Soviet domination of the countries in Eastern Europe was the main cause of the Cold War. Stalin's aim, to take advantage of the military situation in post-war Europe to strengthen Russian influence, was perceived to be a threat to the Americans, thus erupting in a Cold War. <Tab/>World War II dramatically changed the United States from a bench-warmer to a player in world affairs. Since so much work had to …showed first 75 words of 843 total…

…showed last 75 words of 843 total…verifying that the US was indeed a patience instrument of containment. Stalin's overtaking of Eastern Europe struck fear into the hearts of Americans, causing them to respond with a long, cold war. Soviet control over Eastern Europe was the foremost cause of the Cold War. Stalin's intention, to take advantage of the military situation in post-war Europe to strengthen Russian power, was seen as a threat to the Americans, consequently erupting in a Cold War.