistic; the communist philosophy appealed to some nations that had been ruled with no regard for workers and their rights.
A more important reason, though, was economic. The USSR and the US often vied to see which one could offer the most to these emerging nations.
This article reports a fairly typical situation.
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The decision by some new nations to turn to the Soviet Union rather than the United States for support during the post-war years can be attributed to several key factors.
1. Anti-colonial sentiment: Many of these new nations had just gained independence from European colonial powers. They had experienced oppression and exploitation under colonial rule, which fueled a strong desire for self-determination and a rejection of Western dominance. The Soviet Union, positioning itself as a champion of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism, appealed to these nations seeking to assert their independence.
2. Cold War dynamics: The post-war period was marked by intense competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, known as the Cold War. The two superpowers were engaged in a global ideological struggle, with the United States advocating for capitalism and liberal democracy, while the Soviet Union propagated communism. Some new nations saw the Soviet Union as an alternative to the Western capitalist model, particularly if they perceived the United States as supportive of their former colonial rulers.
3. Support for socialist policies: Many of these new nations sought to tackle the socio-economic challenges they faced, such as poverty and inequality. The Soviet Union, with its socialist policies, promised economic assistance, development aid, and technical expertise to these nations. This support was often seen as more substantial and unconditional compared to what the United States offered.
4. Non-alignment movement: During this period, the Non-Aligned Movement emerged, consisting of newly independent countries that chose not to align themselves with either the United States-led Western bloc or the Soviet-led Eastern bloc. However, many of these non-aligned nations sought support from the Soviet Union, as it presented itself as an alternative to Western dominance without the same historical baggage.
It is important to note that not all new nations turned to the Soviet Union for support. Some nations sought assistance and partnership from the United States or remained non-aligned, while others aligned themselves with Western powers through military alliances or economic cooperation. The decision of each nation was influenced by its specific historical, political, and socio-economic context.