The Cold War: Causes, Effects, and Global Impact

What led to the United States becoming a superpower after World War II?

The US experienced an economic turnaround due to increased industrial production for wartime needs, was in better shape than European countries, and provided financial aid through the Marshall Plan, leading to Western Europe's dependence on the US.

What technological advantage did the US have after World War II?

The US possessed the atomic bomb, making it the most militarily advanced nation at that time.

What factors contributed to the Soviet Union becoming a superpower after World War II?

The Soviet economy grew rapidly before the war, and despite needing rebuilding, its centralized command economy could utilize vast natural resources and a large population for recovery.

When did the Soviet Union develop its own atomic bomb?

The Soviet Union developed its atomic bomb in August 1949.

What led to massive decolonization movements after World War II?

Colonial troops fought for European powers in WWII without promises of self-rule, leading to decolonization as weakened European powers could not suppress independence movements.

What were the two major causes of the Cold War?

First, conflicting ideologies: democratic capitalism of the US vs. authoritarian communism of the Soviet Union. Second, mutual mistrust due to broken promises regarding fair elections in Eastern Europe.

What was the Non-Aligned Movement?

The Non-Aligned Movement was initiated by newly decolonized states that refused to align with either the Communist or Democratic states, led by Indonesian president Achmad Sukarno in 1955.

What were the two major effects of the Cold War?

First, the creation of military alliances like NATO (1949) for the US and its allies, and the Warsaw Pact for the Soviet Union and its satellite states. Second, the proliferation of proxy wars across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

What was NATO and when was it formed?

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed in 1949 as a military alliance of the US and its allies.

What was the Warsaw Pact?

The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance of the Soviet Union and its satellite states, established in response to NATO.

What is meant by 'proxy wars' in the context of the Cold War?

Proxy wars refer to conflicts that were carried out by the US and the Soviet Union through supporting opposing sides in various regions, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

What was the ideological struggle of the Cold War?

The ideological struggle of the Cold War was between the democratic capitalism of the US and the authoritarian communism of the Soviet Union, both seeking to expand their influence globally.

How did the Cold War affect newly decolonized countries?

Newly decolonized countries became important in the Cold War context as both superpowers sought to gain their allegiance.

What was the impact of the Cold War on military alliances?

The Cold War led to the formation of military alliances on both sides, with NATO and the Warsaw Pact solidifying the division between the US and Soviet blocs.

What role did mutual mistrust play in the Cold War?

Mutual mistrust stemmed from broken promises regarding free elections in Eastern Europe, leading to increased tensions and hostilities between the US and the USSR.

What was the significance of the Marshall Plan?

The Marshall Plan was significant as it provided financial aid to Western Europe for rebuilding after WWII, fostering economic dependence on the US.

How did World War II influence the ideological conflict of the Cold War?

World War II set the stage for the ideological conflict as it highlighted the stark differences between US democracy and Soviet communism, leading to a global power struggle.

What was the relationship between the Cold War and decolonization?

The Cold War influenced decolonization as both superpowers sought to gain influence over newly independent nations, often leading to proxy conflicts.

What was the role of colonial troops in the context of World War II and decolonization?

Colonial troops fought for European powers during WWII without promises of self-rule, which fueled decolonization movements as European powers weakened post-war.

What was the role of the US and Soviet Union in smaller conflicts during the Cold War?

They supported different sides in these conflicts to compete for global dominance without directly fighting each other.

What was the Non-Aligned Movement?

A coalition of groups and individuals that opposed and promoted alternatives to the existing economic, political, and social order during the Cold War.

What is NATO?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed for mutual defense.

What was a significant effect of nuclear proliferation during the Cold War?

It led to the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD), deterring direct conflict between the US and USSR.

What was the Korean War and its outcome?

A conflict that began in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, resulting in a stalemate and division along the 38th parallel by 1953.

How did the US and USSR influence the Korean War?

The USSR backed the communist North while the US supported the anti-communist South.

What was the Contra War in Nicaragua?

A proxy war from 1979 to 1990 where the socialist Sandinistas were backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union, while the anti-communist Contras were supported by the US.

What was the Angolan Civil War?

A conflict from 1975 to 2002 where the Soviet Union supported communist factions and the US backed anti-communist groups.

How did China become a Communist State?

Internal tensions between the Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party led to a civil war, with the communists gaining power after WWII with Soviet support.

What were the consequences of China's adoption of communism?

Agriculture was collectivized, and the Great Leap Forward aimed to industrialize rapidly, leading to a famine that caused 20-50 million deaths.

How did socialism impact Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser?

Nasser implemented socialist policies to redistribute land and resources, nationalized the Suez Canal, and won an armed conflict backed by the Soviet Union.

What was the impact of communism on Vietnam after WWII?

Vietnam declared independence, leading to the establishment of a communist government in the north and an anti-communist government in the south, resulting in a proxy war.

What was the significance of the Cold War in terms of global conflicts?

It led to proxy wars between and within postcolonial states in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

What was the ideological divide in Korea after WWII?

