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Cold War and Decolonization Notes

Overview of the Soviet Union (USSR)

  • The USSR, known as the United Soviet Socialist Republic, was a federation of multiple republics including Russia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and others.

  • Post-World War II, Eastern Germany was under the influence of the USSR, while Western Germany was democratic.

Impact of World War I and II on Global Politics

  • After World War I:

    • The Ottoman Empire collapsed, leading to a power vacuum in Europe filled by Russia, England, and Germany.

    • Russia transitioned to communism, forming the USSR.

  • After World War II:

    • The USA and USSR emerged as superpowers, despite ideological differences (capitalism vs. communism).

    • Military alliances formed: NATO (Western countries, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe) vs. Warsaw Pact (Eastern European countries aligned with the USSR).

Cold War Factions and Ideologies

  • Three factions during the Cold War:

    1. NATO-aligned countries (Western powers, capitalist).

    2. Warsaw Pact countries (Eastern bloc, communist).

    3. Non-aligned countries (those that chose not to align with either bloc, primarily in Africa and Southeast Asia).

Decolonization and Revolution Post-World War II

  • Many nations gained independence post-World War II as former colonies:

    • Examples include India (from Britain), Ghana (from Britain), Algeria (from France), and Vietnam (from France).

    • Gandhi's non-violent protests in India emphasized the struggle against British colonial rule.

Significant Revolutions:

  • Algerian Revolution: A violent struggle for independence from France (1954-1962).

  • Vietnam War: Fought to oppose French control and later American intervention.

US Foreign Policy Strategies

  • Truman Doctrine: Established the U.S. policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism. The U.S. provided financial aid to countries at risk of falling to communism, totaling around $400 million.

  • Marshall Plan (1948-1952): Provided over $13 billion to help rebuild European economies to prevent the rise of extremist politics like those seen after World War I.

The Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall

  • The Iron Curtain symbolized the division of Europe into communist (Eastern) and capitalist (Western) parts, particularly illustrated by Germany's division.

  • Berlin Wall: Built to separate East and West Berlin, representing the physical and ideological divide between the USSR and NATO powers.

The Concept of Proxy Wars

  • Proxy wars occurred when the U.S. and USSR supported opposing sides in conflicts around the world, avoiding direct military engagement but influencing outcomes on the ground.

Notable Proxy War Examples:

  • Support for different factions in conflicts in Latin America, Africa, and Asia during the Cold War.

Key Conferences Post-World War II

  • Tehran Conference (1943): Allies coordinated military strategy against the Axis powers.

  • Yalta Conference (1945): Aimed at determining the post-war reorganization of Europe.

  • Potsdam Conference (1945): Focused on how to administer post-war Germany and manage Eastern Europe.

The Rise of Nationalism and Independence Movements

  • Post-World War II saw the establishment of many independent nations due to decolonization:

    • India, Pakistan, and the struggle for independence in Algeria and Vietnam.

  • Pan-Africanism: Movement advocating for the solidarity of all African countries.

The Role of Nuclear Power

  • Post-World War II, both the U.S. and USSR possessed nuclear weapons which deterred direct conflict.

  • This led to a period often characterized by arms races but no direct military engagements (deterrence strategy).

Additional Countries and Key Events

  • Iranian Revolution (1979) shifted power to a theocratic government under Ayatollah Khomeini.

  • Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979): Led by the Khmer Rouge, resulting in millions of deaths and recognized as genocide.

  • Vietnam: Guerre against French colonial rule escalated into a global conflict involving the U.S. after concerns over communism spreading in Southeast Asia.

Summary of Ideological Differences

  • Capitalism (U.S.): Free market economy where the government minimally regulates businesses.

  • Communism (USSR): The government owns and controls production and distribution, aiming for a classless society.