Cold War & WWII: Global Conflicts & Aftermath
Cold War: Definition & Major Events
A model of international relations following WWII, based on a constant parallel between Soviet and American blocs. Tense atmosphere without direct fighting, but with weapons development and espionage. The struggle had indirect impacts on national territories:
Korean War
Post-WWII, Korea was divided. North Korea, supported by the USSR, invaded South Korea, backed by the US and UN. Ended in 1953 with the Peace of Panmunjon, solidifying the division.
Vietnam War
Communist forces declared independence in French Indochina in 1945. France resisted, leading to war. The US supported South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam. The war ended in 1975 with a unified Vietnam.
Missile Crisis
After Castro’s revolution in Cuba, the US imposed an economic boycott. Cuba aligned with the USSR. In 1962, the Soviets planned to install nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a US blockade. The Soviets withdrew, averting a crisis.
Peaceful Coexistence
A period of relaxed tensions followed, facilitated by new leadership (Khrushchev and Kennedy). SALT agreements aimed to curb the arms race. However, tensions resurfaced in the 1970s with Soviet actions in Afghanistan and US actions in Grenada.
End of Colonial Empires
Several factors favored decolonization:
- Desire for independence: Opposition to foreign rule and cultural imposition.
- Nationalist movements: Inspired by various ideologies, seeking self-determination.
- Loss of reputation: Colonial powers were weakened after WWII.
- International opinion: Support for self-determination grew (Atlantic Charter, UN declarations).
- Great powers’ support: The US and USSR, lacking colonies, favored weakening European powers.
World War II (1939-1945)
A global conflict rooted in territorial expansion desires.
Causes:
- Discontent with WWI agreements (Treaty of Versailles).
- Economic hardships and failures of democratic governments.
- Rise of nationalism in Germany and Italy.
- Establishment of totalitarian regimes.
Development:
Hitler aimed to create the Third Reich. Germany signed a non-aggression pact with Russia in 1938, then invaded Austria. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, prompting France and England to declare war. Italy, led by Mussolini, joined Germany in 1940. Germany invaded Russia in 1941. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into the war.
End of the War:
The Allies gained momentum, culminating in the Normandy landings (D-Day) in 1944. Hitler committed suicide in 1945. The US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender.
Implications:
- Demographic: Approximately 55 million deaths.
- Economic: Widespread destruction and long recovery periods.
- Regional: Territorial changes, including the division of Germany.