Cold War Timeline 1941-1958

Introduction

• Overview of Cold War from 1941-1958.
• Transition from allies to enemies between the USA and USSR.
• Focus on EdXL GCSE course but applicable to all history enthusiasts.

Formation of the Grand Alliance (1941)

• USA, USSR, and UK form the Grand Alliance against Nazi Germany.
• Alliance based on a common enemy despite differing ideologies: USA (capitalist) vs. USSR (communist).

Tehran Conference (1943)

• Leaders: Roosevelt (USA), Stalin (USSR), Churchill (UK).
• Discussed strategies to defeat Germany and post-war world.
• Agreement to open a second front in Western Europe.

Yalta Conference (February 1945)

• Focus on post-war Germany and Eastern Europe.
• Decision to split Germany into four zones: USSR, USA, UK, France.
• Free elections intended for Eastern Europe, but Stalin expected communist outcomes.

Potsdam Conference (July 1945)

• Absence of common enemy after German surrender.
• Increased tensions, especially with new US President Truman's anti-communist stance.
• Disagreements over Eastern Europe and nuclear secrets.

Atomic Bomb and Nuclear Tensions (August 1945)

• USA uses atomic bomb on Japan, increasing tensions.
• USSR feels vulnerable and pushes for communist governments in Eastern Europe.

1946: War of Words

• Long Telegram: USA advised to see USSR as a rival.
• Iron Curtain Speech: Churchill's speech dividing East and West.
• Novikov Telegram: USSR views West as enemy.

Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan (1947)

• USA aims to prevent communism spread (Truman Doctrine).
• Marshall Plan offers economic aid to rebuild Europe and deter communism.
• USSR forms Cominform to reject Marshall Plan.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948)

• Germany divided; Stalin wants communist government, USA disagrees.
• Trizonia formation leads to Berlin Blockade by USSR.
• USA's Berlin Airlift supplies city, successful peaceful resistance.

Division of Germany and Military Alliances

• Germany split into East (communist) and West (capitalist).
• Formation of NATO (USA-led) and Warsaw Pact (USSR-led).

Hungarian Uprising (1956)

• Hungarian discontent with communist rule.
• Nagy appointed but USSR suppresses his reforms.
• USA unable to intervene without risking all-out war.
• Pro-Soviet regime restored in Hungary.

Conclusion

• Timeline shows escalating tensions and division between the USA and USSR.
• Important events illustrating the path from alliance to rivalry in the early Cold War years.