Cold War Beginnings and Mao’s China

Cold War

-A long period of tension (1947–1991) between the USA and its allies vs. the Soviet Union and its allies.

-No direct large-scale war, but lots of political conflict, spying, and proxy wars.

Denazification

-Process after WWII to remove Nazi influence from Germany.

-Included trials, banning Nazi ideas, and re-educating people.

Truman Doctrine

-U.S. policy to stop the spread of communism around the world.

-Promised support (money/military) to countries resisting communism.

Iron Curtain

-Term used to describe the division between Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe.

-Symbolized lack of communication and freedom between the two sides.

Marshall Plan

-U.S. program giving financial aid to rebuild Europe after WWII.

-Helped strengthen economies and prevent communism from spreading.

Berlin Airlift (Berlin Crisis)

-Western allies flew supplies into West Berlin when the Soviet Union blocked roads (1948–1949).

-Showed Western commitment to defend Berlin without direct war.

NATO

-Military alliance formed in 1949 between the U.S., Canada, and Western European countries.

-Members agree to defend each other if one is attacked.

Warsaw Pact

-Military alliance of the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.

-Created as a response to NATO.

United Nations

-International organization formed in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation.

-Works to prevent wars, support human rights, and provide aid.

Mao Zedong

-Leader of communist China from 1949 until his death.

-Introduced major social and economic reforms.

Great Leap Forward

-Campaign led by Mao to rapidly industrialize China (late 1950s).

-Failed badly, causing famine and millions of deaths.

Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution

-Movement (1966–1976) to remove capitalist and traditional influences in China.

-Led to chaos, persecution, and destruction of culture.

Little Red Book

-A collection of Mao Zedong’s sayings and ideas.

-Used as propaganda and widely carried by Chinese citizens.