Unit 1:Unit 1:It’s Getting Chilly Out There:It’s Getting Chilly Out There:The Cold War and the Advent of a New World The Cold War and the Advent of a New World

OrderOrder

The United States & Russia The United States & Russia (USSR):(USSR):Fledgling SuperpowersFledgling Superpowers► Last major power to have its territory intact (excepting Pearl harbour) and its Last major power to have its territory intact (excepting Pearl harbour) and its

people free of the horrors of war.people free of the horrors of war. However, it was wealthy, resource rich and confident after a show of force during However, it was wealthy, resource rich and confident after a show of force during

wartime.wartime.

► The Soviets had lost over 20 million people and had suffered territorial The Soviets had lost over 20 million people and had suffered territorial damage from the (largely) failed German invasion.damage from the (largely) failed German invasion. Much like the US the USSR was resource rich and given the nature of its governance Much like the US the USSR was resource rich and given the nature of its governance

very capable of using its people to harvest these in some form or another.very capable of using its people to harvest these in some form or another. The occupied territories in Eastern Europe provided a technological boon both in The occupied territories in Eastern Europe provided a technological boon both in

terms of people and productionterms of people and production

► The rest of the world wasn’t in any shape to make a case for dominance. The rest of the world wasn’t in any shape to make a case for dominance. Europe was in ruins (economically and physically); China suffered civil strife; Europe was in ruins (economically and physically); China suffered civil strife; Japan was in recovery; India was pulling away from Britain’s crumbling empire Japan was in recovery; India was pulling away from Britain’s crumbling empire as were other former colonies in Africa and Asia; and much of the Latin world as were other former colonies in Africa and Asia; and much of the Latin world was littered with military dictatorshipswas littered with military dictatorships

► The peace and false friendship of the war years between the US and Russia The peace and false friendship of the war years between the US and Russia quickly deteriorated in the months after WW2quickly deteriorated in the months after WW2 The world divided into Free market, multi-party democratic states Vs. Centrally The world divided into Free market, multi-party democratic states Vs. Centrally

planned (largely communist) economies with single-party states. Essentially planned (largely communist) economies with single-party states. Essentially Capitalism v. Communism and Democracy V. DictatorshipCapitalism v. Communism and Democracy V. Dictatorship

The U.S. and Communism: A The U.S. and Communism: A War of Ideas and Active War of Ideas and Active Inaction. Inaction. ► The States had a long-time issue with the development and The States had a long-time issue with the development and

spread of communism. spread of communism. ► After the Russian Revolution (1917) dedicated the Russian After the Russian Revolution (1917) dedicated the Russian

government to a policy of communist expansion the US and government to a policy of communist expansion the US and other international powers had attempted to overthrow the other international powers had attempted to overthrow the government to halt this effort. This (for some reason) caused government to halt this effort. This (for some reason) caused some tension between the countries.some tension between the countries.

► The 1930s saw a change in this antagonism under Roosevelt The 1930s saw a change in this antagonism under Roosevelt as he re-established diplomatic relations but the countries as he re-established diplomatic relations but the countries remained ideologically divided.remained ideologically divided.

► This cool but civil relationship remained (and even This cool but civil relationship remained (and even strengthened) during the war but quickly fell apart in the strengthened) during the war but quickly fell apart in the years immediately following the war. years immediately following the war. Soviet expansion was a big issue for the Americans; the Russian Soviet expansion was a big issue for the Americans; the Russian

advance designed to gain control of much of Central Europe was advance designed to gain control of much of Central Europe was problematic and concerned a Western World still reeling from problematic and concerned a Western World still reeling from Germany’s aggressionGermany’s aggression

The Drapery that No One Liked: The Drapery that No One Liked: The Iron CurtainThe Iron Curtain

► In ’46 former British Prime Minister and master orator Winston In ’46 former British Prime Minister and master orator Winston Churchill discussed the idea of an Iron Curtain being drawn over Churchill discussed the idea of an Iron Curtain being drawn over Eastern Europe. It was an apt analogy as areas under Soviet Control Eastern Europe. It was an apt analogy as areas under Soviet Control (i.e. Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia) were secretive and (i.e. Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia) were secretive and extremely controlled. extremely controlled.