Korea was divided into a communist government in the north and an anti-communist government in the south.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

The war ended in 1953 with Korea remaining divided along the 38th parallel.

What were the main factions in the Angolan Civil War?

The conflict involved communist groups supported by the Soviet Union and anti-communist groups backed by the US.

What was the Great Leap Forward in China?

A campaign initiated by Mao Zedong to rapidly industrialize China through small-scale production, which ultimately failed.

What was the land redistribution program in Vietnam?

The communist government in the north redistributed land from wealthy landowners to poor peasants.

What was the role of the Soviet Union in the Korean War?

The Soviet Union supported North Korea's communist government during the invasion of South Korea.

What was the role of the US in the Korean War?

The US backed and supplied the anti-communist government in South Korea during the conflict.

What led to the armed conflict in Egypt during Nasser's rule?

Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal and implementation of socialist policies led to tensions with colonial powers.

What was the outcome of the Contra War in Nicaragua?

The conflict ended with the Sandinistas maintaining power despite US support for the Contras.

What was the goal of Fidel Castro's communist revolution in Cuba in 1956?

To end Cuba's economic reliance on the USA and reduce US power in Cuba.

What economic policies did Fidel Castro implement after the revolution?

He launched a program of land redistribution and raised wages, transferring about 15% of Cuba's wealth from the rich to the poor.

What significant action did Castro take regarding US corporations in Cuba?

He nationalized lands that belonged to US corporations.

What was the US government's response to Castro's actions?

The CIA attempted to overthrow Castro, which further radicalized him and strengthened his ties with the USSR.

What were the four political and economic events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991?

1. Advances in US military and technological development. 2. The failed Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. 3. Growing public discontent and economic weakness in communist countries leading to policy changes. 4. The Soviet Union's decision to stop using military intervention to support other communist governments.

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative and who initiated it?

A proposed space-based missile defense system initiated by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

What was the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on the Soviet economy?

The war lasted nine years and further depressed the Soviet economy.

What reforms did Mikhail Gorbachev introduce in 1985?

Perestroika, which aimed to restructure the economy, and Glasnost, which allowed for more openness and free speech.

What was the significance of the Berlin Wall being torn down in 1989?

It marked the beginning of democratic reform movements in the Soviet Bloc and led to the reunification of Germany.

How did the Soviet legislature respond to the growing independence movements in 1991?

They voted to dissolve the Soviet Union.

What was the role of the Indian National Congress in India's independence?

Formed in 1885, it aimed to gain more voice in Indian policy and negotiated for independence after WWII.

Why did the British grant India independence in 1947?

The British were financially weakened after WWII and faced more pro-independence politicians in Parliament.

How did India's Muslim minority respond to independence?

They formed the Muslim League and called for a separate state due to fears of losing their voice in India.

What challenges did regional, religious, and ethnic movements pose during the independence process?

They challenged colonial rule and the inherited imperial boundaries.

What movements challenged colonial rule and imperial boundaries?

Regional, religious, and ethnic movements advocated for autonomy.

How was Israel created?

Early 20th century Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire. The late 19th century Zionist movement sought a Jewish state in Palestine. After WWI, the Ottoman Empire was dismantled, and the Balfour Declaration supported a Jewish state. Jewish migration increased due to British support and fleeing the Holocaust.

What led to violence after the creation of Israel?

After WWII, the UN attempted to partition Palestine into two states. Jews accepted the partition and declared independence in 1948, while Palestinians, supported by Arab neighbors, refused and fought against Israel.

What was Indira Gandhi's approach to economic policy in India?

Indira Gandhi implemented socialist economic plans to increase government control over the economy and reduce reliance on foreign aid, embracing the Green Revolution for agricultural development.

How did decolonization impact migration in the 20th century?

Decolonization led to massive migration waves as people sought work due to economic difficulties in former colonies, moving to the countries of their former metropoles.

What were some examples of migration due to decolonization?

South Asians migrated to Great Britain, Algerians to France, and Filipinos to the United States.

What were the impacts of migration to metropoles?

Migration helped maintain cultural and economic ties between former colonies and metropoles, and transformed majority white societies into multi-ethnic societies.

How did Mohandas Gandhi use non-violence against British rule in India?

Gandhi promoted civil disobedience to break unjust laws, exemplified by the Homespun Movement and the Salt March against the British Salt Act.

What was the Homespun Movement?

A protest against Britain's domination of India's cotton industry led by Gandhi.

What was the Salt March?

A non-violent protest where 50-60,000 people marched to the coast to collect salt, defying the British Salt Act, leading to arrests and violence.

What was the significance of the Salt March?

It was a pivotal event in the Indian independence movement that showcased Gandhi's non-violent resistance and challenged British colonial authority.

What was the Balfour Declaration?

A British document that seemed to support the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.

What role did the United Nations play in the creation of Israel?

The UN proposed a partition plan for Palestine into two states after WWII, which was accepted by Jews but rejected by Palestinians.

