The Cold War (1945-1989)

Introduction

• Lengthy conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union post-WWII.
• Emergence of two opposing global camps, primarily affecting Europe.
• Characterized by strategic and ideological clashes, nuclear deterrence, and an arms race.
• Ended in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

I. Towards a Bipolar World (1945-1953)

A. A Missed Opportunity for Peace

• Yalta Conference (Feb 1945): Division of Germany and recognition of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.
• Potsdam Conference (Jul-Aug 1945): Tensions over Soviet expansion and lack of Western control in Eastern Europe.

B. The United States and the Western Bloc

• Truman Doctrine (1947): US policy to contain Soviet expansion.
  • Financial and military aid to Greece and Turkey.
• Marshall Plan: Economic aid to Europe to prevent spread of Communism; led to formation of OEEC.

C. The USSR and the Eastern Bloc

• Creation of a Soviet buffer zone in Eastern Europe.
• Zhdanov Doctrine and Cominform: Communist consolidation under Soviet influence.

D. The Division of Germany

• Berlin Blockade (1948-1949): Soviet blockade countered by Allied airlift.
• Foundation of FRG and GDR: Formal division of Germany into West (FRG) and East (GDR).

E. Strengthening of Alliances

• Formation of NATO and similar alliances to counter Soviet threats.

F. The First Confrontations

• Civil War in Greece: US support leads to defeat of Communists.
• Revolution in China: Communist victory establishes People's Republic of China.
• Korean War (1950-1953): Conflict between North (Communist) and South Korea, involving the US and Soviet-backed China.

II. From Peaceful Coexistence to the Paroxysms of the Cold War (1953-1962)

A. The Agreement on Austrian Neutrality

• Austria regains independence and neutrality; Soviet withdrawal.

B. The Geneva Spirit

• 1955 summit fostering initial signs of détente between superpowers.

C. The Repression of the Hungarian Uprising

• Soviet intervention in Hungary maintains Communist control.

D. The Building of the Berlin Wall

• 1961 construction of the Berlin Wall to prevent East German escape to the West.

E. The Cuban Crisis

• 1962 standoff over Soviet missiles in Cuba, narrowly avoiding nuclear conflict.

III. From Détente to Renewed Tensions (1962-1985)

A. Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik

• West Germany’s policy of East-West reconciliation and treaties with Eastern Bloc.

B. Improvements in East-West Relations

• Helsinki Accords (1975): Efforts to improve cooperation between East and West.
• SALT treaties aimed at arms limitation but spurred arms race.

C. The Crushing of the Prague Spring

• 1968 Soviet-led invasion suppresses Czechoslovakia’s liberalization attempts.

D. The Vietnam War

• US military involvement to curb Communist influence.

E. Soviet Expansionism

• Soviet influence expands in Africa, Europe, and Asia, challenging US dominance.

F. The Arms Race and Star Wars

• Escalation of arms race; Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars).

IV. Towards the End of the Cold War (1985-1989)

A. The Eastern Bloc in the Throes of Change

• Gorbachev’s Reforms: Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) initiate change.
• Collapse of Communist regimes across Eastern Europe.

B. The Collapse of the GDR and the Fall of the Berlin Wall

• 1989 protests and political shifts lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

C. The Creation of New Alliances

• Dissolution of Warsaw Pact and Comecon.
• Emergence of new political structures and alliances like the Visegrad Group and improved NATO relations.

Conclusion

• The Cold War's end marked by a shift from bipolar world dominance to new geopolitical realities and alliances, leading to European integration and cooperation.