Heimler’s History: Unit 8 - The Cold War and Decolonization

Overview

• Unit 8 Focus: Cold War and decolonization in the 20th century.
• Cold War: A prolonged standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union lasting about 40 years.
• Decolonization: Process where empires were broken up, leading to former colonies gaining independence.
• Interconnected: Though separate on the surface, these events share intertwined causes and relationships.

Context Setting

World War II Conclusion

• Big Three Conferences: United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union met to decide the post-war world order.

Yalta Conference (Early 1944)

• United States (Roosevelt): Pressed for free elections in Eastern Europe.
• Soviet Union (Stalin): Wanted Eastern Europe under Soviet influence as a buffer zone.
• Outcome: Stalin gave vague assurances for free elections, leading to tension.

Potsdam Conference (July 1945)

• Change in US Leadership: Truman replaces Roosevelt.
• Truman’s Demand: Insisted on free elections in Eastern Europe.
• Stalin’s Response: Flat refusal; Soviet troops occupied much of Eastern Europe.
• Result: Deepened rift between US and Soviet Union.

Emergence of Superpowers

United States as a Superpower

• Geographic Advantage: Mainland untouched by World War II combat.
• Economic Strength: Offered $12 billion in aid (Marshall Plan) to rebuild Europe.

Soviet Union as a Superpower

• Population Resilience: Despite heavy losses, large population remained.
• Industrial Capacity: Aggressive buildup by Stalin.
• European Weakness: Other nations too exhausted and broke to compete.

Atomic Bomb

• US Deployment: Soviets learned of the bomb only after its use.
• Impact: Further increased tensions; led to a nuclear arms race.

Cold War Definition

• Nature: State of hostility without open warfare.
• Characteristics: Threats, propaganda, arms race.

Decolonization Context

Pre-World War II

• Colonization Peak: Empires had vast colonies globally.
• World War I Contributions: Colonial soldiers hoped sacrifices would lead to independence.
• Self-determination: Emphasized by President Woodrow Wilson post-WWI but not realized.

Post-World War II

• War’s Impact: Altered colonial relationships due to financial exhaustion of imperial nations.
• Independence Movements: Gained support from US and Soviet Union.
• Decolonization Wave: Began as colonies sought independence with superpower backing.

Conclusion

• Stage Set: For understanding Cold War and decolonization dynamics.
• Further Learning: Encouragement to use resources for academic success.