What was the outcome of the partition of India?

The partition led to the creation of India and Pakistan, resulting in significant conflict and population displacement.

What was the Green Revolution?

A period of agricultural transformation involving biologically engineered seeds and fertilizers that significantly increased agricultural yields.

How did decolonization affect economic policies in newly independent states?

Governments often took a strong role in guiding economic life to promote development and reduce dependence on foreign aid.

What is a key characteristic of the migrations following decolonization?

Migrants often spoke the language and were familiar with the cultural customs of their former imperial powers.

What were the long-term effects of migration on former colonies?

Migration led to sustained cultural and economic ties with former metropoles and contributed to the development of multi-ethnic societies.

What was the impact of colonial rule on the economic structures of newly independent states?

Decolonization often resulted in a shift from colonial economic structures to more state-controlled economies.

What was the significance of the Indian National Congress (INC)?

The INC was a key political party in India that played a major role in the independence movement, with Gandhi as a prominent leader.

What challenges did newly independent states face after decolonization?

They faced economic difficulties, political instability, and the need to establish new governance structures.

Why did the Jewish migration to Palestine spike between the World Wars?

The increase was due to British support for Jewish settlement and the need to escape the Holocaust.

Who were the three prominent figures mentioned in the notes that promoted nonviolence as a means for change?

Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

How did Martin Luther King Jr. utilize nonviolence in the Civil Rights Movement?

He led black Americans in boycotts, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which aimed to challenge segregation in public transportation.

What was the outcome of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

It caused economic distress in Montgomery and contributed to the eventual outlawing of racial discrimination in schools and the passing of anti-discrimination laws.

What inspired Martin Luther King Jr. in his approach to civil rights?

He was inspired by Mohandas Gandhi's principles of civil disobedience.

What was apartheid in South Africa?

Apartheid was a system of segregation laws that denied basic rights to black South Africans, enforced by British and Dutch descendants of colonizers.

What role did Nelson Mandela play in the fight against apartheid?

He was a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) and led strikes and boycotts against apartheid.

What event led Nelson Mandela to abandon his beliefs in nonviolence?

The violent suppression of a nonviolent protest in Sharpeville, where police killed 69 people.

What significant political change did Nelson Mandela achieve in 1994?

He ran for president and won, effectively ending apartheid.

What was the context of Augusto Pinochet's rise to power in Chile?

He led a military coup to overthrow the democratically elected president Salvador Allende during the Cold War.

How did Pinochet respond to opposition during his dictatorship?

He violently suppressed opposition through military raids, executions, and torture.

What are some examples of groups that have used violence against civilians for political goals?

Groups include the Shining Path in Peru (Sendero Luminoso, a far-left political party and guerrilla group in Peru that follows Marxism founded in 1970 in a split of the Communist Party of Peru; aunched its "people's war" in 1980 with the goal of overthrowing the government through guerrilla warfare and replacing it with a New Democracy. In the 2000s it was only poular in certain areas), the Irish Republican Army in Irelan(IRA was a paramilitary organization that sought to end British rule in Ireland, notably during the Irish War of Independence and the Troubles. In 1969, the IRA split into the Provisional IRA and the Official IRA, with the Provisional IRA becoming the most active during the Troubles and being designated a terrorist organization in the UK and an unlawful organization in the Republic of Ireland, and al Qaeda( Al Qaeda was founded and led by Saudi Arabian billionaire Osama bin Laden. Al Qaeda was angry about US involvement in the Middle East.They used terrorism to pressure the US to change their policies in the region. This includes the September 11th attacks in the United States which killed 2000+ Americans.)

Who founded al Qaeda and what was their primary motivation?

Al Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden, motivated by anger over US involvement in the Middle East.

What was one of the most notable attacks carried out by al Qaeda?

The September 11th attacks in the United States, which killed over 2000 Americans.

What does the notes suggest about the reactions to power structures after 1900?

They highlight various reactions, including both nonviolent movements and violent responses to oppression.

What was the significance of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States?

It aimed to end racial discrimination and promote equality for black Americans.

What was the impact of the Sharpeville Massacre on the anti-apartheid movement?

It galvanized outrage and led to increased support for the anti-apartheid movement, including Mandela's shift from nonviolence.

What was the role of the United States in Pinochet's rise to power?

The United States provided support to Pinochet during his military coup against Allende.

How did the Civil Rights Movement influence other global movements?

It inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela and influenced anti-colonial movements around the world.

What was the economic impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

It caused economic distress to the city's public transportation system and businesses reliant on it.

What does the term 'nonviolence' refer to?

Nonviolence refers to the practice of achieving political and social change through peaceful protests and civil disobedience.

What was a common theme among Gandhi, King, and Mandela in their approaches to social change?

They all advocated for nonviolent methods to challenge oppressive systems and promote justice.

What were the broader implications of the conflicts described in the notes for the 20th century?

The conflicts highlighted the struggle against oppressive regimes and the varied responses, from nonviolent resistance to violent uprisings.