Post-WWII Political Developments and Cold War

A meeting between the leaders of the US, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union after World War II to discuss the reorganization of Germany and Europe.

The US economic plan to help Europe rebuild after World War II by providing financial aid, food, equipment, and raw materials.

An international organization created after World War II to maintain world peace and security, promote social progress, and protect human rights.

A political ideology that promotes government control of property and businesses, limited individual freedoms, and a focus on collective interests.

A government system that emphasizes individual freedoms, private property, and a focus on individual rights.

The political boundary dividing Europe into communist and non-communist blocs after World War II.

A period of geopolitical tension between the US and the Soviet Union after World War II characterized by nuclear threats, propaganda, and proxy wars.

Countries in Eastern Europe that were under the control of the Soviet Union after World War II.

The Soviet Union's strategy of expanding its influence and control over Eastern Europe after World War II.

The clash of ideologies between the US and the USSR, which shaped the Cold War and influenced global politics throughout the 20th century.

A military alliance established in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its Eastern European allies as a response to NATO's expansion.

A military alliance formed in 1949 by Western European nations, the United States, and Canada to deter Soviet aggression.

A joint air defense system established in 1958 by Canada and the United States to protect North America from potential Soviet attacks.

The practice of espionage and counter-espionage involving activities like spying, assassinations, and propaganda.

The threat posed by nuclear weapons and the possibility of their use in a conflict.

The expansion of military capabilities and stockpiles of weapons by countries in preparation for potential conflict.

The division of the world into two opposing ideological camps, with the West led by the United States and the East led by the Soviet Union.

The Truman Doctrine was a United States policy that aimed to stop the spread of communism by providing military and economic aid to countries threatened by Soviet influence.

NATO was established in 1949 as a military alliance between Western nations to deter Soviet aggression. It stated that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all.

The Warsaw Pact was a counter-alliance formed by Eastern European nations led by the Soviet Union in response to NATO's formation. It was intended to protect its members from Western aggression.

During the Cold War, the US and Canada developed ‘duck and cover’ drills to prepare for a potential nuclear attack. These drills instructed people to hide under desks or tables in case of a bomb.

Canada supported the United Nations by accepting refugees and helping with development projects in various nations.

Canada, under Prime Minister St. Laurent, actively participated in NATO and promoted its role as a 'middle power.' This meant engaging in international affairs while representing the interests of smaller nations.

In the Cold War era, NATO's military strategy involved the threat of using both conventional and tactical nuclear weapons. The possibility of a full-scale nuclear war was also a possibility.

NATO's actions were heavily influenced by the United States, the strongest member of the alliance. This meant that NATO often acted in accordance with American interests.

A network of radar stations built across Canada to detect Soviet aircraft approaching from the Arctic during the Cold War.

A series of long-range radar stations built in Canada from 1950 to 1957 to detect Soviet bomber aircraft in order to give the United States time to prepare a defense.

A military alliance between the United States and Canada, created in 1958, to defend North America against potential attacks from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The armed conflict that took place in Korea from 1950 to 1953, triggered by the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. The US and their allies (including Canada) intervened to defend South Korea.

The Canadian Prime Minister during the Korean War, who sent thousands of Canadian troops to fight alongside UN forces.

The international organization that called on its members to assist South Korea in 1950. The US and Canada, among other countries, participated.

Canada's Minister of External Affairs during the Korean War, who advocated for a ceasefire between North and South Korea.

The first major international crisis of the Cold War, fought in Korea between communist North Korea and the US-backed South Korea. This conflict raised global tensions between communist and capitalist nations.

The Korean War was a conflict between North and South Korea, lasting from 1950 to 1953. It was a major proxy war during the Cold War, with the United States backing South Korea and the Soviet Union supporting North Korea. The war resulted in a cease-fire agreement, but the two Koreas remain divided to this day.

The term refers to the fact that no official peace treaty was ever signed between North and South Korea, meaning the war technically continues to this day. The two Koreas maintain a fragile cease-fire agreement, but are separated by a heavily fortified border.

In the years after World War II, the Suez Canal became a geopolitical hot spot, with the United Kingdom and France seeking to maintain control over it. In 1956, Egypt nationalized the canal, leading to a crisis with the UK, France, and Israel. The Suez Crisis highlighted the tensions between Western powers and the newly independent nations of the Middle East, and demonstrated the need for a peaceful resolution to international conflicts.

The Suez Crisis prompted a debate about Canada's role in international affairs. The Conservatives generally supported Britain, reflecting Canada's historical ties. However, the Liberals, led by Louis St.Laurent, condemned the UK and France's military intervention, pushing for a peaceful resolution. This reflected Canada's evolving stance on international conflicts, favoring diplomacy and peacekeeping.

Lester B. Pearson, the Canadian Minister of External Affairs at the time, proposed the creation of a multinational peacekeeping force to resolve the Suez Crisis. This innovative idea involved sending troops from neutral countries to maintain ceasefires and oversee the withdrawal of opposing forces. This pioneering approach to conflict resolution won Pearson the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

The United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was established in response to the Suez Crisis. This peacekeeping force, led by a Canadian general, was comprised of troops from countries not involved in the conflict. The UNEF's presence helped to stabilize the region and allowed for a peaceful withdrawal of opposing forces. This established a precedent for future UN peacekeeping operations.

Canada's role in the Suez Crisis was particularly highlighted by Lester B. Pearson's proposal to create a peacekeeping force, showcasing its commitment to international peace and diplomacy. This led to the establishment of the UNEF, which proved to be a successful model for future peacekeeping efforts.

A military alliance formed in 1949 by Western European nations, the United States, and Canada to deter Soviet aggression.