► Both superpowers had begun to shrink their militaries from war-time Both superpowers had begun to shrink their militaries from war-time levels but Russia justified keeping control of the Eastern states as a levels but Russia justified keeping control of the Eastern states as a way of securing its borders. The West saw this as Empire Building way of securing its borders. The West saw this as Empire Building and as a looming threat.and as a looming threat.

► It didn’t help that Soviet spies were arrested in Canada for nuclear It didn’t help that Soviet spies were arrested in Canada for nuclear espionage. espionage.

► Russia started imposing communism on its satellite states which Russia started imposing communism on its satellite states which alarmed the Western Powers with its hints at empire building and alarmed the Western Powers with its hints at empire building and mirroring of Germany’s pre-war recent actions.mirroring of Germany’s pre-war recent actions.

► Grecian communists sought to overthrow the Royalist government Grecian communists sought to overthrow the Royalist government (itself with strong British ties) while Soviets attempted to pressure (itself with strong British ties) while Soviets attempted to pressure Turkey into giving them access to the Mediterranean—this action Turkey into giving them access to the Mediterranean—this action brought on American action.brought on American action.

The View From Moscow:The View From Moscow:Snowy with no Chance of Snowy with no Chance of

DemocracyDemocracy► Despite wartime cooperation relations with the West had always Despite wartime cooperation relations with the West had always

been tenuous. After the war the US immediately cut supplies (while been tenuous. After the war the US immediately cut supplies (while continuing them with other allied nations) and new president continuing them with other allied nations) and new president Truman was not as open to relations with the Soviets.Truman was not as open to relations with the Soviets.

► By early 1946 Stalin was publically discussing the incompatibility By early 1946 Stalin was publically discussing the incompatibility

between communism and capitalism.between communism and capitalism.

► The Marshall plan (an American financial aid plan for Europe) was The Marshall plan (an American financial aid plan for Europe) was opposed by the USSR (fearing America’s hidden agenda). Stalin also opposed by the USSR (fearing America’s hidden agenda). Stalin also told his satellite states (particularly Poland and Czechoslovakia) to told his satellite states (particularly Poland and Czechoslovakia) to reject this (much-needed) aid. reject this (much-needed) aid.

► Stalin decided a parallel market could be created in Eastern Europe Stalin decided a parallel market could be created in Eastern Europe with connections to China and the USSR, thus cutting capitalism off with connections to China and the USSR, thus cutting capitalism off from a substantial portion of world markets.from a substantial portion of world markets.

► The fear of America’s dominance in the realm of nuclear weaponry The fear of America’s dominance in the realm of nuclear weaponry added to the tension; Russia closed the technological gap fairly added to the tension; Russia closed the technological gap fairly quickly but at the expense of amiable relations.quickly but at the expense of amiable relations.

Nuclear Deterrent:Nuclear Deterrent:The Weapons That Weren’t Meant to Be Used.The Weapons That Weren’t Meant to Be Used. ► The US (and everybody else) learned quickly how dangerous these The US (and everybody else) learned quickly how dangerous these

nuclear weapons were after the desolation in Japan. nuclear weapons were after the desolation in Japan. ► After WWII the arms race escalated despite discussions to the After WWII the arms race escalated despite discussions to the

contrary. Neither side (US/USSR wanted to appear weak nor leave contrary. Neither side (US/USSR wanted to appear weak nor leave their population undefended. their population undefended.

► The Soviets developed the bomb by 1949 while the US was The Soviets developed the bomb by 1949 while the US was improving (?) on theirs—the Hydrogen bomb which was 1000 times improving (?) on theirs—the Hydrogen bomb which was 1000 times more powerful that the bombs dropped on Japan. more powerful that the bombs dropped on Japan.

► Targeting was improving as were delivery systems—essentially Targeting was improving as were delivery systems—essentially assisting both the race towards space (a space race, if you will) and assisting both the race towards space (a space race, if you will) and the ability to destroy targets all over the globe. the ability to destroy targets all over the globe.

► Essentially, the level of threat had never been both higher or less Essentially, the level of threat had never been both higher or less likely. likely.

► Another side effect of all this was a ban on testing due to rising levels Another side effect of all this was a ban on testing due to rising levels of radiation in the atmosphere. of radiation in the atmosphere.

► A Non-nuclear proliferation treaty banned the sale (or gifting!) of A Non-nuclear proliferation treaty banned the sale (or gifting!) of nuclear weapons to non-nuclear countries. nuclear weapons to non-nuclear countries.

