Cold War and Decolonization Notes

Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization

  • Essential Question: What was the historical context for the Cold War after World War II?
  • After World War II, the desire for colonial self-government revived, intertwining with the ideological conflict between capitalist (U.S.-led) and communist (Soviet Union-led) countries.

Bringing the War to an End

  • The "Big Three" (Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union) held meetings to plan the post-war world. Three key conferences:
    • Tehran Conference (1943):
      • The Allies agreed that the Soviet Union would focus on freeing Eastern Europe.
      • Britain and the U.S. would concentrate on Western Europe.
      • Agreement to shift some Polish territory to the Soviet Union, with Poland gaining territory elsewhere, mostly from Germany.
    • Yalta Conference (1945):
      • Focused on reconstructing Eastern Europe and defeating Japan.
      • Roosevelt wanted free, democratic elections in Eastern Europe and Soviet help against Japan.
      • Stalin demanded influence over Eastern Europe as a buffer zone against Western invasion.
      • Stalin wanted control of islands claimed by Japan, ports ruled by China, and part ownership of a Manchurian railroad in return for Soviet help against Japan.
      • The conference ended with a Soviet pledge to fight Japan but vague assurances on free elections in Eastern Europe.
    • Potsdam Conference (1945):
      • Truman insisted on free elections in Eastern Europe, but Stalin refused due to Soviet occupation of the region.
      • Communists gained control of East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania with Soviet backing.
  • By 1945, the U.S. and the Soviet Union lacked trust and began aggressive rhetoric, setting the stage for the Cold War.
  • The conferences failed to resolve important issues between major powers, contributing to the Cold War's emergence.

Shifting Balance of Power

  • The war devastated parts of Europe and Asia, resulting in 40 to 60 million deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
  • Massive displacement of people fleeing communism or seeking safety and opportunity occurred.
  • Eastern and Central Europe suffered greater losses than Western Europe, with the Soviet Union, Poland, and Germany being the worst hit (10-20% population loss).
  • Great Britain and France maintained democracy, rule of law, strong educational systems, and innovative corporations, providing a foundation for Western Europe's global leadership.
  • Due to physical destruction and population loss, Europe became less influential, while the U.S. and the Soviet Union gained power.

The U.S.-Soviet Rivalry

  • The U.S. emerged as the most powerful country, with its industrial base and infrastructure intact and strengthened by government-funded military contracts.
  • The U.S. suffered lower loss of life compared to Europe.
  • The U.S. provided financial aid to European countries through the Marshall Plan.
  • The U.S. developed and used atomic weapons.
  • The Soviet Union successfully tested an atomic bomb in 1949, becoming the only country to challenge the U.S. in military might and political influence.

Advances During the War

  • Military research led to technological developments:
    • Air pressure systems for airplane cabins.
    • Refrigeration for food.
    • Stronger plywood for construction.
    • A variety of plastics.
    • Widespread use of penicillin, saving lives.
  • These advances were adapted for civilian use, improving lives.

The Start of the Cold War

  • U.S.-Soviet tensions at Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam made conflict likely.
  • The high costs of war prevented full-scale war, leading to a cold war, characterized by propaganda campaigns, secret operations, and an arms race.
  • The U.S.-Soviet rivalry led to arming opposing sides in conflicts worldwide, escalating civil wars and regional conflicts.
  • The U.S. and Soviet Union developed hydrogen bombs in the early 1950s.
  • President Eisenhower warned against the military-industrial complex, the alliance between the government and defense contractors, gaining too much power.
  • Citizens protested the stockpiling of nuclear weapons.

Breakdown of Empires

  • World War I marked the height of colonial empires.
  • The British, French, and other Europeans colonized almost all of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia and dominated China.
  • Empires based in Austria, Turkey, and Russia were multiethnic states dominated by one group.
  • After World War I, self-determination, the idea that each country should choose its own form of government and leaders, spread.
  • The Austro-Hungary and Ottoman Empires crumbled, restructured into multiple new countries.
  • Europeans maintained or expanded power in China, India, and Africa.
  • During World War II, colonial powers focused on stopping Hitler, but anti-colonial movements grew stronger.
  • After World War II, the foundation was set for dismantling colonial empires:
    • Movements for self-determination grew.
    • Colonial powers were weakened.
    • Anti-colonial activists recruited the U.S. and Soviet Union as supporters.

Key Terms by Theme

  • Government: Europe
    • Big Three
    • Tehran Conference
    • Yalta Conference
    • Potsdam Conference
  • Government: United States
    • Harry Truman
    • Cold War
    • Dwight Eisenhower
  • Technology: Armaments
    • Hydrogen Bomb
    • Military-Industrial Complex
  • Society: Anti-Colonial Movements
    • Self-determination