28 AMSCO WHAP

The Cold War Era

• The United States and the Soviet Union emerged from World War II as opposing superpowers, leading to an ideological conflict.

• The Cold War began as former allies feared each other's political systems: the USSR feared capitalism, while the US feared communism.

Origins of the Cold War

• Following WWII, the Soviets aimed to maintain control in Eastern Europe to create a buffer between themselves and Western nations.

• The US opposed Soviet occupation since it prevented free elections in Eastern European nations.

• Tensions led to proxy conflicts exemplified by the Vietnam War and the Civil War in Angola.

The United Nations: A Structure for Peace

• Established on October 24, 1945, the UN aimed to prevent future conflicts by providing a platform for resolving international disputes.

• Major elements of the UN include:

  • General Assembly: One vote per member nation for discussion and resolution of issues.

  • Security Council: Composed of five permanent members (US, UK, France, USSR, China) with veto power and ten rotating members.

  • Controversy around veto power, as many nations felt it concentrated too much influence in a few countries.

Promoting Human Rights

• The UN aimed to uphold human rights globally, establishing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

• Initiatives like UNICEF were created to provide aid to those in need, illustrating the UN's humanitarian focus.

The International Court of Justice

• Set up to resolve disputes relating to international law brought by countries.

Protection of Refugees and Peacekeeping Missions

• The UN also protects refugees and sends peacekeeping forces into conflict zones.

• Notable missions include those in the Congo, Lebanon, and during the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Escalating Tensions: Containment and Responses

• The Cold War intensified with Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946, marking the division between Eastern and Western Europe.

• The Soviet Union sought to impose communist regimes in Eastern Europe, aided by economic plans that suppressed consumer needs.

Containment Policy

• George Kennan's Policy of Containment: Advocated preventing the further spread of communism without rolling it back.

• Truman Doctrine (1947): The US committed to support countries resisting communism, notably in Greece and Turkey.

The Marshall Plan (1947)

• A US strategy for European recovery offering over $13 billion for rebuilding, with the intent of warding off communism by stabilizing economies.

• The USSR and its satellite nations refused to participate, opting for COMECON instead.

The Divided Germany Crisis

• Post-WWII, Germany was split into zones controlled by the Allies.

• The blockade of Berlin by the Soviets in 1948 prompted the Berlin Airlift by Western powers to supply the city, signaling a clear confrontation.

• By 1949, West Germany was established, leading to the creation of East Germany shortly after.

Nuclear Arms Race and Space Race

• The US and USSR entered an arms race, developing nuclear weapons, and pursued space exploration victories: e.g., the inaugural satellite, Sputnik.

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

• Both superpowers amassed nuclear weapons, knowing that any conflict could lead to total annihilation, creating a paradoxical state of deterrence.

Antinuclear Movements

• Movements emerged protesting the arms race, reflecting growing public concern over nuclear weapon proliferation.

Military Alliances and Non-Aligned Movement

• NATO (1949) and Warsaw Pact (1955) were established between Western and Eastern blocs, respectively, solidifying military alliances.

• Non-Aligned Movement emerged as countries sought to resist pressures from both superpowers, with leaders like Nehru and Tito advocating for peace and independence.

Cold War Developments in Asia

China under Mao Zedong

• The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 led to the nationalization of industries and sweeping reforms.

• Cultural Revolution (1966) aimed to reaffirm Mao's power, resulting in widespread oppression.

Korean War (1950-1953)

• The conflict resulted from the division of Korea post-WWII. UN forces, mainly US troops, intervened to support South Korea against the North, leading to a stalemate.

Vietnam War

• The US engaged militarily in Vietnam under the domino theory, with increasing involvement under Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson.

• The Tet Offensive (1968) marked a turning point in public perception of the war, leading to eventual US withdrawal.

Political Unrest in Eastern Europe

• Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Eastern European satellites attempted to gain independence, facing Soviet military responses (e.g., Hungary 1956, Prague Spring 1968).

Political Change in Western Europe

• The post-WWII era saw economic prosperity in Western Europe, driven by the Marshall Plan, culminating in the establishment of the EEC.

The End of the Cold War

• The decline of Soviet power initiated by Gorbachev's reforms (glasnost & perestroika) set the stage for revolutions in Eastern Europe, culminating in the end of the Soviet Union by 1991.