Cold War and Decolonization Notes

After World War II, hopes for colonial self-government revived due to unfulfilled promises post-World War I. Lal Bahadur Shastri highlighted the link between colonial independence and the U.S.-U.S.S.R. ideological conflict.

Key Conferences Among the Big Three Leaders

• Tehran Conference (Nov 1943):

  • Allies agreed that the Soviet Union would focus on Eastern Europe, while Britain and the U.S. addressed Western Europe.

  • Poland’s territory shifted towards the Soviet Union and Germany.

• Yalta Conference (Feb 1945):

  • Focused on post-war reconstruction and defeating Japan.

  • Tensions arose over free elections in Eastern Europe; Stalin sought Soviet influence as a buffer.

• Potsdam Conference (Jul 1945):

  • Truman, Stalin, and Atlee involved.

  • Truman's push for free elections was rejected by Stalin, leading to increased distrust.

Post-War Balance of Power

• Estimated deaths: 40-60 million.

• Western Europe maintained democratic traditions despite damage.

• The U.S. emerged as a leading power post-war, introducing the Marshall Plan for European recovery and escalating military tensions with the development of atomic weapons.

Cold War Beginnings

• Disagreements at the Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam conferences fostered the Cold War, marked by propaganda, secret operations, and an arms race.

Decolonization Acceleration

• Post-war, anti-colonial movements gained momentum as colonial powers weakened, leading to increased demands for self-determination. Both the U.S. and USSR sought to support these movements diplomatically.

Key Terms by Theme

• Government: Big Three, Tehran, Yalta, Potsdam

• U.S.: Harry Truman, Cold War

• Technology: Hydrogen bomb, military-industrial complex, Dwight Eisenhower

• Society: Anti-Colonial Movements, Self-determination