cold war

never again

This phrase captured the post–WWII determination to prevent another global catastrophe like WWII or the Holocaust. It fueled the creation of international institutions (like the UN) and new norms about human rights and peacekeeping. It’s significant because it framed the moral backdrop for both U.S. and Soviet rhetoric in the early Cold War—each claiming their system was the one that could prevent future war.

Stalin’s February 9, 1946 Speech

Stalin declared that war between capitalism and communism was inevitable, framing the USSR’s worldview. It signaled the beginning of a more aggressive Soviet stance, which the U.S. interpreted as hostile. This speech is often seen as one of the sparks of Cold War tensions.

Iran 1946 (Brinksmanship)

The first real Cold War confrontation where the Soviets refused to withdraw troops from northern Iran. The U.S. pushed back strongly at the UN and through pressure, forcing Soviet withdrawal. It set a precedent for U.S.–Soviet brinksmanship and revealed the rivalry’s global stakes.

Truman Doctrine

Announced in 1947, it pledged U.S. support for countries resisting communism, starting with Greece and Turkey. It marked the official start of the U.S. containment policy. Its importance lies in transforming U.S. foreign policy into a global commitment against Soviet 

Zhdanov Doctrine

The Soviet counter to Truman, dividing the world into two camps: “imperialist” (U.S. and allies) and “democratic” (Soviet-led). It solidified ideological polarization. Together with Truman’s doctrine, it made the Cold War a global struggle framed in black-and-white terms.

Cominform

The Communist Information Bureau, founded in 1947, was designed to coordinate communist parties under Moscow’s leadership. It shows how the USSR tightened its grip over Eastern Europe. It directly opposed the Marshall Plan by organizing resistance to Western influence.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program of economic aid to rebuild Western Europe (1948), meant to stabilize economies and prevent communist takeovers. It deepened the division of Europe when the Soviets refused it and forced Eastern states to reject it. It’s a key example of economic tools being used in Cold War rivalry.

Decolonization

After WWII, many Asian and African nations gained independence. Both the U.S. and USSR sought influence in these “Third World” states, turning decolonization into a new arena for the Cold War. It shifted the conflict from Europe to a global struggle.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

Adopted by the UN in 1948, it set global standards for rights and freedoms. It was significant because it reflected Western democratic ideals, which clashed with Soviet interpretations of rights (collective over individual). It highlighted how ideology shaped even humanitarian issues during the Cold War.

Berlin Blockade (1948–49) 

Stalin blocked all land routes into West Berlin to push out Western allies. It was the first major Cold War crisis in Europe and tested U.S. resolve. Its failure marked a turning point, strengthening Western unity and leading to NATO’s creation.

Berlin Airlift

 The U.S. and allies responded to the blockade by flying in supplies for nearly a year, demonstrating their commitment to Berlin. It was a propaganda victory for the West and a humiliation for Stalin. It also hardened the division of Germany into East and West.

“Berlin Syndrome”

Refers to Berlin becoming the Cold War’s pressure point: any crisis there symbolized the larger U.S.–Soviet conflict. Berlin was both a showcase of Western democracy and a constant flashpoint for confrontation. Its significance lies in how it embodied Cold War tensions in one divided city.