The+Cold+War+Begins

In 1948 Russia blockaded Germany, sealing off roads, ports, air traffic. President Truman responded in airlifts of supplies to West Germany. He offered financial aid to all Western Europe nations to build their militaries, infrastructures, and economies. Later in 48, America signed NATO

The Parties of NATO agreed that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. Consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defense will assist the Party or Parties being attacked, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

John Kennedy: In 1961, the USSR built a wall separating East Germany from West Germany. Kennedy was slow to respond. After the Cuban missile confrontation, in 1963 JFK gave his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner"I am a Berliner speech. It not only rejuvenated German's confidence, but sent a message to Moscow, America was fully prepared to defend Western Europe, to the point of war with the USSR if necessary. He increased military spending, arming them with missiles and other utilities to aid them for war.