► Despite all of the information, concern and attempts at limiting arms Despite all of the information, concern and attempts at limiting arms expansions both the US and USSR pressed forward. expansions both the US and USSR pressed forward.

Worst Game of Chess Ever:Worst Game of Chess Ever:Nuclear GrandstandingNuclear Grandstanding

► Any threat of action was met with a threat of “massive Any threat of action was met with a threat of “massive retaliation” leading to (what would amount to) Global retaliation” leading to (what would amount to) Global destruction or alternately known as MAD (Mutually Assured destruction or alternately known as MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) . Destruction) .

► In this scenario words and diplomacy became tantamount In this scenario words and diplomacy became tantamount to warfare—they were the only safe way to fight without to warfare—they were the only safe way to fight without fighting. fighting.

► The Cuban Missile Crisis was a prime example of what The Cuban Missile Crisis was a prime example of what happened when actions were attempted—potential happened when actions were attempted—potential disaster was only narrowly avoided.disaster was only narrowly avoided.

► After the crisis a hot (phone)line was developed between After the crisis a hot (phone)line was developed between the superpowers to diffuse potential disasters. Nuclear the superpowers to diffuse potential disasters. Nuclear Détente (deadlock) was both desirable and functional. Détente (deadlock) was both desirable and functional.

► This overt political détente lead to the development of This overt political détente lead to the development of more subtle means of fighting and set the stage for most of more subtle means of fighting and set the stage for most of the events of the Cold War.the events of the Cold War.

Societies in Flux I:Societies in Flux I:Dissenting Voices in AmericaDissenting Voices in America

► Anti-communist sentiment was high in the US; suspected communists were singled out Anti-communist sentiment was high in the US; suspected communists were singled out and treated harshly—and treated harshly—McCarthyismMcCarthyism. They were feared as a security risk as well as trying . They were feared as a security risk as well as trying to subvert American values.to subvert American values.

► After North Korea attacked the South (the Korean War—in which the US and USSR fought After North Korea attacked the South (the Korean War—in which the US and USSR fought by proxy), the threat of spreading communism became even more of a concern and by proxy), the threat of spreading communism became even more of a concern and allowed American officials to become even more paranoid.allowed American officials to become even more paranoid.

► During Senator McCarthy's “investigations” paranoia ran rampant, people turned in During Senator McCarthy's “investigations” paranoia ran rampant, people turned in enemies regardless of communist sympathies. This witch hunt ruined the lives of many enemies regardless of communist sympathies. This witch hunt ruined the lives of many and eventually, through backlash, had the effect of reenergizing American values and and eventually, through backlash, had the effect of reenergizing American values and liberalism in particular. liberalism in particular.

► Youth in particular (Beatniks/Peaceniks) sought change and a more sensible approach to Youth in particular (Beatniks/Peaceniks) sought change and a more sensible approach to international and ideological dealings. The hippy/counter-culture movement emerged as international and ideological dealings. The hippy/counter-culture movement emerged as a dominant cultural movement and were far more socialist in their perspective. a dominant cultural movement and were far more socialist in their perspective.

► Political Idealism was at the heart of the youth movements across the Western world, Political Idealism was at the heart of the youth movements across the Western world, they were attempts to find alternatives to the antagonistic discourse of the day—and a they were attempts to find alternatives to the antagonistic discourse of the day—and a way to separate themselves from a past hindered by violence. way to separate themselves from a past hindered by violence.

► This idealism turned for the worst in some cases. Violent protests spread across Europe This idealism turned for the worst in some cases. Violent protests spread across Europe and (to a lesser extent) the US; particularly over the Vietnam war and NATO and (to a lesser extent) the US; particularly over the Vietnam war and NATO involvement.involvement.

Societies in Flux II:Societies in Flux II:Dissenting Voices in RussiaDissenting Voices in Russia

► You took you life in your hands when causing dissent in Soviet Russia.You took you life in your hands when causing dissent in Soviet Russia. ► The state was the primary concern and its people secondary; millions had The state was the primary concern and its people secondary; millions had

died paving the road to Stalin’s control. When he died he left 8 million political died paving the road to Stalin’s control. When he died he left 8 million political prisoners behind in the harsh prison system.prisoners behind in the harsh prison system.

► Education, Art, journalism, literature, etc. were all state controlled. All of this Education, Art, journalism, literature, etc. were all state controlled. All of this improved slightly upon Stalin’s death. improved slightly upon Stalin’s death.

