The Cold War

1. President Truman, who succeeded Roosevelt, highly distrusted the Communists in Russia.

1.1. This is a factor in why tensions between the two countries were so high.

2. Each side had high suspicions of the other over ruling defeated Germany.

2.1. Almost every action that had to do with the countries in Europe caused supsicions grow.

3. After World War II, the western countries of Europe felt endangered by the power of the Soviet Union.

3.1. Russia was considered the strongest military force in Europe.

3.2. Britain and France joined military forces to protect themselves from forces such as Russia.

4. In 1953, both sides had possession of a hydrogen bomb.

4.1. They realized that if this war continued and grew to military clashes, they would destroy each other.

4.1.1. This caused them to try to improve their relations.

5. It was fought between the U.S. and The Soviet Union.

5.1. Other countries also fought, but they were led by the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

6. 1945-1960

7. Twelve countries, led by the U.S., signed the North Atlantic Treaty to ready themselves for any threat from Russia.

8. By 1960, the U.S. and the Soviet Union reached a peaceful co-existence.