Russian Rev and Cold War

Stalin

Relationship with Lenin & Bolsheviks

Stalin was a loyal Bolshevik and served under Lenin during the revolution. However, Lenin grew wary of Stalin’s growing power and brutality. In his “Testament,” Lenin warned against Stalin’s leadership, calling him “too rude.” Despite this, Stalin gained control after Lenin’s death in 1924 by outmaneuvering rivals like Trotsky.

Five-Year Plans

Introduced in 1928 to rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union. Focused on heavy industry (steel, coal, oil, machinery). Achieved rapid growth but at huge human cost—forced labor, poor working conditions, and low consumer goods production.

Collectivization

Forced farmers to give up private land to join collective farms (kolkhozes). Aimed to increase grain output and fund industrialization. Led to famine (notably in Ukraine, the Holodomor), with millions dying from starvation or punishment.

Gulags

System of brutal labor camps for political prisoners and dissenters. Millions were sent there under Stalin’s purges. Used to enforce control and provide labor for state projects. Symbolized the terror of Stalin’s regime.

Origins of the Cold War

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Iron Curtain

Term coined by Churchill (1946) to describe the division of Europe between communist East (under Soviet control) and democratic West.

Marshall Plan

U.S. economic aid program (1948) that gave over $13 billion to rebuild Western Europe and prevent communist influence. USSR saw it as a threat.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (1949) — a military alliance among the U.S., Canada, and Western European nations to defend against Soviet aggression.

Warsaw Pact

Soviet response to NATO (1955) — alliance of communist countries in Eastern Europe under Soviet dominance.

Sputnik and the Space Race

USSR launched Sputnik (1957), the first artificial satellite. Triggered the U.S.-Soviet space race, leading to U.S. creation of NASA and heavy investment in science and technology.

Germany Division

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Why did germany divide

Germany was divided after WWII into 4 occupation zones (U.S., U.K., France, USSR). Disagreements over rebuilding and government led to permanent division into West Germany (democratic) and East Germany (communist).

Goals of the US and USSR (Yalta Conference)

U.S.: promote democracy, rebuild Europe, and contain communism. USSR: secure its borders and spread communist influence in Eastern Europe.

Blockade and Airlift (1948–49)

USSR blockaded West Berlin to force Allies out. U.S. and Britain responded with the Berlin Airlift, flying in food and supplies until the blockade was lifted.

Building of the Wall (1961)

East Germany built the Berlin Wall to stop citizens from fleeing to the West. It became the symbol of Cold War division.

Fall of the Wall (1989)

Protests and Soviet reforms under Gorbachev weakened communist control. East German government opened the borders, and the wall fell on Nov. 9, 1989.

Reunification of Germany (1990)

East and West Germany officially reunited on October 3, 1990, ending the Cold War division of Europe.

Arms Race

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Deterrence

The idea that having powerful weapons (especially nuclear) would discourage the enemy from attacking.

MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)

Both sides had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, ensuring that no one would start a nuclear war.

Spread of nuclear weapons

U.S., USSR, Britain, France, and China became nuclear powers. Later, other nations tried to develop weapons, causing global concern.

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Signed in 1968 to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Nations agreed to limit weapons and promote peaceful nuclear energy.

Detente / SALT Talks

Detente was the easing of tensions in the 1970s. The SALT I & II treaties limited nuclear missile numbers between the U.S. and USSR.

Satellite Nations

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Where were they?

Eastern Europe — Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and others under Soviet control.

Why were they called that?

They “orbited” around the Soviet Union — politically, economically, and militarily dependent on it.

Why the USSR wanted them

To create a buffer zone between the USSR and Western Europe to prevent future invasions.

How USSR exploited them

Took resources, installed communist governments, and used them for cheap labor and as members of the Warsaw Pact.

Proxy Wars

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Containment Policy

U.S. strategy to stop the spread of communism through aid, alliances, and military action if necessary.

Truman Doctrine

1947 — U.S. pledged to support countries (like Greece and Turkey) resisting communism.

Korea (1950–1953)

North (communist) vs. South (U.S.-backed). Ended in stalemate; Korea remained divided. → Communism contained.

Cuba (1961–62)

U.S. tried to overthrow Castro (Bay of Pigs — failed). Cuban Missile Crisis brought world to brink of war. → Communism not contained, but missiles removed peacefully.

Vietnam (1955–1975)

U.S. tried to prevent communist North Vietnam from taking South. U.S. withdrew; Vietnam united under communism. → Communism not contained.

Afghanistan (1979–1989)

USSR invaded to support communist government; U.S. supported Afghan rebels (mujahideen). USSR withdrew in defeat. → Communism contained.

End of the Cold War

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Soviet Reforms of the 1980s

Gorbachev introduced reforms to fix the failing Soviet economy and ease Cold War tensions.

Glasnost

“Openness” — allowed freedom of speech, press, and criticism of government.

Perestroika

“Restructuring” — economic reform to include some market elements and reduce government control.

Reform vs. Revolution

Gorbachev wanted to reform communism, not end it — but his reforms led to revolutions in Eastern Europe that toppled communism.

Gorbachev

Last Soviet leader (1985–1991). His policies of glasnost and perestroika helped end the Cold War but also caused the USSR to collapse in 1991.

Soviet Leaders

Leader

How They Changed the USSR

Khrushchev (1953–1964)

De-Stalinization — eased repression, encouraged space/tech progress, but still authoritarian. Built Berlin Wall, led during Cuban Missile Crisis.

Brezhnev (1964–1982)

Re-stabilized USSR with strict control and military buildup. Period of stagnation economically.

Gorbachev (1985–1991)

Reforms (glasnost, perestroika), ended Soviet control of Eastern Europe, reduced arms race.