8.1 Notes Cold War Stage

Historical Context for the Cold War After WWII

• Post-WWII, the hope for colonial self-governance reignited due to unfulfilled ambitions after WWI.

• Anti-imperialist sentiments, like those of Lal Bahadur Shastri, framed global affairs shifting towards independence movements intertwined with ideological conflicts between capitalism (USA) and communism (USSR).

Key Conferences Ending WWII

• Tehran Conference (November 1943):

  • Agreement by Allies (UK, USA, USSR) on focus areas for post-war rebuilding:

  • USSR to liberate Eastern Europe.

  • UK and USA concentrate on Western Europe.

  • Territorial adjustments agreed for Poland.

• Yalta Conference (February 1945):

  • Discussion of post-surrender plans for Germany.

  • Roosevelt’s push for free elections in Eastern Europe vs Stalin’s desire for Soviet influence in Eastern Europe for security.

  • Result: vague commitments from USSR on elections and a pledge to assist against Japan.

• Potsdam Conference (July 1945):

  • New leaders: Harry Truman (USA) after Roosevelt's death and Clement Attlee (UK).

  • Truman insistent on free elections but faced Soviet occupation. Stalin refused to comply.

  • Result: communists gained control in Eastern Europe (East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania).

Post-War Destruction and Shift in Power

• War Casualties and Destruction:

  • Total deaths from WWII estimated at 40-60 million.

  • Severe devastation mostly impacted Eastern and Central Europe compared to Western Europe.

  • Countries like the Soviet Union, Poland, and Germany significantly affected (10-20% population loss).

• USA’s Post-War Advantage:

  • Minimal damage to U.S. mainland; industrial growth via military contracts.

  • High levels of financial aid through the Marshall Plan to support European recovery.

  • The early development of atomic weapons gave the USA significant military leverage.

The U.S.-Soviet Rivalry and the Cold War

• Tensions from Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam laid the groundwork for the Cold War.

• Neither superpower favored direct military conflict due to costs incurred from WWII.

• Instead, a cold war emerged, characterized by:

  • Propaganda campaigns.

  • Secret operations.

  • An arms race, including the development of hydrogen bombs.

Impact of the Cold War on Global Conflicts

• U.S. and Soviet rivalry influenced international conflicts, arming opposing sides in civil wars (e.g., Korean War).

• The arms race led to militarization and solidified the military-industrial complex (link between government and defense contractors).

Breakdown of Colonial Empires Post-WWII

• Renewed anti-colonial movements arose post-WWII, highlighting:

  • Self-Determination: A rising demand for the right to self-govern and choose forms of leadership.

  • Weakened colonial powers (UK, France) had less capacity to maintain control after WWII.

  • Cold War dynamics provided a platform for anti-colonial activists to gain support from the superpowers.

Key Terminology

• Big Three: Leaders of the USA, UK, and USSR during WWII.

• Tehran Conference: Meeting establishing post-war plans.

• Yalta Conference: Meeting concerning the fate of post-war Europe.

• Potsdam Conference: Final meeting addressing control in Germany and Eastern Europe.

• Hydrogen Bomb: Powerful nuclear weapon, developed during the Cold War.

• Military-Industrial Complex: Relationship between military and defense industry.

• Cold War: A prolonged period of political tension without direct military conflict between the USA and USSR.

• Self-Determination: The principle that nations have the right to decide their own statehood and governance.