Final answer:
Relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union broke down after World War II due to ideological differences, lack of trust, and global rivalry. The U.S. responded with a policy of containment, which included the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the formation of NATO.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union broke down immediately after World War II due to several factors. Firstly, there was a fundamental ideological difference between the two nations, with the U.S. representing democracy and capitalism, while the Soviet Union represented communism. Secondly, there was a lack of trust and mutual suspicion between the two sides, exacerbated by the Soviet Union's expansionist policies in Eastern Europe. Finally, the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union for global dominance fueled the breakdown in relations.
The U.S. responded to the breakdown in relations through a policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism. Here are three examples of the containment policy in action:
- The Truman Doctrine: In 1947, President Truman outlined the Truman Doctrine, which stated that the U.S. would provide military and economic assistance to countries threatened by communism. This doctrine was first implemented in Greece and Turkey, where the U.S. provided aid to help these countries resist communist forces.
- The Marshall Plan: In 1948, the U.S. introduced the Marshall Plan, which was an economic aid program aimed at rebuilding war-torn Europe. By providing financial support to European countries, the U.S. aimed to strengthen these countries' economies and prevent the spread of communism.
- The Formation of NATO: In 1949, the U.S., along with several Western European countries, formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This military alliance was established as a defensive measure against the Soviet Union. It served to deter Soviet aggression and provide collective security for its member countries.