1. 1 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 This is the second of five revision topics. Origins of the Cold War Events in Europe, 1945-55 Hungary, Berlin and Cuba Attempts at Détente, 1963-79 The end of Détente, 1979-85 The end of the Cold War: 1985-90 How to use this Revision Presentation. The Presentation is divided into five sections. Spend about 10 minutes revising each section. Write Revision Notes, label them clearly and keep them all in one place. Return to this Presentation often to help embed your learning.

2. 2 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 There are five sections to this topic. Why did the Soviet Union expand? How was Soviet control carried out, 1945-47? Why did US actions increase the rivalry? Why was the Berlin Crisis important? How did developments 1949-55 increase the rivalry? Spend about 10 minutes revising each section. Write Revision Notes, title them clearly and keep them all in one place.

3. 3 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 Why did the Soviet Union expand? “Percentages deal” – was the understanding between WSC and Stalin about spheres of influence in post-war Europe. Stalin believed WSC had agreed to him having all of Eastern Europe. Stalin wanted Poland as a buffer-zone against any more attacks from the west. The USSR had been attacked in WWI and 2 by Germany and had lost 21m in WW2. USA, UK and France feared communist expansion.

4. 4 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 How was Soviet control carried out, 1945-47? After 1945 the Red Army occupied the areas of Europe that it had liberated from the Nazis. Soviet “satellite” states were set up, which were controlled from Moscow. This happened in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. Yugoslavia was communist, but independent from Moscow. Results of communist expansion: UK and USA alarmed. They had agreed that Eastern Europe should be in the Soviet “sphere of influence”, but had not expected complete Soviet domination. Truman believed that Stalin wanted to control all of Europe.

5. 5 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 Why did US actions increase the rivalry? Truman Doctrine: policy of containment of communism. US President Truman believed that the USSR was trying to spread communism. Truman promised to prevent the spread of communism. Atomic Bomb and economic aid would be used to contain communism. Marshall Aid: money given to rebuild Europe to prevent communism. Yalta agreement for Greece to be in Britain’s sphere of influence. Civil War between Royalists and Communists. Britain could not afford to support 40,000 troops and money to support Greek and Turkish governments. USA provides financial aid to prevent a communist victory.

6. 6 Revise for GCSE History: Superpower Relations, 1945-90 Why was the Berlin Crisis important? The Berlin Crisis was the first real event of the Cold War. Stalin cut all road and rail links between the US, UK and French sectors of Berlin and western Germany. Stalin did this because he wanted the western powers out of Berlin because: Berlin was inside the Soviet controlled eastern Germany. Stalin believed that the western powers would use Berlin for spying. Long term causes: division of Germany and Berlin into four allied zones of occupation West wanted Germany to unify zones, set up a strong capitalist economy to prevent the spread of communism. Stalin wanted to keep Germany divided and weak. USSR had been attacked by Germany in 1914 and 1941. Stalin set up a communist government in the soviet sector of Germany and Stalin exacted huge reparations. Short term causes of the crisis: West had a new currency to encourage economic recovery, US and UK zones merged – “Bizone”, US provided Marshall Aid, Democratic elections in western sectors. Stalin suspicious of the activities of the western allies..