Heimlich History: AP US History - Cold War 1945-1980

Learning Objective

• Explain the continuities and changes in Cold War policies from 1945 to 1980.

Overview

• The Cold War was the ideological conflict between the US and Soviet Union from 1945 to 1980.
• Unlike traditional wars, the Cold War was characterized by ideological battles, not open warfare.
• Tensions risked escalating into actual fighting.

Causes of the Cold War

• Historical Tensions: Began with the Russian Revolution in 1917.
• Ideological Conflict: US favored democratic capitalism; USSR promoted authoritarian communism.
• Expansionism: Both ideologies sought global influence.
• WWII Aftermath: US and USSR were allies, but post-war agreements led to mistrust.
• Eastern Europe: Stalin violated agreements by keeping Soviet troops in Central and Eastern Europe, creating satellite states.
• Germany & Berlin: Division into occupation zones; tensions over Soviet control in Eastern Germany and Berlin.

US Response to the Soviet Threat

• Containment Policy: Aimed to prevent the spread of communism.
  • Truman Doctrine: Supported countries threatened by communism (e.g., Turkey, Greece).
  • Marshall Plan: $13 billion to rebuild European economies to prevent communist influence.
  • Berlin Airlift: US response to the Soviet Berlin blockade, supplying West Berlin.

Alliances

• NATO: Military alliance of Western nations to resist Soviet aggression.
• Warsaw Pact: Soviet counter-alliance with Eastern European communist nations.

Nuclear Proliferation

• Arms race between US and USSR.
• Development of atomic and hydrogen bombs.
• Mutual Assured Destruction: Understanding that usage could lead to total annihilation.

Proxy Wars

• Indirect conflicts where US and USSR backed opposing sides.
• Korean War (1950-1953):
  • Korea was divided at the 38th parallel post-WWII.
  • North Korea (backed by USSR) invaded South Korea (supported by US and UN).
  • Resulted in stalemate; division remained at the 38th parallel.
  • Demonstrated containment policy in action.

Conclusion

• These events illustrate significant Cold War policies and their implications on global politics.
• Containment and proxy wars were key strategies in the ideological battle between the US and Soviet Union.

Additional Resources

• AP Review Packet: Includes video content, note guides, practice questions, and exams.
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