Definition: The Cold War was a prolonged conflict (over 40 years) primarily between the United States and the USSR.
Nature of Conflict: It was characterized by political rivalry, economic competition, and ideological battles between communism (Soviet Union) and democracy/capitalism (United States).
Rivalry Fields: Competition in politics, economic systems, social events (e.g., Olympics), and cultural narratives (e.g., portrayal of Russians as antagonists in movies).
Stalin's Goals:
Sought to create spheres of influence in Eastern Europe to protect the USSR.
Broke promises of free elections made at the Yalta Conference, dominating several Eastern European countries (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary).
Wanted a buffer zone to prevent future invasions, especially from Germany, which had invaded twice before.
US Goals:
Aim to spread democracy globally and maintain international peace through organizations like the United Nations (UN).
Opposition to Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe highlighted by Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech.
Bretton Woods Conference: Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to foster economic recovery in post-war Europe; USSR did not participate.
United Nations Foundation: Established to promote peace; significant events included the Dumbarton Oaks Conference (UN Charter groundwork) and the San Francisco Conference (actual formation of the UN).
Security Council: Composed of the US, USSR, UK, France, China; had veto power affecting military interventions.
Germany:
Went through a denazification process with the Nuremberg Trials, resulting in punishments for Nazis.
Partitioned into zones controlled by the US, UK, France, and USSR, eventually leading to the formation of East (communist) and West (democratic) Germany.
Japan:
Rebuilt under US supervision; General Douglas MacArthur oversaw reconstruction and implementation of democracy, leading to economic recovery and growth.
Truman Doctrine:
Introduced in 1947 by George Kennan, aimed at stopping the spread of communism—became the foundation for US foreign policy.
First tested in Greece and Turkey, resulted in financial support leading to successful containment of communism.
Marshall Plan:
Initiative to provide financial aid ($12.5 billion) to help rebuild Western Europe post-war, aimed at preventing communist threats; offered to Eastern Europe, but declined by USSR.
Formation of NATO: 1949 created a military alliance against Soviet aggression among the US, Canada, and Western European nations.
Soviet Response: Formation of the Warsaw Pact (1955) with Eastern European allies.
Berlin Airlift (1948):
Response to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin; US supplied West Berlin through airlift operations, showcasing commitment and resources without escalating into direct military conflict.
Korean War (1950):
Start of the conflict with North Korea invading South Korea along the 38th parallel.
US intervened via UN forces, led by Douglas MacArthur, who initially pushed back communist forces.
Truman's orders to contain the conflict prevented invasion of China, resulting in MacArthur's dismissal due to insubordination.
The war ended in a stalemate at the 38th parallel, with no formal victory.
Impacts of the Korean War: Mixed views; MacArthur viewed it as a failure, while Truman considered it a success for containment, with South Korea remaining democratic.