Amanda Robinson

9/24/18

​The U.S and the USSR. Frenemies?

The U.S and the USSR were allies, but then different ideologies were up for debate. The

U.S wanted democratic government and the USSR wanted to be ruled under one person. The U.S

and the USSR started to drift apart and become enemies with one another. They became enemies

from Stalin being a ruthless dictator, their advancement into Europe, and the USSR starting to

make a bomb.

Joseph Stalin was one of the biggest dictators in history. He knew exactly what he wanted

while in power. He had one goal in mind, to dominate Europe, and he would do whatever it took

to achieve his goal. Besides Stalin being a harsh dictator, the USSR government was demanding

as well. The government was led by a Communist Party. “ These elites have no constitutional

responsibilities to the people they govern”.1 Stalin wanted security for himself, his country, and

his ideology. Besides the U.S becoming scared of Stalin, the USSR was advancing into Europe.

The USSR was starting to invade many countries to make them under Stalin’s power, and

the U.S was starting to become scared. Russia had to try to become stronger and a bigger

influence, so they started to invade different countries. For instance,​ ​the USSR was controlling

all of Poland, and overthrew a democracy in Czechoslovakia. From this invasion, it resulted in a

1
​“Authoritative.” S
​ ign in | Discovery Education​,.
war and a number of killings. The U.S started to become scared and Truman knew he had to get

tough and do something about the USSR. So Truman then made the “Truman Doctrine”. The

doctrine was a principle that stated that the U.S would provide aid, money, and supplies to any

country that is threatened by communism. “​Truman justified this decision on two grounds. The

first was the domino theory, which stated that once one country fell to communism, it was only a

matter of time before many did. This meant financial, political, and military assistance could

help stop the spread of communism. Second, Truman believed it was the United States' duty to

protect people's freedom”.2 The Truman Doctrine was a way to help the countries forced into

communism, but the USSR now was in the making of an atomic bomb.

The U.S was making their nuclear bomb. Truman was the only president to ever order

the atomic bomb to be dropped, which made Stalin want to make one even more. On July 25,

Truman dropped hints to Stalin that the U.S made a successful new weapon. “​Although Stalin

did not appear to be impressed by the news, Truman hoped the information would increase the

pressure on Stalin to concede to the Allies’ demands regarding the post-war division of Europe3”.

In 1949 Stalin hid his fear of the thought of the U.S having a bomb, so, Soviets created their first

atomic bomb. The president became worried after the USSR made a bomb because overall he

wants the U.S to have the most power, and he does not trust Stalin. Then came two new leaders

of the U.S and the USSR, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Krushchev.

The U.S and the USSR were allies until the U.S realized Stalin was a cruel dictator.

Stalin wanted to take over countries and have them over his demand, and make nuclear bombs.

2
​“Truman Doctrine .” S
​ ign in | Discovery Education​, 
3
​“Truman Drops Hint to Stalin about a Terrible New Weapon.” ​History.com​, A&E Television Networks, 
But, were the U.S and USSR ever allies?