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The Cold War

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