Cold War and Decolonization: A Historical Analysis
The Cold War: A Divided World
The final rupture between the two blocks occurred in 1947 when the U.S. President explained what is known as the Truman Doctrine. They denounced the establishment of communist regimes in the countries occupied by the Red Army and proposed intervention against the perceived American threat of communist expansion in Europe. The U.S. aimed to increase the number of American troops and bases in Europe, and the Marshall Plan was proposed to help promote the economic reconstruction of the old continent. The USSR, in turn, presented the Zhdanov report, alleging that U.S. actions were a way of dominating Europe. The world was divided into two blocks, a division that Winston Churchill famously called the “Iron Curtain”. In 1949, the United States and its allies formed NATO, and in 1955, the Soviet Union and its allies formed the Warsaw Pact.
The Cold War was a model of international relations that developed after the Second World War and was based on a standing antagonism between the blocks led by the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a very tense confrontation, though never a direct military confrontation between the two powers. However, both sides engaged in a large arms race and adopted a very belligerent stance. The tension between the blocks involved rough play, hostile propaganda, and espionage against the enemy, justifying the need for defense against the threat of the opposing bloc.
Peaceful Coexistence and Renewed Tensions
By the end of the 1950s, the climate of tension between the blocks gave way to a stage dominated by a period of reduced tension known as “Peaceful Coexistence”. New relations between the blocks were brought about by the presence of a new generation of leaders. These leaders displayed a more tolerant attitude towards ideological discrepancies. Direct relationships were established between presidents, and both governments were more likely to reach mutual agreements.
Thus began a dialogue between the powers to curb the arms race. However, the 1970s saw new outbreaks of conflict that once again brought about the tensions of the Cold War. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan, and the Americans intervened on the island of Grenada.
Decolonization: A Global Shift
Causes of Decolonization
- Desire for Independence: The majority of the population of the colonies desired independence from the metropolis, which had imposed their ways of life and culture and had ruled despotically, disbanding the local economy.
- Nationalist Movements: Different nationalist movements, inspired by various ideologies, emerged to confront the colonizing forces.
- Decreased Prestige: During World War II, the prestige of the colonial powers had been largely lost. For example, many of their Asian colonies had been occupied by Japan. The defeat of the European powers ended the legend of the white race’s invincibility.
- International Opinion: Colonization was condemned by the Atlantic Charter, the UN Declaration, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaimed the right of peoples to self-determination.
- Support for Decolonization: The two great powers, the U.S. and the USSR, did not possess colonial empires and had an interest in weakening the old European powers. They supported decolonization efforts.
The Decolonization Process
1st Stage: Asia
The decolonization process began in Asia following the Second World War. In 1947, Great Britain accepted the independence of India. Indonesia became independent in 1949, and in 1954, France left Indochina, leading to the proclamation of the state of Vietnam.
2nd Stage: North Africa
In 1951, the former Italian colony of Libya achieved sovereignty. In 1956, France recognized the independence of Morocco and Tunisia.
3rd Stage: Sub-Saharan Africa
The third stage affected sub-Saharan Africa and spread between 1955 and 1965 when most British, French, and Belgian colonies were declared independent.
Final Phase
In 1975, the last Portuguese colonies disappeared, and in 1990, Namibia proclaimed its independence.