The COLD WAR, Explained [AP World History Review—Unit 8 Topic 2]

Summary

The Cold War was a global ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, driven by conflicting ideologies of democratic capitalism and authoritarian communism. It was marked by mutual mistrust, especially regarding territorial divisions after World War II, such as the Soviet control over Eastern Europe and Germany. The rivalry also intersected with decolonization, as newly independent nations became pawns in the superpower conflict. The Non-Aligned Movement emerged as a response, with nations rejecting both sides while still navigating Cold War pressures to gain resources. The Cold War had far-reaching effects on global politics, shaping the 20th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cold War was a state of hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by an ideological struggle rather than direct warfare.
• 😀 The main cause of the Cold War was conflicting ideologies: Democratic capitalism (US) vs. authoritarian communism (Soviet Union).
• 😀 Democratic capitalism emphasizes free market economics and political participation, while authoritarian communism focuses on government control and wealth redistribution.
• 😀 Both ideologies sought to spread their influence globally, leading to tensions as neither was satisfied with only their own nation's ideology.
• 😀 The mutual mistrust between the US and the Soviet Union began even before the end of World War II, due to differing visions for post-war Europe.
• 😀 The Soviet Union violated agreements made with the US and Great Britain by taking control of Eastern Europe and spreading communism there.
• 😀 The division of Germany after WWII further fueled antagonism between the US and Soviet Union, leading Winston Churchill to declare an 'iron curtain' had fallen across Europe.
• 😀 The Cold War had global implications, influencing military alliances, nuclear arms proliferation, and proxy wars around the world.
• 😀 The Cold War coincided with decolonization, as many new states emerged from colonial rule, and both superpowers sought to influence them.
• 😀 Some newly independent nations refused to join either superpower's side, leading to the formation of the non-aligned movement, which sought independence from the Cold War rivalry.

Q & A

What does the term 'Cold War' refer to?

The Cold War refers to a state of hostility between two superpowers, primarily the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by ideological conflict rather than open warfare.

What were the conflicting ideologies between the United States and the Soviet Union?

The United States promoted democratic capitalism, emphasizing free market economics and political participation, while the Soviet Union advocated for authoritarian communism, focusing on strict government control of the economy and equal redistribution of wealth.

Why did the conflicting ideologies between the US and the Soviet Union lead to the Cold War?

Both the US and the Soviet Union sought to spread their respective ideologies globally. As universalizing ideas, neither side was content with limiting their system to their own country, leading to a struggle for global influence.

What role did mutual mistrust play in the onset of the Cold War?

Mutual mistrust began before the end of World War II. Despite agreements made at wartime conferences, the Soviet Union's actions, such as maintaining control over Eastern European countries, fueled tensions and violated the trust between the US and the Soviet Union.

What was the significance of the division of Germany after World War II?

Germany was divided into four occupation zones, but the Soviet Union refused to free Eastern Germany, leading to its transformation into a communist satellite state. This division further intensified Cold War tensions between the superpowers.

What did Winston Churchill mean by the 'iron curtain'?

Winston Churchill used the term 'iron curtain' to describe the political and ideological division between Eastern and Western Europe, which was largely shaped by Soviet control over Eastern Europe.

How did decolonization intersect with the Cold War?

As former colonies gained independence, both the US and the Soviet Union sought to influence these new nations, often pressuring them to align with one side of the ideological divide, turning them into pawns in the larger Cold War struggle.

What was the Non-Aligned Movement and why was it significant?

The Non-Aligned Movement was formed by newly independent nations that refused to align with either the US or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It represented an alternative path to global influence, advocating for self-determination and avoiding being controlled by the superpowers.

How did the Non-Aligned Movement manage to leverage the Cold War rivalry?

Leaders of Non-Aligned nations used the rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union to gain aid, weapons, and resources for their own development, balancing support from both sides to benefit their newly established states.

How did the Soviet Union's control over Eastern European countries contribute to Cold War tensions?

The Soviet Union's control over Eastern European countries, such as by imposing communist governments, was seen as a violation of agreements made with the US and Great Britain, heightening mistrust and contributing to the Cold War's escalation.