1
TOPIC 1
Topic 1: The Cold War
Main question: How did the Cold War period shape international relations after the Second World
War?
1. Understanding the Cold War
Definition & nature of the Cold War – rivalry between West (capitalism) and East (communism)
without direct full-scale war; fought through propaganda, economic influence, proxy wars, and arms
race.
Characteristics – ideological conflict, political tension, military alliances, nuclear threat, competition
for global influence.
2. Origins of the Cold War
Development of animosity during WWII – distrust between USA/UK and USSR despite alliance against
Germany.
Situation at the end of WWII – Europe devastated, Germany defeated, power vacuum.
3. Allied War Conferences (and their impact)
Tehran Conference (1943) – aims, decisions, impact.
Yalta Conference (Feb 1945) – aims, decisions, impact.
Potsdam Conference (July 1945) – aims, decisions, impact.
How these conferences led to the division of Europe and worsened East–West relations.
4. Spheres of influence in Europe
USA’s sphere of influence by 1949
Policy of containment – Truman Doctrine (economic/military aid to resist communism).
Marshall Plan – economic aid to rebuild Western Europe.
USSR’s sphere of influence by 1949
Soviet reaction to US policies.
Creation of satellite states in Eastern Europe.
Consolidation of Soviet control.
COMECON (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance).
5. Berlin as a flashpoint
Berlin Blockade (1948–49) – causes, events, outcome.
Events in Berlin 1949–1961.
Berlin Wall (1961) – causes, events, outcome.
6. Alliance systems
NATO – formation, purpose, members.
Warsaw Pact – formation, purpose, members.
7. Containment and brinkmanship
Containment – definition, examples.
Brinkmanship – definition, examples.
8. Case Study: Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Communist Cuba established – causes, key events.
US, Soviet, and Cuban actions leading to the crisis.
Events of the crisis – discovery of missiles, US blockade, negotiations.
Impact on the Cold War – improved communication (hotline), nuclear test ban treaty, shift in
tensions.
9. Who was to blame for the Cold War?
Historiographic interpretations:
Orthodox view – USSR started it through expansionism.
Revisionist view – USA provoked it through economic and military dominance.
@smartstudypro-stuvia
, 2
Post-revisionist view – both sides share blame.
What was the Cold War?
The Cold War was an intense period of political and ideological rivalry between the USA and the USSR
that lasted for a long time, characterized by tension, competition, and indirect conflicts without large-
scale direct fighting. It involved a nuclear arms race, propaganda, and espionage, as both sides sought
to spread their respective ideologies globally. This era shaped international relations by dividing the
‘world’ into two main blocs: the capitalist West, led by the USA, and the communist East, led by the
USSR. The origins of this "tension" and "rivalry" are a contested debate, with earliest historical roots in
the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Post-World War II Power Struggle and Ideological Division (1945)
After World War II, both the USA and the USSR emerged as global superpowers, each aiming to expand
its influence and deeply concerned about the other's power, leading to a profound rivalry. The two
superpowers had fundamentally different political and economic systems: the USA advocated
capitalism (private ownership of businesses and property) and democracy (people having power
through voting in free elections), while the USSR championed communism (government owning all
property and means of production, aiming for a classless society). As Germany was defeated, the USA
and USSR raced to occupy Berlin first, and the occupying armies did not relinquish the land they had
conquered, leading to Europe's division into a Soviet-controlled half and an American-controlled half, as
there was no formal treaty at the end of World War II.
