Lecture Notes: Cold War Events and Key Historical Figures

Introduction

• The speaker plans to reveal their face wearing new merchandise.
• Mention of new merch: minimalist and Cold War-themed clothing, limited edition pins.

1917: The Rise of Lenin

• Context: World War I, Eastern Front.
• Germany and Russia: Both nations were nearing collapse.
• Vladimir Lenin: Exiled to Switzerland.
  • Germans sent him back to Russia to incite internal turmoil.
  • Results: Overthrew the government, ended Russia's involvement in WWI, led to the establishment of Communism, initiated civil war, triggered famine, and eventual death.

Joseph Stalin's Rise

• Stalin eliminated opponents to consolidate power.
• Implemented Five-Year Plans for industrialization.
• Ruled with terror, punishing dissenters harshly.

World War II and Post-War Conferences

• Allies (USA, UK, USSR) met to discuss post-war arrangements.
• Stalin informed of the US's atomic capabilities through espionage.

Start of the Cold War

• Division of Europe: Soviet puppet governments in Eastern Europe.
• Iron Curtain: Term coined by Churchill to describe the division.
• Turkey and Iran: Tensions over sea routes and Soviet occupation.
• Truman Doctrine: US commitment to prevent the spread of Communism.
• Marshall Plan: US aid to Western Europe for economic recovery.
• COMECON & COMINFORM: Soviet responses for economic and political control.

Berlin Blockade and Airlift

• Stalin's blockade of West Berlin.
• Western Allies responded with Berlin Airlift.
• Soviet Union developed its own atomic bomb.

China and Korea

• China: Civil War, establishment of Communist regime under Mao Zedong.
• Korea: Division along 38th parallel, Korean War initiated by North Korean invasion.

Domestic US: Red Scare

• McCarthyism and fear of communism in the US.
• Espionage and U-2 incident.

1950s-1960s: Khrushchev's Leadership

• De-Stalinization: Efforts to reduce Stalin's influence.
• Eastern European Uprisings: Brutally suppressed.
• Espionage: KGB activities and US response.

Space Race and Nuclear Arms

• Soviet achievements in space prompted US concerns.
• Mutual buildup of nuclear capabilities.

Berlin Wall

• Construction: August 13, 1961, dividing East and West Berlin.
• Impact: Families separated, escape attempts and fatalities.
• Checkpoint Charlie: Tense standoff between US and Soviet tanks.

Conclusion

• Agreement to de-escalate tensions.
• Ongoing Cold War dynamics and the looming threat of nuclear war.