GEORGE KENNAN'S LONG TELEGRAM

George Kennan's Long Telegram

George Kennan's Long Telegram

Introduction

George Frost Kennan is among the most important figures of the World War II era who paved way for the smooth transition of political stability and dialogues. He is popularly known as the “father of containment” and served at numerous positions in the US government. His critical acclaim is his role as the Ambassador to the Soviet Union in Moscow in the 1940s. The Long Telegram holds an important position in world's history. This paper will discuss George Frost Kennan's Telegram, its importance and how the US policy makers view the soviet threat and how did this lead to the policy of containment.

Discussion and Analysis

World War II witnessed some of the most horrifying events in the history and resulted in chaos and a bi-polar world. The world got divided into US and Soviet bloc and both countries' relationship became relatively highly unstable. Even before Kennan's telegram was sent these issues were coming to the forefront of international concern (Charles, 2002).

In the middle of February 1946, the United States Department cabled the US Moscow Embassy, asking for the overall position and current standing of the Soviets.

Once the telegram acquired the full attention of the top US political and military brass, the US became certain that the USSR has more expansionist ideas and there is a likelihood of a Polish invasion from the Soviets. The telegram also indicated that Soviets long for a communist regime throughout the world and they will do everything they can in order to fulfill and achieve their goals. The Long Telegram was cabled few hours after the Stalin's speech in which he highlighted and assumed the possibility of a conflict between the capitalist and the communist notions.

How United States Viewed It

When the Long Telegram was cabled, the ...