Decolonization and the Cold War (1945-1991): A Global Shift

Decolonization and the Cold War (1945-1991)

The Cold War

Overview

The Cold War (1945-1991) was a period of geopolitical tension between the Western Bloc (led by the USA, promoting liberal democracy and capitalism) and the Eastern Bloc (led by the USSR, advocating for a single-party system and a planned economy).

Stages

1. Formation of blocs (1945-1953)
2. Coexistence and confrontation (1953-1968)
3. Détente (1968-1979)
4. Renewed conflict (1979-1985)
5. Crisis and fall of the Soviet bloc (1985-1991)

Key Events and Developments

Formation of Blocs (1945-1953)

• Iron Curtain: The division of Europe into Western (democratic and capitalist) and Eastern (communist) blocs.
• Marshall Plan (1947): Implemented by the USA to reconstruct Western Europe and contain communism.
• NATO (1949): Military alliance for common defense among democratic and capitalist states in North America and Europe.
• Federal Republic of Germany (FRG/West Germany) (1949-1990): Democratic and capitalist.
• COMECON (1947): A single market for communist states.
• Warsaw Pact (1955): Military alliance for common defense among communist states in the USSR and European satellite states.
• German Democratic Republic (GDR/East Germany) (1949-1990): Communist state; construction of the Berlin Wall (1961-1989).
• People's Republic of China (1949): Founded by Mao Zedong after the Chinese Civil War.
• Korean War (1950-1953): North Korea (supported by the Soviet Union and China) vs. South Korea (supported by the USA).
• Treaty of Paris (1951): Established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
• Treaty of Rome (1957): Established the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom.

Coexistence and Confrontation (1953-1968)

• Cuban Revolution (1959): Communist regime led by Fidel Castro, with Soviet support.
• Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): Standoff between the USA and USSR over Soviet missile facilities in Cuba.
• Hungarian Revolution (1956): Suppressed by the USSR.
• Prague Spring (1968): Suppressed by the USSR.
• Vietnam War (1955-1975): American intervention (1964-1973).
• Great Leap Forward (1958-1961): Failed economic policy in China under Mao Zedong.
• Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): Political purge in China under Mao Zedong.
• May 1968 student protests (France): Focused on social issues.
• Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968) (USA): Fought for legal equality for African Americans.

Détente (1968-1979)

• Easing of political tensions.
• Spread of communism in Latin America and Africa.
• 1973 Oil Crisis: Caused a monetary system crisis and rising oil prices.

Renewed Conflict (1979-1985)

• Ronald Reagan's Presidency (1981-1989): Neoliberal policies and increased military spending.
• Deng Xiaoping's leadership in China (1978-1997): Market socialism reforms.

Crisis and Fall of the Soviet Bloc (1985-1991)

• Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership (1985-1991): Implemented Perestroika and Glasnost.
• Fall of the Berlin Wall (November 9, 1989): Triggered the collapse of the Eastern Bloc.
• Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (1991): Cooperation between former Soviet republics.

Decolonization

Overview

Decolonization refers to the independence of former colonies, many weakened after World War II. Leaders of these movements were often nationalist, with varying leanings towards capitalism or communism. Decolonization occurred in stages, starting in the Middle East, then Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and finally Southern Africa.

Key Concepts and Events

• Third World: Non-aligned countries.
• Bandung Conference (1955): Promoted independence and cooperation.
• Non-Aligned Movement (1961): Eventually leaned pro-Soviet.