This study of the origins of the Cold War in the immediate post-war period demonstrates how great was Churchill's influence in diplomatic relations between the US, Britain, and the USSR, with his 'Iron Curtain' speech at Fulton seen as a key event. The speech not only set forth the basic ideology of the East-West struggle but triggered action by the US government that moved it to confrontation with the Soviet Union, particularly over the issue of Russia's refusal to withdraw from Northern Iran. Harbutt contrasts American and British strategy towards Russia during World War II, and finally assesses the impact of these Cold War discussions.