Cold War Overview and Conflicts

A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II, characterized by ideological conflict, proxy wars, and a nuclear arms race.

A term coined by Winston Churchill in 1946 to describe the division of Europe between communist East and democratic West after World War II.

A political and economic system where the government owns and controls all businesses and property, with a single-party state and limited individual freedoms. Emphasis on collective good over individual rights.

A system of government where power is ultimately vested in the people, who elect representatives to make decisions. Includes individual freedoms like speech, religion, and the right to choose one's work.

A military alliance formed in 1949 by the US, Canada, and Western European nations to counter the Soviet Union's influence. An attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

A military alliance formed by the Soviet Union and its satellite states in Eastern Europe in 1955. A reaction to NATO and a way for the USSR to maintain control over Eastern Europe militarily.

Post-WWII Germany was divided into four occupation zones: US, USSR, UK, and France. In 1949, it split into West Germany (democratic, backed by the West) and East Germany (communist, controlled by the USSR).

Berlin, located in Soviet-controlled East Germany, was divided into East Berlin (Soviet-controlled) and West Berlin (controlled by the US, UK, and France) after WWII.

The East German government built the Berlin Wall in 1961 to stop people from fleeing to West Berlin, which had a more prosperous and free society.

The Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin, symbolizing the division of Germany and the broader Cold War between communist and democratic ideologies.

East Germans were fleeing to West Berlin because they wanted better economic opportunities, political freedoms, and a Western lifestyle.

East Germany was a communist state allied with the Soviet Union, while West Berlin was a democratic city allied with the West.

The Red Scare was a period of intense fear of communism in the West, fueled by the belief that the Soviets were trying to spread their ideology.

The Truman Doctrine was a U.S. policy aimed at containing the spread of communism in Europe, providing military and economic aid to nations threatened by communism or the Soviet Union.

The Marshall Plan was a massive aid program implemented to rebuild European economies after WWII and prevent the spread of communism by promoting economic stability.

Igor Gouzenko was a Soviet embassy clerk in Ottawa who defected and alerted North America about a Soviet spy ring, providing evidence of their activities.

The Baby Boom was a post-WWII population surge resulting from couples having families after postponing marriage and the influx of immigrants to Canada.

The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea (backed by communist powers) and South Korea (backed by the United States and the UN), stemming from North Korea's desire to unify Korea under communist rule.

Rock 'n' roll was a new genre that originated from African-American culture, characterized by strong rhythms and rebellious lyrics, resonating with teenagers and reflecting their emerging culture.

Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, demonstrating their technological prowess and sparking a space race.

The Lunar Landing was Neil Armstrong's historic step onto the moon in 1969, signifying a major achievement in the space race and American technological advancement.

The Avro Arrow was a cutting-edge Canadian jet designed to shoot down Soviet bomber planes, but it was canceled due to the advent of Sputnik and missiles, rendering it obsolete.

Lester Pearson, a Canadian politician, proposed sending UN peacekeepers to resolve the Suez Crisis, which involved a conflict between Egypt, Britain, and France over control of the Suez Canal.

The Cold War rivalry between the US and USSR led to the fear of nuclear war.

Bomb shelters were built to protect citizens from nuclear attacks. They were stocked with food, water, and other necessities.

Public service announcements (PSAs) informed Canadians about what to do in case of a nuclear attack. This included instructions for finding shelter.

The constant threat of nuclear war created a sense of fear during the early Cold War years.

The Vietnam War was a conflict between communist North Vietnam and democratic South Vietnam, backed by the US and its allies.

The USA sent troops to South Vietnam in 1965 to stop the spread of communism.

Canadians did not send troops to Vietnam but provided weapons and supplies to the US.

The 1972 Summit Series was a hockey competition between Canada and the USSR, representing capitalism and democracy against communism.

The Summit Series was a highly symbolic competition, reflecting the Cold War rivalry.

The 1972 Summit Series intensified national pride in both Canada and the USSR.

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his reforms that helped end the Cold War.

Gorbachev's policies, including glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The youth of the 1960s questioned traditional values and embraced counterculture movements.

The 1960s rebellion was fueled by a distrust of older generations, who were perceived as upholding outdated norms.

The 1960s youth movements advocated for civil rights, women's rights, environmentalism, and peace.