Wartime Conferences and Emerging Disagreements (1941-1945)
First Big Three
Leader Country Role Ideology Key Decisions Death
Believed in
Franklin D. democracy, self- Died in
President Helped establish post-war goals
Roosevelt determination, office,
USA (until (e.g., Atlantic Charter, Yalta
and international April
1945) agreements)
cooperation; 1945
supported the UN
Strong anti-
Winston Prime communist; Played a key role in setting
Churchill Minister advocate for WWII strategies, skeptical of Died in
UK
(until British influence Stalin, promoted "Iron Curtain" 1965
1945) and empire view after the war
preservation
Communist;
Joseph believed in a
Oversaw Soviet control over
Stalin strong,
USSR Premier Eastern Europe; emphasized
centralized Soviet
security through "buffer zones"
state, expanding
USSR influence
Second Big Three
Leader Country Role Ideology Key Decisions Death
Anti-communist;
Harry S. promoted
Truman President containment and Initiated the Truman Doctrine,
Died in
USA (post- democracy, Marshall Plan, NATO; key figure
1972
1945) favored free in early Cold War policies
elections in
Europe
Clement Labour socialist,
Prime
Attlee welfare state Focused on domestic welfare
Minister Died in
UK advocate, reforms; supported NATO;
(post- 1967
decolonization oversaw British decolonization
1945)
supporter
but his influence solidified
Joseph Died in
USSR Premier USSR as a superpower during
Stalin 1953
the early Cold War
@smartstudypro-stuvia
, 3
Even during World War II summit meetings among the Allies, suspicions grew regarding the USSR's
motives in Eastern Europe, as Stalin began demanding the right to annex territories. Conversely, the
USSR was suspicious of the West for its failure to share nuclear bomb secrets and the delay in
establishing a Second Front in Europe.
Why are the conferences important ?
The conferences are significant because they highlight the growing
tensions and ideological differences that eventually led to the Cold
War. These meetings, intended to establish postwar order, instead
revealed the cracks in the alliance between the Soviet Union and the
Western powers, ultimately foreshadowing the decades-long conflict.
The Atlantic Charter (August 1941)
o What it was: A statement by the United States (President
Roosevelt) and Britain (Prime Minister Churchill) describing
their hopes for the post-war world.
o Aims: The three main principles of the Atlantic Charter
include equal access to trade and raw materials, choice in type
of government, and disarmament. These principles sought to
foster international cooperation and self-determination after
World War II.
Impact: Helped create a shared vision between the U.S. and Britain, eventually leading to the
creation of the United Nations (UN).
Casablanca Conference (January 1943)
o What it was: A meeting between U.S. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
o Aims: To plan the next steps against the Axis powers (the Axis powers were Germany, Italy,
and Japan), especially in Europe. = why? =To make sure they could not start another war.
o Decisions: Agreed to accept "unconditional surrender" from the Axis powers. = This meant that
the Axis countries would have to surrender without any conditions or negotiations.
o Impact: Showed unity between the U.S. and Britain but revealed differences in strategy with the
Soviet Union.
Tehran Conference (November-December 1943)*
o Who: The first major meeting of the "Big Three"—Stalin (Premier of the USSR), Roosevelt
(President of the USA), and Churchill (Prime Minister of the UK).
Agreements:
They aimed to force Germany's unconditional surrender and agreed Germany would be split
after the war, though without specific details yet.
They agreed not to launch an Anglo-American invasion through the Balkans, which
implied Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe for pushing out Nazi forces.
An international body (later the United Nations) was agreed upon to mediate future
problems.
A Second Front, specifically in France, was agreed to for June 1944 to ease pressure on the
Eastern Front.
Stalin agreed to declare war on Japan and provide Soviet troops, but only after the war in
Europe concluded.
Disagreements:
No final agreement on the details of German division. Stalin refused to give up the parts of Poland
he had seized in 1939, being adamant about protecting his Western borders.
Impact: By acknowledging Soviet control in Eastern Europe, it limited Western influence there
and gave Stalin the impression he could act freely, leading to future mistrust.
Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944)
o Aims: To create a stable global economic system after WWII.
o Decisions: Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
o Impact: Led to Western economic unity and laid the foundation for future capitalist alliances.
The Percentages Agreement (October 1944)
o What it was: A secret deal between Churchill and Stalin in Moscow to divide influence over
Eastern European countries after WWII.
