The Soviet Union urges its communist colleagues in Western Europe to take action against the Marshall Plan. In response, a series of strikes and demonstrations sweep through Italy and France. Threats by the United States to withdraw Marshall Plan aid have an impact, though, and the strikes eventually fail.

Fears that Italy's Communist Party would win the 1948 elections bring about a propaganda campaign in the United States, as well as a campaign of covert operations from the newly formed CIA. Following the Christian Democrats' victory in Italy, Washington unleashes a wave of aid, reviving the Italian economy. Meanwhile, Yugoslavia under Marshal Tito breaks with Moscow after several years of uneasy alliance. Those nations that remain within the Soviet embrace would eye the West for 40 years -- and wonder.