Heimler's History: Unit 8 - Cold War and Decolonization

Introduction

• Focus on the Cold War and decolonization in the 20th century.
• Cold War: Standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union (~40 years).
• Decolonization: Process of empires breaking apart and former colonies gaining independence.
• Both events are interconnected through various causes and relationships.

Post-World War II Context

• Big Three Meetings: United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union.
  • Yalta Conference (1944):
    • President Roosevelt (U.S.) pushed for free elections in Eastern Europe.
    • Stalin (Soviet Union) wanted Eastern Europe under Soviet influence as a buffer.
    • Roosevelt unable to force Stalin to allow free elections.
    • Stalin provided vague assurances for future free elections.
  • Potsdam Conference (July 1945):
    • President Truman (U.S.) replaced Roosevelt.
    • Continued demand for free elections in Eastern Europe.
    • Stalin's troops already occupied Eastern Europe; refused free elections.
    • Tension between U.S. and Soviet Union deepened.

Emergence of Superpowers

• United States:
  • Minimal war damage; mainland untouched except for Pearl Harbor.
  • Industrial capacity intact; provided $12 billion in aid (Marshall Plan).
• Soviet Union:
  • Heavy losses (~15-20 million people), significant damage.
  • Large population, aggressive industrial build-up by Stalin.
  • Other European nations broke and exhausted.

Tensions and Cold War

• U.S. dropped the atomic bomb without informing Soviet allies.
• Cold War: A period of hostility without open warfare, characterized by threats, propaganda, and an arms race.

Decolonization

• Background:
  • Empire building and colonization peaked by WWI.
  • Colonial soldiers fought in WWI hoping for independence but were denied.
  • Post-WWI, President Wilson advocated for self-determination.
• Post-WWII Changes:
  • Colonies sought independence as imperial nations weakened.
  • U.S. and Soviet Union supported decolonization when in their interest.

Conclusion

• Stage set for understanding Cold War and decolonization.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more videos on history topics.

• Key Terms: Cold War, Decolonization, Big Three, Yalta Conference, Potsdam Conference, Marshall Plan, Self-determination
• Historical Figures: President Franklin Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, President Woodrow Wilson