@smartstudypro-stuvia
TOPIC 1
Topic 1: The Cold War
Main question: How did the Cold War period shape international relations after the Second World
War?
1. Understanding the Cold War
Definition & nature of the Cold War – rivalry between West (capitalism) and East (communism)
without direct full-scale war; fought through propaganda, economic influence, proxy wars, and arms
race.
Characteristics – ideological conflict, political tension, military alliances, nuclear threat, competition
for global influence.
2. Origins of the Cold War
Development of animosity during WWII – distrust between USA/UK and USSR despite alliance against
Germany.
Situation at the end of WWII – Europe devastated, Germany defeated, power vacuum.
3. Allied War Conferences (and their impact)
Tehran Conference (1943) – aims, decisions, impact.
Yalta Conference (Feb 1945) – aims, decisions, impact.
Potsdam Conference (July 1945) – aims, decisions, impact.
How these conferences led to the division of Europe and worsened East–West relations.
4. Spheres of influence in Europe
USA’s sphere of influence by 1949
Policy of containment – Truman Doctrine (economic/military aid to resist communism).
Marshall Plan – economic aid to rebuild Western Europe.
USSR’s sphere of influence by 1949
Soviet reaction to US policies.
Creation of satellite states in Eastern Europe.
Consolidation of Soviet control.
COMECON (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance).
5. Berlin as a flashpoint
Berlin Blockade (1948–49) – causes, events, outcome.
Events in Berlin 1949–1961.
Berlin Wall (1961) – causes, events, outcome.
6. Alliance systems
NATO – formation, purpose, members.
Warsaw Pact – formation, purpose, members.
7. Containment and brinkmanship
Containment – definition, examples.
Brinkmanship – definition, examples.
8. Case Study: Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Communist Cuba established – causes, key events.
US, Soviet, and Cuban actions leading to the crisis.
Events of the crisis – discovery of missiles, US blockade, negotiations.
Impact on the Cold War – improved communication (hotline), nuclear test ban treaty, shift in
tensions.
9. Who was to blame for the Cold War?
Historiographic interpretations:
Orthodox view – USSR started it through expansionism.
Revisionist view – USA provoked it through economic and military dominance.
@smartstudypro-stuvia
, 2
Post-revisionist view – both sides share blame.
What was the Cold War?
The Cold War was an intense period of political and ideological rivalry between the USA and the USSR
that lasted for a long time, characterized by tension, competition, and indirect conflicts without large-
scale direct fighting. It involved a nuclear arms race, propaganda, and espionage, as both sides sought
to spread their respective ideologies globally. This era shaped international relations by dividing the
‘world’ into two main blocs: the capitalist West, led by the USA, and the communist East, led by the
USSR. The origins of this "tension" and "rivalry" are a contested debate, with earliest historical roots in
the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Post-World War II Power Struggle and Ideological Division (1945)
After World War II, both the USA and the USSR emerged as global superpowers, each aiming to expand
its influence and deeply concerned about the other's power, leading to a profound rivalry. The two
superpowers had fundamentally different political and economic systems: the USA advocated
capitalism (private ownership of businesses and property) and democracy (people having power
through voting in free elections), while the USSR championed communism (government owning all
property and means of production, aiming for a classless society). As Germany was defeated, the USA
and USSR raced to occupy Berlin first, and the occupying armies did not relinquish the land they had
conquered, leading to Europe's division into a Soviet-controlled half and an American-controlled half, as
there was no formal treaty at the end of World War II.
