Cold War & Decolonization: Key Events and Concepts

Key Concepts of the Cold War Era

Defining the Cold War

The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry and tension between the United States (U.S.) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). During this era, the U.S. and USSR engaged in a nuclear arms race, the Space Race, and formed opposing military alliances: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the Warsaw Pact.

Understanding Decolonization

Decolonization was a historical process through which Asian and African colonies of European empires gained independence. This occurred primarily from 1947 to 1975, coinciding with the Cold War and marking the beginning of the Third World. While new states achieved political freedom, they often remained economically dependent on their former rulers.

The Truman Doctrine

Issued by Harry S. Truman in 1947, the Truman Doctrine represented a U.S. commitment to help states defend their democracies against communism.

Warsaw Pact Formation

Formed in 1955, the Warsaw Pact was a military alliance between the Eastern Bloc countries, serving as a counterbalance to NATO.

COMECON: Economic Alliance

The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) was created in 1949 to provide economic aid and foster cooperation among communist countries.

Major Cold War Confrontations

The Berlin Blockade (1948-1949)

The Berlin Blockade was the USSR's response to the unification of the Western-occupied zones of Germany (British, French, and U.S.) in 1948, specifically in Berlin, and the implementation of a new currency. As a result, West Berlin was isolated and without supplies. With roads and railways into the city closed, the Western Bloc supplied West Berlin by air, in what became known as the Berlin Airlift. In 1949, the USSR ended the blockade.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the two blocs came to a direct conflict during the Cold War. Fidel Castro's land reforms led to a U.S. blockade of Cuba and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. In response, Castro and the Soviet leader formed trade agreements, leading to the placement of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, threatening the U.S. After intense negotiations, the USSR agreed to remove the missiles if the U.S. promised not to invade Cuba and withdrew its missiles from Turkey. Following this confrontation, the direct line of communication (the 'hotline') between Moscow and Washington was established.

Driving Forces Behind Decolonization

• Increasing awareness among European empires that colonial rule could not be maintained.
• The UK and France lacked the economic and military resources to control their vast empires after World War II.
• International pressure to end colonialism, including from:
  • The League of Nations, United Nations (UN), and various Protestant and Catholic Churches.
  • Socialist and communist parties.
  • International colonial peoples' conferences and the Non-Aligned Movement.
  • Superpowers (U.S. and USSR) who sought to attract new states to their respective blocs.