Germany had invaded the USSR twice, so the USSR was determined to protect herself in future. Before the end of WW2 the Americans and the British had promised Russia that she would be allowed to take over Eastern Europe, as she had decided to create a barrier of countries between her and Germany. As Russia began to take over these countries America and Britain started to panic. This was the start of the Cold War.

Capitalist countries like America hated the Communists because businessmen and the rich were terrified that communists would take over and take their money from them. After the Second World War it seemed Communism was growing.

In March 1947 President Truman announced the Truman doctrine. Under the doctrine, America was prepared to send money, equipment and advice to any country threatened by Communist take over. The Marshall plan was the economic part of the Truman...