Focus on two major developments: Cold War and Decolonization.
Both are complex and significant in shaping global history post-World War II.
The Cold War
Definition
Cold War: A state of hostility between two states, characterized mainly by ideological differences rather than open warfare.
Specific to this context, the Cold War was the standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union post-World War II.
Emergence of Superpowers
Post World War II, two superpowers emerged: the United States and the Soviet Union.
These superpowers had significant economic and technological advantages.
United States
Economic Recovery:
The Great Depression was followed by economic revival due to wartime production during WWII.
Minimal war destruction on US soil (except Pearl Harbor) compared to Europe.
Became the most prosperous nation, aiding Western Europe with the Marshall Plan ($13 billion).
Technological Advances:
Developed the atomic bomb, marking a significant technological superiority.
Soviet Union
Economic Recovery:
Command economy directed by the state led to rapid growth.
Despite severe war destruction, utilized natural resources and a large workforce for recovery.
Technological Advances:
Developed atomic weapons by 1949, leading to an arms race with the US.
Key Characteristics of the Cold War
Arms race between the US and the Soviet Union, focusing on nuclear and hydrogen bombs.
The global power balance was heavily influenced by these technological and economic factors.
Decolonization
Background
Imperial states had built global empires; this period saw a reversal.
World Wars created conditions for decolonization.
Influences from World War I
Colonial troops fought in WWI with hopes for self-rule.
Post-war, many colonies changed hands through the mandate system, continuing colonialism under a different guise.
Influences from World War II
Post-WWII, massive anti-imperial movements emerged as colonial powers weakened.
Economic devastation and weakened militaries post-WWII left imperial states like Britain and France with limited resources to resist decolonization movements.
Outcome
The process of decolonization led to the creation of approximately 80 new states after 1945.
Conclusion
These developments fundamentally reshaped global politics and power structures in the mid-20th century.
Further resources available for studying this period, including review guides and videos.