Introduction

• The tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR was described as the Cold War (1945-1990).

• There was never a real war between the two sides between 1945 and 1990, but they were often very close to war (Hotspots).

• Both sides got involved in other conflicts in the world to either stop the spread of communism (USA) or help the spread (USSR).

Cold War Characteristics

• Political, strategic and ideological struggle between the US and the USSR that spread throughout the world

• Struggle that contained everything short of war

• Competing social and economic ideologies

Germany - Divided

• Germany, which had been ruled by the Hitler and the Nazis until their defeat in 1945, was split in two.

• The Allies divided up control over Germany after the War.

• The western side became West Germany and the eastern side became East Germany.

• East Germany became another communist country.

After WWII the Cold War Began & Caused Tension Throughout the World

• The USA and the USSR (Soviet Union) were the two world Superpowers.

• The USA was a capitalist society with a democracy.

• The USSR was a communist country with a dictatorship.

• Both wanted to be the most powerful nation in the world.

Post WWII/Cold War Goals For United States

• Promote open markets for US goods to prevent another depression

• Promote democracy throughout the world, especially in Asia and Africa

• Stop the spread of communism

  • “Domino Effect”

The Domino Effect

• The USSR had a lot of influence over many of the new communist countries (especially those in Europe).

• The USA was very worried that the USSR’s influence over these countries was making the USSR and communism more powerful.

• The USA did not want communism to spread any further – they were worried about the domino effect (one country becomes communist, then another, then another etc)

Post WWII/Cold War Goals For USSR

• Create greater security for itself

  • lost tens of millions of people in WWII and Stalin’s purges

  • feared a strong Germany

• Establish defensible borders

• Encourage friendly governments on its borders

• Spread communism around the world