Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization

Key Developments

• Cold War
• Decolonization

Cold War

• Definition: A state of hostility between two states characterized by ideological struggle rather than open warfare.
• Specific Cold War: Standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, transforming global politics post-World War II.

Background

• World War II Aftermath: Devastation and rebuilding challenges left Allied powers not in celebration but in recovery mode.
• Superpowers Emerged: U.S. and Soviet Union emerged due to economic and technological advantages.

Economic Advantages

United States

• Great Depression Recovery: Wartime production boosted the economy.
• Minimal War Destruction: U.S. infrastructure remained intact, unlike war-torn Europe.
• Marshall Plan: Provided $1.13 billion for European economic recovery, shifting global power balance.

Soviet Union

• Command Economy: State-directed economy led to rapid growth despite significant losses in WWII.
• Natural Resources and Population: Large territory and population aided in recovery.
• Heavy Industry: Pre-war investments in heavy industry facilitated post-war recovery.

Technological Advantages

• United States: Development and use of atomic bombs in Japan displayed technological superiority.
• Soviet Union: Developed their own atomic weapons quickly, leading to an arms race.

Arms Race

• Mutual Assured Destruction: Both superpowers amassed nuclear arsenals capable of global destruction.

Decolonization

• Imperial States and Colonies: Shift from empires to independence for many former colonies.

World Wars Impact

World War I

• Colonial Troops: Fought for imperial powers with hopes of greater self-rule.
• Mandate System: Post-war system continued colonial control, leading to unrest.

World War II

• Anti-imperial Movements: Post-war devastation and weakened European powers couldn't resist independence movements.
• Decolonization: Led to the creation of approximately 80 new states worldwide.