AMSCO 8.1

Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization

  • Quote by Lal Bahadur Shastri: "We would consider it our moral duty to lend all support to the ending of colonialism and imperialism so that people everywhere are free to mould their own destiny."

    • Context: Reflects the anti-imperialist sentiment in the global landscape after World War II.

  • Essential Question: What was the historical context for the Cold War after World War II?

    • Post-World War II: Hopes for greater colonial self-government, stemming from World War I, were revived.

    • Development of anti-imperialist sentiments, intertwined with ideological conflict between capitalist nations (primarily the U.S.) and communist nations (primarily the U.S.S.R.).

Bringing the War to an End

  • Meetings of the Big Three: Key leaders from Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union met multiple times to discuss post-war plans.

Tehran Conference (November 1943, Iran)

  • Agreements:

    • Soviet Union's focus on liberating Eastern Europe.

    • Britain and the United States' focus on Western Europe.

    • Agreement on shifting Polish territory to the Soviet Union, balanced by Poland gaining territory from Germany.

Yalta Conference (February 1945, Black Sea)

  • Disagreements:

    • Plans for reconstruction of Eastern Europe amid a backdrop of Germany's imminent defeat.

    • Franklin Roosevelt's advocacy for democratic elections in Eastern Europe vs. Stalin's demand for influence over Eastern Europe for security reasons.

  • Stalin's Demands:

    • Desired control over Eastern European territories as a buffer against threats from the West (historically against Napoleonic and Hitler’s invasions).

    • In exchange for Soviet assistance against Japan, Stalin sought control of specific territories and infrastructure.

  • Outcome: Vague Soviet assurances on free elections, leading to distrust.

  • ### Potsdam Conference (July 1945, Germany)

    • Attendees: Harry Truman (U.S. President post-Roosevelt), Churchill (later replaced by Clement Attlee).

    • Key Discussion Points:

      • Truman's insistence on free elections in Eastern Europe countered by Soviet troop presence.

    • Result: Establishment of communist control in several Eastern European countries (East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania).

    • Broader Context: Growing distrust laid the groundwork for the Cold War.

Shifting Balance of Power

  • Consequences of World War II: Massive devastation with 40 million to 60 million deaths.

  • Impact on Europe:

    • Differentiated wartime losses: Eastern and Central Europe suffered more than Western Europe.

    • Greatest losses: Soviet Union, Poland, Germany (10-20% population loss).

    • Western nations, especially Great Britain and France, retained democratic structures and strong educational systems post-war.

    • Result: Decreased European global influence, rise of U.S. and U.S.S.R. as superpowers.

The U.S.-Soviet Rivalry

  • Post-War Position: United States emerged as a leading world power with minimal territorial damage and an intact industrial base.

  • Marshall Plan: Financial aid program initiated by the U.S. to support rebuilding European economies influenced by the war.

  • Advancements in Military Technology:

    • Atomic bomb development initiated during the war; U.S. used two bombs against Japan, establishing military dominance.

    • Soviet Union tested its atomic bomb in 1949, marking the beginning of a nuclear arms race.

Advances During the War

  • Military Innovations:

    • Developments included air pressure systems, food refrigeration, stronger plywood and plastics, and widespread use of penicillin, saving countless lives.

    • These technologies eventually adapted for civilian use, enhancing global living standards.

The Start of the Cold War

  • Tensions Established at Previous Conferences: U.S.-Soviet tensions hinted at inevitable conflict.

  • Cold War Defined: A distinct type of conflict characterized by political hostility between the superpowers without direct military confrontation.

  • Global Impact: Rivalry led to armed support for opposing sides in various international conflicts, causing increased devastation in local wars.

  • Nuclear Arms Race: Development of the hydrogen bomb by both nations, hinting at escalating military capabilities and fears regarding power balance.

  • Eisenhower's Concerns: President Dwight Eisenhower warned against the military-industrial complex (collaboration between the military and defense contractors), expressing concerns about its potential undue influence in political decisions.

Breakdown of Empires

  • Post-War Anti-Colonial Efforts: Reemergence of self-determination movements aiming to dismantle colonial empires; foundations strength post-World War II.

  • Historical Context:

    • Peak of colonialism seen during World War I, with major European powers controlling most of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

    • Post-World War I saw initial cracks in these empires, yet colonial domination persisted until WWII.

  • Post-World War II Developments:

    • Increased demands for independence fueled by weak colonial powers struggling post-war.

    • Anti-colonial movements gained traction amidst superpower dynamics during the Cold War, attracting support from either the U.S. or the U.S.S.R.

Key Terms by Theme

  • Government: Europe:

    • Big Three

    • Tehran Conference

    • Yalta Conference

    • Potsdam Conference

  • Government: United States:

    • Harry Truman

    • Cold War

  • Technology: Armaments:

    • Hydrogen bomb

    • Military-industrial complex

    • Dwight Eisenhower

  • Society: Anti-Colonial Movements:

    • Self-determination