Wartime Conferences and Emerging Disagreements (1941-1945)
First Big Three
Leader Country Role Ideology Key Decisions Death
Believed in
Franklin D. democracy, self- Died in
President Helped establish post-war goals
Roosevelt determination, office,
USA (until (e.g., Atlantic Charter, Yalta
and international April
1945) agreements)
cooperation; 1945
supported the UN
Strong anti-
Winston Prime communist; Played a key role in setting
Churchill Minister advocate for WWII strategies, skeptical of Died in
UK
(until British influence Stalin, promoted "Iron Curtain" 1965
1945) and empire view after the war
preservation
Communist;
Joseph believed in a
Oversaw Soviet control over
Stalin strong,
USSR Premier Eastern Europe; emphasized
centralized Soviet
security through "buffer zones"
state, expanding
USSR influence
Second Big Three
Leader Country Role Ideology Key Decisions Death
Anti-communist;
Harry S. promoted
Truman President containment and Initiated the Truman Doctrine,
Died in
USA (post- democracy, Marshall Plan, NATO; key figure
1972
1945) favored free in early Cold War policies
elections in
Europe
Clement Labour socialist,
Prime
Attlee welfare state Focused on domestic welfare
Minister Died in
UK advocate, reforms; supported NATO;
(post- 1967
decolonization oversaw British decolonization
1945)
supporter
but his influence solidified
Joseph Died in
USSR Premier USSR as a superpower during
Stalin 1953
the early Cold War
@smartstudypro-stuvia
, 3
Even during World War II summit meetings among the Allies, suspicions grew regarding the USSR's
motives in Eastern Europe, as Stalin began demanding the right to annex territories. Conversely, the
USSR was suspicious of the West for its failure to share nuclear bomb secrets and the delay in
establishing a Second Front in Europe.
Why are the conferences important ?
The conferences are significant because they highlight the growing
tensions and ideological differences that eventually led to the Cold
War. These meetings, intended to establish postwar order, instead
revealed the cracks in the alliance between the Soviet Union and the
Western powers, ultimately foreshadowing the decades-long conflict.
The Atlantic Charter (August 1941)
o What it was: A statement by the United States (President
Roosevelt) and Britain (Prime Minister Churchill) describing
their hopes for the post-war world.
o Aims: The three main principles of the Atlantic Charter
include equal access to trade and raw materials, choice in type
of government, and disarmament. These principles sought to
foster international cooperation and self-determination after
World War II.
Impact: Helped create a shared vision between the U.S. and Britain, eventually leading to the
creation of the United Nations (UN).
Casablanca Conference (January 1943)
o What it was: A meeting between U.S. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
o Aims: To plan the next steps against the Axis powers (the Axis powers were Germany, Italy,
and Japan), especially in Europe. = why? =To make sure they could not start another war.
o Decisions: Agreed to accept "unconditional surrender" from the Axis powers. = This meant that
the Axis countries would have to surrender without any conditions or negotiations.
o Impact: Showed unity between the U.S. and Britain but revealed differences in strategy with the
Soviet Union.
Tehran Conference (November-December 1943)*
o Who: The first major meeting of the "Big Three"—Stalin (Premier of the USSR), Roosevelt
(President of the USA), and Churchill (Prime Minister of the UK).
Agreements:
They aimed to force Germany's unconditional surrender and agreed Germany would be split
after the war, though without specific details yet.
They agreed not to launch an Anglo-American invasion through the Balkans, which
implied Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe for pushing out Nazi forces.
An international body (later the United Nations) was agreed upon to mediate future
problems.
A Second Front, specifically in France, was agreed to for June 1944 to ease pressure on the
Eastern Front.
Stalin agreed to declare war on Japan and provide Soviet troops, but only after the war in
Europe concluded.
Disagreements:
No final agreement on the details of German division. Stalin refused to give up the parts of Poland
he had seized in 1939, being adamant about protecting his Western borders.
Impact: By acknowledging Soviet control in Eastern Europe, it limited Western influence there
and gave Stalin the impression he could act freely, leading to future mistrust.
Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944)
o Aims: To create a stable global economic system after WWII.
o Decisions: Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
o Impact: Led to Western economic unity and laid the foundation for future capitalist alliances.
The Percentages Agreement (October 1944)
o What it was: A secret deal between Churchill and Stalin in Moscow to divide influence over
Eastern European countries after WWII.
@smartstudypro-stuvia
