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This was probably back in Stalin's days, where an attack by the Soviet Union on the West was reasonably viewed as a matter of time. The whole idea of separate s
by generationP 5y ago
This was probably back in Stalin's days, where an attack by the Soviet Union on the West was reasonably viewed as a matter of time. The whole idea of separate spheres of influence and mutual deterrents wouldn't become believable until Khrushtchov.
- cbHXBY1D 5y agoCitation needed for "reasonably viewed". For example, Stalin said this to Mao in 1949: "In China a war for peace, as it were, is taking place. The question of peace greatly preoccupies the Soviet Union as well, though we have already had peace for the past four years. With regards to China, there is no immediate threat at the present time: Japan has yet to stand up on its feet and is thus not ready for war; America, though it screams war, is actually afraid of war more than anything; Europe is afraid of war; in essence, there is no one to fight with China, not unless Kim Il Sung decides to invade China? Peace will depend on our efforts. If we continue to be friendly, peace can last not only 5-10 years, but 20-25 years and perhaps even longer." https://china.usc.edu/conversation-between-soviet-unions-joseph-stalin-and-chinas-mao-zedong-1949 https://china.usc.edu/conversation-between-soviet-unions-jos...
- generationP 5y agoI'm sure he sounded equally peaceful back in 1939 when dividing up Poland with Hitler while building tanks for streamrolling Europe.
- BurningFrog 5y agoThe next year Mao, with Stalin's support, attacked the allies in Korea.