The October Crisis was a period of intense political tension and violence in Quebec in 1970, marked by the kidnapping of two prominent figures: James Cross, a British diplomat, and Pierre Laporte, the Quebec Minister of Justice. The kidnappings were carried out by the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ), a separatist terrorist organization. The crisis led to the declaration of the War Measures Act, restricting civil liberties in Quebec and Ottawa, and ultimately resulted in the death of Pierre Laporte.

The Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) was a separatist terrorist organization operating in Quebec during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for Quebec's independence from Canada. Their tactics often involved violence and bomb threats, gaining notoriety during the October Crisis of 1970.

The War Measures Act is a law empowering the Canadian government to suspend civil liberties in times of national emergency. It was invoked during the October Crisis of 1970, granting the government broad powers to restrict freedoms, impose curfews, and detain individuals without trial. However, its use during this period was controversial because it was used without a declaration of war or official state of emergency.

Rene Levesque was a prominent Quebec politician who led the Parti Québécois, a political party advocating for Quebec's sovereignty. He played a significant role in the province's political evolution, influencing its language laws and advocating for referendums on sovereignty association. His leadership was intertwined with the rise of Quebec nationalism.

The Parti Québécois (PQ) is a sovereigntist political party in Quebec, advocating for the province's separation from Canada. Founded in 1968, the party has held power at various times in Quebec's history and has played a key role in shaping the province's political landscape and identity.

Bill 101, a law passed by the Quebec government in 1977, mandated French as the official language of government, business, and education in the province. The law aimed to preserve and strengthen French language and culture in Quebec but also led to controversy and the departure of many Anglophones and other non-Francophone residents to other provinces.

Sovereignty-Association refers to a political model where a region or territory maintains a degree of sovereignty, meaning control over internal affairs, while maintaining a relationship with a larger entity, typically a federal government. This model allows for regional autonomy while remaining within a broader political framework.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a key legal document enshrining fundamental rights and freedoms for Canadians. It was patriated, meaning formally incorporated into the Canadian Constitution, in 1982, giving Canada the ability to amend its constitution without British approval and solidifying its independence.

The Patriation of the Constitution, also known as the Constitution Act, 1982, involved the formal integration of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms into the Canadian Constitution, eliminating Britain's ability to amend the Canadian Constitution. This marked a significant step toward Canada's national autonomy.

A book by Betty Friedan published in 1963 that sparked the second wave of feminism in the United States. It argued that many women felt unfulfilled by traditional roles as housewives and mothers and encouraged women to pursue education, careers, and personal goals.

The dissatisfaction experienced by women who felt limited by their traditional roles as housewives and mothers. Betty Friedan argued that many women felt trapped by this societal expectation.

This commission was established by the Canadian government in 1967 to investigate gender inequality in Canada. It explored areas like employment, education, family law, and childcare and made recommendations to improve women's lives.

This political movement advocates for cultural, political, and economic independence for the province of Quebec. It aims to preserve French language and culture and seeks greater autonomy or even separation from Canada.

Premier of Quebec from 1936-1939 and 1944-1959. He promoted Quebec's French identity and opposed federal control, often linked to Catholic Church influence and authoritarian policies.

A period in the 1960s in Quebec characterized by significant social and political change. It focused on modernization, secularization, and greater autonomy for the province. Led by Jean Lesage and the Liberals, it brought changes like reduced Catholic Church influence, expanded social programs and a stronger focus on French language and culture.

A movement advocating for Quebec's complete separation from Canada. It's rooted in a desire to protect French culture, language, and identity, particularly in a largely English-speaking country.

A radical separatist group in Quebec during the 1960s and 1970s. They used violence, including bombings and kidnappings, to fight for Quebec's independence. Their actions, including the October Crisis, garnered attention but were widely condemned.

A term used to describe the widespread enthusiasm and support for Pierre Trudeau during the 1968 federal election. Young Canadians were particularly drawn to his charisma, progressive views, and youthful energy, making him a symbol of change and modernity.

This designates both English and French as official languages in Canada. It was promoted by Pierre Trudeau as a way of recognizing the linguistic diversity of Canada. It aimed to ensure equal status for both languages in government and society.

This policy, promoted by Pierre Trudeau, encourages the preservation and celebration of diverse cultures within Canada. It recognizes the contributions of various ethnic groups and promotes mutual respect and understanding.