Cold War Conflicts: Korea, Germany, US vs USSR

Cold War Beginnings and Divisions

The Cold War divide between the Allied blocs began in 1948 with events like the Berlin Blockade. But the Allies managed to supply the city by air, establishing an air bridge after the Soviet blockade failed.

Germany Divided

After the Soviet sector, the communist German Democratic Republic (GDR) was formed. Thus, Germany was divided into two states, a division that lasted until 1990.

Korean War (1950-1953)

A year later, Mao Zedong's communist troops achieved victory in the Chinese Civil War. The United States feared that communism would spread throughout the world.

In such an atmosphere, the Korean War (1950-1953) erupted in Korea, a former colony of Japan. After Japan's defeat during World War II, Korea was divided into two areas: the northern and southern parts, separated by the 38th parallel. North Korea was influenced by Moscow and the communist regime, while South Korea had a mainly American-backed, anti-communist government, which was a dictatorship.

North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950. The UN condemned the invasion. South Korea's army was losing ground, prompting the UN to approve intervention by 'Blue Helmet' forces, which helped to end the conflict.

A United Nations coalition, led by the United States, intervened to support South Korea. General MacArthur, head of the UN forces, considered using atomic bombs. This proposal led to his removal from office.

A truce was finally signed in 1953. The truce agreed that Korea would remain divided into two states, with the boundary roughly along the pre-war line. But the conflict had very serious consequences. In fact, more than a million people were killed in three years. It was the first major proxy conflict of the Cold War. The fear of it escalating into a third world war encouraged both the US and USSR to accelerate their arms race.

US (Western Block) Characteristics

• Diversity Policy
• Capitalist Economy
• Supported private property
• State does not participate in the economy
• Popular sovereignty
• Free elections
• Distribution of power
• Citizens are granted rights and obligations

USSR (Communist Block) Characteristics

• Single-Party Rule
• Communist Economy
• Little or no private property
• State participates in 5-year economic plans
• Dictatorship
• Elections not available
• No separation of power, power in the hands of the dictator
• Rights and obligations are not recognized