Cold War notes

Superpowers USA V USSR

Economic differences- the US were Capitalist and the Soviets were Communist which meant ordinary people were not allowed to have property. Everything belonged to the government.

Political differences- Democracy people elected the government. Soviets had a dictatorship only one in power.

With Germany beaten what was to happen next? Germany became divided between America, France, British and the Soviets. Berlin was divided.

Western Allies wanted these countries to be democratic. Stalin would not agree. Europe was divided into East Europe and West Europe this became known as the Iron Curtain.

West Europe supported communism as desperate people saw communism as a good thing as it provided free housing, health and education.

In America they grew fearful of Communism. Marshall Plan was set up to rebuild Europe. Money was given to these countries so they could have a capitalist economic system. These west Europe countries recovered.

The tensions between Russia and America were growing. This was a cold war crisis.

BERLIN BLOCKADE
The Americans started up a policy of containment to try to get rid of communism. Berlin was in the Soviet are and the Soviets tried to get the allies out. People in Berlin lived on a small amount of food allies were blocked out but sometimes food was airdropped in. This went on for a while eventually the blockade was lifted.

Consquences
Americans defeated Stalins attempt to drive the Allies out. Hostility increased and the Soviets tested the atomic bomb the nuclear arms race now began. Nato was set up by the US for military alliance.
West Germany were part of the Allies and loyal to America.
East Germany was part of the Soviets and had secret police, no elections, no freedom.

They also had the Space Race to see who could get into Space first. The Russians sent the first dog and then the first man into space but eventually the Americans got the first man on the moon. It was all about showing who was the greatest superpower.

In America the leader was now JFK and in Russia it was Krushchev as Stalin died. Due to the increased problems in Berlin with many East Germans escaping to West Germany a wall was built to divide the two. This was called the Berlin Wall and it was surrounded by barbed wire, armed guards and landmines to stop people escaping. This lasted from 1961-1989.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Background
It was Close to the USA and Many USA companies there and a USA naval base there
Majority there were very poor. Tiny minority very rich
They had a Revolution in 1959 and created a New communist government.
Fidel Castro took control

Reaction of USA
They were furious with Castro.Very anti-Castro they Stopped all trading
Tried to invade at Bay of Pigs but the Invasion was a failure


The crisis
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USA spy planes over Cuba
Saw missile launch site Being built by USSR. USSR ships coming with parts
Caused mass panic in USA


USA response

President Kennedy in charge
Set up naval blockade
Aim: stop USSR ships
Very tense situation developed
Nuclear war possible


Solution

Deal made between USA and USSR
No USSR bases in Cuba
No USA bases in turkey
USA not to invade Cuba
Special hotline set up between USA and USSR
Crisis ended