Soviet Demands on Turkey and Turkish-Soviet Relations (1939-1947)

As Second World War approached, Turkey faced with territorial claims of Soviet Union in Turkish Straits and Eastern Anatolia. Because of these Soviet claims, Turkey tried to establish closer relations with Western states. On the other hand, Turkey also tried to improve relations with the Soviets. Due to the neutrality diplomacy in Second World War, Turkey succeed to stay out of war and also protected itself from Soviet threat. However, Turkey, who did not join the war, remained alone against the Soviet demands. As a result, to protect itself, Turkey approached to the Western Block, especially to the USA in the Cold War. On alliance with the USA, Turkey could defend itself against Soviet threat in the end of 40’s and 50’s.