The Cold War: Causes, Conflicts, and Decolonization
World War 2: Causes and Consequences
Background
The seeds of World War 2 were sown in the international instability following World War 1. Germany sought revenge for the Treaty of Versailles, the economic depression of 1929 caused widespread hardship, and totalitarian ideologies gained traction.
Immediate Cause
The immediate cause was the aggressive foreign policy of totalitarian states, particularly the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis.
Consequences of the War
Political
- The downfall of totalitarian regimes and the revitalization of democratic systems.
- The establishment of international courts to judge crimes against humanity, such as those committed by the Nazis.
International
- Europe lost its global hegemony, replaced by a new international order led by the U.S. and the USSR, who soon entered into the Cold War.
- The emergence of new states.
Economic
- Enormous destruction of infrastructure, industries, and cities. The U.S., whose territory was spared, was the exception.
Demographic
- 55 million deaths and millions more wounded, both military and civilian. Russia, Germany, Poland, as well as Jewish and Gypsy populations, were particularly affected.
- Millions of prisoners, deportees, and displaced people.
Social
- The war’s cruelty, the genocide, and the nuclear threat caused a deep moral crisis and left a lasting impact on the population.
The Cold War (1947-1991)
Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and the “Iron Curtain”
In 1947, President Truman’s Truman Doctrine denounced the Soviet Union’s influence in the creation of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe. It offered aid to threatened nations, leading to increased U.S. military bases and the Marshall Plan for European reconstruction. The USSR responded by denouncing Western imperialism and offering aid to countries resisting Western influence.
This resulted in the division of the world into two blocs: the Western bloc led by the U.S. and the Eastern bloc led by the USSR. The separation was symbolized by the “Iron Curtain,” an imaginary line extending from the Elbe River to Trieste.
Key Terms
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, founded in 1949 and led by the U.S.
Warsaw Pact
A defensive military alliance founded in 1955 and led by the USSR.
Balance of Terror
The state of nuclear deterrence where each bloc had the capacity to annihilate the other, preventing an attack.
Non-Aligned Countries
States, primarily those emerging from decolonization, that chose not to align with either bloc and advocated for peaceful coexistence and disarmament.
Third World
Countries characterized by underdevelopment and dependence on major powers.
Peaceful Coexistence
A period of dialogue and pursuit of peaceful understanding, particularly under John F. Kennedy (USA) and Nikita Khrushchev (USSR).
Star Wars
A defensive program proposed by the U.S. to create a space shield using satellites to intercept and destroy nuclear missiles.
Cold War Overview
The Cold War was a 44-year period of geopolitical tension between the two blocs. It involved a constant military and diplomatic standoff, but without direct armed conflict between the superpowers.
Mikhail Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War
Mikhail Gorbachev’s rise to power in the USSR ushered in significant reforms. He declared unilateral Soviet disarmament, withdrew from Afghanistan, and allowed Eastern European countries to choose their own destiny. This led to arms reduction agreements with the U.S., reforms in Eastern Europe, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and ultimately, the dissolution of the USSR into 15 republics. This marked the end of the communist bloc and the Cold War.
Decolonization (1945-1965)
Causes of Decolonization
Impact of World War 2
- Colonies contributed to the war effort, increasing their awareness of their own importance.
- The war weakened colonial powers and the post-war division into blocs further diminished Europe’s dominance.
Rise of Nationalist Movements
- Nationalist ideas spread in colonies, fueled by liberal and Marxist ideologies that supported self-determination.
- Leaders like Gandhi and Ho Chi Minh emerged.
International Support
- Intellectual groups, churches, and the UN advocated for self-determination.
- Support from the superpowers also played a role.
Bandung Conference and its Influence
The Bandung Conference (1955) saw the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement. It established principles like condemning colonialism, supporting independence movements, promoting national sovereignty and equality, and advocating for economic and cultural development assistance. The conference significantly accelerated decolonization, particularly in Africa.
Decolonization Overview
Decolonization was the process of dismantling colonial empires, leading to the independence of former colonies between 1945 and 1965.