History Revision: Cold War Timeline (1941-1958)

Introduction

• Overview of the Cold War from 1941-1958.
• Focuses on how USA and USSR transitioned from allies to enemies.
• Relevant for Edexcel GCSE course but useful for other courses and history enthusiasts.

Formation of the Grand Alliance (1941)

• Members: USA, USSR, UK.
• Purpose: To counter Nazi Germany.
• Ideological Differences: USA (Capitalist) vs USSR (Communist).
• Importance: Common enemy (Nazi Germany) united the alliance.

Turning of the War and Conferences (1943-1945)

• 1943: The war was turning in favor of the Allies.
• Tehran Conference: Leaders (Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill) met and agreed to open a second front by invading Western Europe.
• Yalta Conference (Feb 1945):
  • Main Issues:
    • Future of Germany: Agreement to split into four zones.
    • Future of Eastern Europe: Agreed on free elections, but Stalin expected communist outcomes.
• Potsdam Conference (July 1945):
  • Roosevelt replaced by Truman (staunch anti-communist).
  • Tensions rise; doubts about post-war cooperation.

Nuclear Tensions and Cold War Beginnings (1945-1946)

• Aug 1945: USA uses atomic bomb against Japan, increasing tensions.
• Soviet Security Concerns: USSR sought a buffer zone in Eastern Europe.
• 1946:
  • Long Telegram: USA advised to view USSR as a rival.
  • Iron Curtain Speech: Churchill described the division between East and West.
  • Novikov Telegram: Confirmed USSR’s view of the West as enemies.

Escalation of Hostilities (1947-1948)

• 1947:
  • Truman Doctrine: USA committed to stopping communism spread.
  • Marshall Plan: Financial aid to European countries; seen as a threat by USSR.
  • Cominform: Stalin’s response; ordered satellite states to reject Marshall Plan.
• 1948: Berlin Blockade
  • Germany's Division: Into four zones, then USA/UK/France zones merged into Trizonia.
  • Berlin Blockade: Stalin blocks Western access to Berlin; USA responds with airlifts.
  • Outcome: Propaganda victory for USA; Germany divided into East (Communist) and West (Capitalist).

Formation of Military Alliances

• NATO: Formed by the USA and Western allies.
• Warsaw Pact: USSR’s response with Eastern bloc nations.

Hungarian Uprising (1956)

• Background: Hungarians rebel against communist conditions.
• Soviet Response: Invasion to suppress uprising; reinstall a pro-Soviet government.
• USA's Position: Unable to intervene without risking war escalation.

Conclusion

• Review of how tensions escalated over the years.
• Key events and developments in superpower relations.
• Understanding the timeline helps grasp Cold War dynamics.