Cold War History PDF

What was the Cold War? A period of political and military tension between the USA (Capitalism) and USSR (Communism) from 1945 to 1991. No direct large-scale fighting occurred between the two superpowers, but proxy wars, espionage, and nuclear threats were prominent....

What was the Cold War? A period of political and military tension between the USA (Capitalism) and USSR (Communism) from 1945 to 1991. No direct large-scale fighting occurred between the two superpowers, but proxy wars, espionage, and nuclear threats were prominent. It spread worldwide, influencing conflicts in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Features of the Cold War Two opposing sides: USA (Capitalism) vs. USSR (Communism). Arms race, including nuclear weapons. Propaganda and espionage used by both sides. Formation of military alliances (NATO and Warsaw Pact). Proxy wars (e.g., Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan). Communism and Capitalism Communism (USSR) One-party state. Government controls industry and agriculture. Classless society with shared wealth. Strict censorship and state control. Capitalism (USA) Multi-party democracy with free elections. Private ownership of industry and business. Social class distinctions exist. Freedom of speech and press. The Origins of the Cold War USA and USSR were allies during WWII but had conflicting ideologies. Disagreements over post-war Europe and Germany.  Mutual suspicion between the superpowers. Western Mistrust of USSR Fear of communism spreading. Stalin’s dictatorship and repression. USSR’s signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939). USSR Mistrust of the West Belief that capitalism exploited the poor. Western intervention in Russian Civil War (1918-19). Delay in opening a second front against Hitler in WWII. Key Conflicts and Conferences Ideology Capitalism vs. Communism. Different views on economic systems and governance. Conflicting Aims in Central & Eastern Europe USA supported democracy and free elections. USSR wanted buffer states in Eastern Europe to prevent future invasions. Mutual Mistrust Existed since 1918. Cold War tensions worsened after WWII. The Yalta Conference (Feb 1945) Decisions Germany to be defeated and divided into four zones (USA, USSR, UK, France). Free elections in Eastern Europe. USSR to join war against Japan. United Nations to be formed. Tensions Disagreements over Poland’s borders and government. Stalin demanded heavy reparations from Germany. The Potsdam Conference (July 1945) Decisions Germany and Berlin divided into four zones. Demilitarization and denazification of Germany. USSR allowed to take reparations from its zone. Tensions Stalin installed pro-communist governments in Eastern Europe. USA revealed the atomic bomb without informing USSR. The Iron Curtain Speech (March 1946) Given by Winston Churchill, warning about Soviet expansion. Marked the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist states. Points of Tension The Atomic Bomb: USA’s nuclear monopoly increased tensions. Eastern Europe: Soviet control over Eastern Bloc. Germany: Division and disagreements over future governance. Soviet Expansion in Eastern Europe: Communist governments installed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, etc. Events in Greece: Civil war between communists and monarchists (aided by USA and UK). Consequences USA introduced containment policy to stop the spread of communism. Increased Cold War hostilities. The Marshall Plan (1947) What was it? USA’s economic aid program to help rebuild Europe and stop communism. $13 billion given to Western European countries. Results Strengthened Western Europe’s economy. Increased divisions between USA and USSR. Stalin responded with the Molotov Plan to aid Eastern Europe. The Berlin Blockade (1948-49) Long-Term Causes Ideological conflict between capitalism and communism. USA’s support for democracy in Germany. USA and allies wanted Germany’s economic recovery. Short-Term Causes Introduction of new currency (Deutsche Mark) in West Germany. Stalin saw it as an attempt to strengthen West Germany. Immediate Events (1948) Stalin blocked all road, rail, and canal access to West Berlin. Stalin’s Motives Wanted to force the West out of Berlin. Hoped to gain control over entire city. The Airlift USA and allies organized Berlin Airlift, flying supplies into West Berlin. Lasted 11 months, over 275,000 flights delivered goods. Results of the Crisis West Berlin survived despite the blockade. Formation of NATO (1949). USSR created the Warsaw Pact (1955) in response. NATO and the Warsaw Pact NATO (1949) North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Formed by USA and Western allies as a defensive military alliance. Warsaw Pact (1955) Soviet response to NATO. Military alliance of communist Eastern European countries.