► Nikita Khrushchev, now leader of Soviet Russia, actively tore down the mythos Nikita Khrushchev, now leader of Soviet Russia, actively tore down the mythos of Stalin and allowed people to form some of their own opinions. of Stalin and allowed people to form some of their own opinions.

► This was short-lived as eventually he too took to controlling the media and the This was short-lived as eventually he too took to controlling the media and the arts. Those who opposed him ended up in exile or in mental institutions under arts. Those who opposed him ended up in exile or in mental institutions under the influence of medication.the influence of medication.

► The The StiliagiStiliagi were a group of youth influenced by the West and promoted were a group of youth influenced by the West and promoted Western values but they had little power; intellectuals also fought the Western values but they had little power; intellectuals also fought the government (more successfully) through (self-)publications called Samizdat government (more successfully) through (self-)publications called Samizdat which espoused freedom of thought and freedom from persecution.which espoused freedom of thought and freedom from persecution.

Societies in Flux III:Societies in Flux III:Prague Spring meets Russian Prague Spring meets Russian

WinterWinter► Much dissent arose from the satellite states under Much dissent arose from the satellite states under Russia’s influence. Russia’s influence. Hungary’s democratic dissention was crushed using Hungary’s democratic dissention was crushed using

force in 1956force in 1956 In Czechoslovakia democracy gained a foothold during In Czechoslovakia democracy gained a foothold during

the “Prague Spring” but was again stamped out via the “Prague Spring” but was again stamped out via Russian force.Russian force.

In Poland those who sought democracy became In Poland those who sought democracy became entrenched, due in large part to a rejection of the entrenched, due in large part to a rejection of the Soviet anti-religious sentiment by a largely Roman Soviet anti-religious sentiment by a largely Roman Catholic nation. Internal solidarity also played a large Catholic nation. Internal solidarity also played a large role, as when the people functioned as a group they role, as when the people functioned as a group they were able to get some concession from the (Russian were able to get some concession from the (Russian controlled) puppet-government. controlled) puppet-government. ► This popular Polish action worked for quite some time until This popular Polish action worked for quite some time until

Russia order martial law enacted and solidarity leaders Russia order martial law enacted and solidarity leaders imprisoned.imprisoned.

By 1986, Russia, now under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, became more moderate as anti-By 1986, Russia, now under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, became more moderate as anti-communist sentiment grew across Europe.communist sentiment grew across Europe.Gorbachev was reluctant to use force which caused the Russian-backed puppet regimes to fall quicklyGorbachev was reluctant to use force which caused the Russian-backed puppet regimes to fall quicklyBy 1989 democracy was spreading across Europe and the USSR was crumbling. The freeBy 1989 democracy was spreading across Europe and the USSR was crumbling. The freemarket made inroads in formerly staunchly communist areas while religion returned to Mother Russia.market made inroads in formerly staunchly communist areas while religion returned to Mother Russia.

In late 1989 the Berlin Wall fell symbolically and in all practical terms, ending the divide between East and In late 1989 the Berlin Wall fell symbolically and in all practical terms, ending the divide between East and West, Communism and Capitalism. The last gasp of Russian communism occurred in 1991 during a failed West, Communism and Capitalism. The last gasp of Russian communism occurred in 1991 during a failed military coup which allowed a new (but impoverished) Russia to explore democracy for the first time.military coup which allowed a new (but impoverished) Russia to explore democracy for the first time.

Case Study Assignment ICase Study Assignment I

► Complete the following:Complete the following: Create a 2-3 page synopsis of the information found in the Create a 2-3 page synopsis of the information found in the

text about the events. Explain the CS in terms of:text about the events. Explain the CS in terms of:

► The sequence of events that it encompasses The sequence of events that it encompasses ► Significance to history/lasting impactSignificance to history/lasting impact► Its relevance to the Cold WarIts relevance to the Cold War► A coherent discussion of the articles and sources offered by A coherent discussion of the articles and sources offered by

the textthe text► A small amount of (documented) outside research*A small amount of (documented) outside research*

When you have completed this (due Tuesday February 24) you and When you have completed this (due Tuesday February 24) you and another person who chose the same topic will present your findings another person who chose the same topic will present your findings to two other people who chose the other topic in a small seminar to two other people who chose the other topic in a small seminar setting.setting.

* Just tell me what it is & where you found it