THE NUCLEAR AGE AND THE COLD WAR 2020
,CONTENTS
UNIT 1 – Increasing tension between the Allies after World War II in Europe
UNIT 2 – End of World War II in the Pacific: Atomic bombs and the beginning of the Nuclear ag
UNIT 3 – Definition of the superpowers and the Cold War
UNIT 4 – Areas of conflict and the competition between the superpowers in the Cold War
UNIT 5 – The end of the Cold War, 1989
,UNIT 1 – INCREASING TENSION BETWEEN THE
ALLIES AFTER WORLD WAR II IN EUROPE
The United States, the Soviet Union and Britain formed a ‘Grand Alliance’ to
fight against Nazi Germany during World war II
There had been tension between them, however they co-operated to defeat
Germany
Once Germany surrendered the tension increased and the alliance broke up
USSR vs USA and the West
The Difference between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and its allies
were their different beliefs in politics
The Soviet Union and their allies believed in Communism, where the West believed
in capitalism and democracy
, Communism Capitalism
System of One party state: Communist Party in control – Democratic state: Regular elections, many p
Government makes decisions for society as a whole The branches of government work separate
influence each other
All must follow the constitution
Economic System Resources owned by the state on behalf of the Private ownership of farms, factories, mines
people, profits used for the public good and no profits to owners
individual property ownership Free market economy – little government in
Human Rights Strict limits on human rights such as freedom of Human rights protected in the law (for exam
speech and movement, no criticism of government of speech)
allowed Media allowed to criticize the government
Social structure Lower standard of living than in the west, but Great gap between rich and poor, the ave
and living greater equality, fewer people either rich or standards higher than in the East – but unev
conditions poor and no class divisions caused by an unequal of wealth
distribution of wealth Wide variety of goods and services availa
Services Housing, medical services, pension schemes, Emphasis on private services (for example d
education system provided by the state schools)
Free enterprise system – competition betwe
and companies
Basic philosophy The common good is more important than the Freedom from government control is more i
freedom of the individual, equality is more equality
important than freedom and democracy Competition is healthy – it leads to progres