Cold War: Military Alliances, Nuclear Proliferation, and Proxy Wars

Military Alliances

• Post-WWII Occupation: Soviet Union occupied Eastern Europe (Soviet Block/Communist Block) and installed Communist governments.
• NATO Formation (1949): Mutual defense alliance of Western Nations (led by USA) against Soviet threat.
• Warsaw Pact (1955): Soviet-led military alliance in response to NATO; mutual defense agreement.
• Consequences: Increased global tensions.

Nuclear Proliferation

• Arms Race:
  • USA used atomic bombs in WWII.
  • Soviets developed atomic bombs in 1949.
  • USA developed hydrogen bomb.
  • Soviets countered with their hydrogen bomb.
• Cuban Missile Crisis (1962):
  • Failed US attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro led Soviets to send nuclear missiles to Cuba.
  • US discovered missile sites; naval blockade imposed.
  • Tense 13 days; world feared nuclear war.
  • Resolution: Missiles not fired, blockade lifted.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968): Aimed to prevent spread of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear nations.

Proxy Wars

• Definition: Indirect conflicts where superpowers supported opposing sides without direct confrontation.
• Notable Proxy Wars:
  • Korean War (1950-1953):
    • Division: North Korea (Soviets) vs. South Korea (US & Allies).
    • North invaded South; US quickly intervened.
    • Conflict ended in stalemate; 3 million dead.
  • Angolan Civil War (1975):
    • Post-independence power struggle among rival groups.
    • Soviets, USA, and South Africa supported different factions.
  • Contra War in Nicaragua (1979-1990):
    • Sandinista National Liberation Front (socialists) seized power.
    • US supported Contras to overthrow Sandinistas (Soviet-backed).
    • Numerous human rights violations; conflict ended in ceasefire.