Cold War Euro Notes

Transition from World War II to Cold War

• Cold War began soon after WWII and is often viewed as a major clash between the USA and USSR.

• Historian argues that the Cold War was not inevitable despite seeming so.

• Allies during WWII: USSR and USA worked together against common enemies, Nazi Germany.

Key Conferences and Alliances

• Significant meetings: Bretton Woods (economic collaboration), Yalta and Potsdam (political strategies and post-war Europe).

• Decision to create the United Nations and the Nuremberg Trials established justice framework post-war.

• Despite collaboration during the war, tensions began to rise after Germany's defeat and the transition to the atomic age.

Changing Dynamics Post-War

• FDR dies in April 1945; Truman becomes president and alters US strategies regarding USSR.

• Disagreements emerge regarding post-war policies and the future of Europe.

• Atomic bomb tests raise suspicion and fear for the Soviets regarding American intentions.

Soviet Perspective vs. American Actions

• USSR concerns over the Atlantic Charter, which emphasized self-determination and democracy, seen as threats.

• USSR believes a democratic government on its borders threatens communism, given the recent liberation of Eastern European countries by the Red Army.

• Countries like Poland were displaced post-war, affecting national identities and borders.

The Iron Curtain and Divisions in Europe

• Winston Churchill's term "Iron Curtain" symbolizes division between Eastern (Soviet) and Western (democratic) Europe.

• Eastern Europe under Soviet influence, Western Europe supported by US.

• Rise of communist parties in Eastern states and their deviation from elections and democratic processes.

Formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact

• In response to tensions, US formed NATO as a military alliance against communist aggression.

• Soviet Union counters with the Warsaw Pact, reinforcing the divide and signaling mutual readiness for conflict without direct warfare.

The Berlin Conflict

• Berlin split into East (communist) and West (democratic), escalating tensions when Soviets block access to West Berlin.

• American response was the Berlin Airlift, providing supplies to West Berlin residents.

Emergence of Social Democracy in Western Europe

• Post-war recovery included establishment of welfare states, such as the British National Health Service (NHS).

• Western European political landscape became dominated by cooperative democratic governance across various parties that shared core national values.

• Social democracies emerged focusing on public welfare and economic stability.