The Cold War Begins

Allies Become Enemies

1. Post-war Problems– During WWII the Soviet

Union and the US worked together

– When the war ends old hostilities come back

– Both countries had different political view points that did not go together

Communism v. Capitalism1. Communism (USSR- Soviet Union)– Equal distribution of wealth– No private property– Government or workers control the businesses

and the means of production– Soviets wanted to spread communism around

the globe

2. Capitalism/Democracy – United States– Most businesses and industries are privately

controlled by individuals– Competition determines the cost of goods and

worker pay– US saw itself as the beacon of freedom in the

world

Fate of Europe1. Yalta Conference– Feb 4, 1945– Conference to decide

the postwar fate of Europe

– Called for free elections and democracy in the nations liberated from the Nazis

– Stalin (leader of Soviet Union) did not agree with this

2. Germany– Western Allies want a united

demilitarized and independent Germany

– Soviets feared a united Germany would invade their country

– Split into 4 parts but later becomes 2 countries

– Eastern Germany (Soviet controlled) and Western Germany (democratic and free)

3. Eastern Europe– Free elections

agreed on at Yalta did not happen

– Soviets establish “satellite states” or governments under the Soviet Unions control

• Berlin was also divided and in the Soviet section of Germany.

• The Soviets decided to cut Berlin off from all western influence and supplies.

• Berlin Blockade began in June 1948.• The answer was the Berlin Airlift. From

6/48 until 5/49 the allies flew in all the supplies needed.

• The Soviets finally ended the blockade.

Berlin Airlift

Co-Super powers U.S. & U.S.S.R.1. 1st move Soviets – The occupied countries

in Eastern Europe are annexed by the S.U. All of these countries make up the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

2. Churchill gives a speech in Missouri. In the speech he says “an iron curtain has descended across the continent”.

3. Communist countries

are called Iron

Curtain countries.

4. Iron Curtain– Winston Churchill uses this phrase to describe

what happened in Europe– This imaginary line marked the democratic west

on one side and the Soviet controlled east on the other

The Marshall Plan

• The Marshall Plan was suggested by Sec. of State George Marshall.

• It was put into effect to aid Europe in rebuilding from the war.

• It was also in place to keep countries from becoming communist.

• Millions of dollars were spent on Europe.• Britain, France and Italy got most of the

money.• Marshall receives the Nobel Peace prize.

A Cold War1. When– Lasted from 1945-1991

2. What– Cold War = struggle/tensions between the US and

Soviet Union over global power– No real face to face war between the two countries

3. Why– US worried the Soviets would try to extend their

control– Soviets worried the US would try to take away their

power

New Organizations• NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

11 free nations agreed to help each other in case they were attacked. Today there are 26 nations in NATO.

• Warsaw Pact – Formed in 1955. It’s a military alliance for Eastern Europe. If any communist country was attacked, the others would help.