Cold War: Aftermath of WWII and Key Proxy Conflicts
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Consequences of World War II
- The United Nations was created to avoid conflicts and to maintain peace.
- The United States and the Soviet Union went from being allies to enemies, leading to a military and nuclear build-up.
- The United States and the United Kingdom were capitalist; the Soviet Union was communist.
- The two superpowers each wanted to be the world leader.
- Decolonization in Africa and Asia began.
- Disagreements between both blocks led to the Cold War (1947 - 1991).
- NATO was formed as a military pact between the USA and Western countries.
- The Warsaw Pact was formed as a military pact between the USSR and its allies.
Cold War (1947 - 1991)
- When did it start? In 1947.
- What happened? A tense relationship developed between the two blocks.
- Causes? Ideological differences, the aim to influence other countries, and more.
- What did they want? To spread their ideas around the world.
- What did the events have in common? They were "proxy wars."
- Did it happen directly? No. They supported opposing sides with money, food, weapons, and other resources.
- What arguments were used? Freedom, equality, economy, and more.
- Consequences? Casualties and changes in political systems.
- When did it end? In 1991.
| Event | When? | What happened? | Participants | Outcome and Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean War | 1950-53 | Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. | North Korea (with USSR and China) South Korea (with USA, GB, and France) | The border remains today. The conflict still continues. |
The Greek Civil War | 1946-49 | The USA and Great Britain supported the Greek government against the communist insurgents. | Greece (USA and GB) Greek communists (Yugoslavia and Albania) | Anti-communists won. Many casualties. The beginning of the Truman Doctrine. |
Berlin Blockade | 1948-49 | Stalin blockaded the city so that West Berlin couldn't have contact with West Germany. | West Berlin (USA, GB, France) East Berlin (USSR) | The Soviets reopened the border. Germany was divided into two states. |
Hungarian Uprising | 1956 | After Stalin's death, Hungarians decided to hold elections. The Soviets sent their army to invade the territory to suppress the uprising. | Hungarian nationalists Hungarian communists (USSR) | Suppression of Hungarian nationalists. The USA didn't take part. The Soviets didn't want countries to separate from them. |
| Vietnam War | 1955-75 | Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel. The south could become communist, and the USA didn't want that. | North Vietnam (USSR, China) South Vietnam (USA, Australia) | The USA withdrew from the war. Vietnam was reunited under the communists. Domino effect. |
The Nuclear Arms Race | 1949 | The Soviets tested a nuclear device. Both powers started an endless arms race. | USA USSR | Danger of nuclear arms during the whole Cold War period. |
The Berlin Wall | 1961-89 | 2.5 million people left East for West Germany. The Soviets built a large wall. | East Berlin (USSR) West Berlin (USA, Western countries) | The wall was torn down in 1989 with the permission of the Soviets. It was a symbol of the Cold War. |
Cuban Missile Crisis | 1962 | Castro began to trade with the USSR. The USA discovered several nuclear missile bases in Cuba. | Cuba (USSR) USA | The Soviets decided to turn around their missiles. |
Invasion of Czechoslovakia | 1968 | Czechoslovakia was invaded by the Warsaw Pact. | Czechoslovakia Warsaw Pact | The USSR suppressed the attempts at liberalization. |
Invasion of Afghanistan | 1979-89 | The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to maintain the communists in power. | Afghanistan (China, USA, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and others) Afghanistan communists (USSR) | The USSR withdrew from the war. Many Afghans fled the country as refugees. The USSR was unable to win. |