The Cold War: Origins and Developments

Post-World War II Context

• After WWII, global desire for peace following massive destruction.
• Brewing tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union towards the end of WWII.

Key Conferences and Agreements

• The Big Three Conferences: United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union.
  • Discussed post-war Europe's future and agreed on democratic elections in Eastern Europe.
  • The League of Nations was replaced by the United Nations.

Soviet Expansion and the Eastern Bloc

• Stalin did not honor the democratic election agreement; instead, created the Soviet Bloc.
• Eastern European nations became communist, leading to increased distrust.

Division of Germany

• Germany divided into four occupation zones: Soviet, French, British, and US.
• East Germany under Soviet influence became communist.
• Tensions rose due to differing visions for Germany's future.

Ideological Divide: The Iron Curtain

• Winston Churchill famously stated that an "Iron Curtain" had descended across Europe.
• The division between democratic Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe was complete.

US Policy of Containment

• Truman Doctrine: Prevent the spread of communism by supporting threatened nations.
• Example: US involvement in Greek Civil War to support anti-communist forces.

Nature of the Cold War

• Not a direct armed conflict but a prolonged tension between the US and Soviet Union.

Methods of Cold War Engagement

1. Propaganda Campaigns
   • "Radio Free Europe" vs. Soviet propaganda highlighting Western flaws.
2. Covert Actions
   • Espionage: CIA (US), KGB (Soviet Union), and others.
3. Arms Race
   • Development and testing of nuclear and hydrogen bombs by both superpowers.
   • Mutual assured destruction as a deterrent.
4. Proxy Wars
   • Korean War: North (Soviet-supported) vs. South (US-supported).
   • Vietnam War: North Vietnam (Soviet/Chinese-supported) vs. South Vietnam (US-supported).
   • Soviet-Afghan War: US supplied weapons to anti-communist forces against Soviet invasion.

Conclusion

• Despite not engaging in direct combat, the US and Soviet Union influenced numerous global conflicts during the Cold War.
• The Cold War shaped international relations for decades and involved multifaceted strategies beyond direct military engagement.