THE COLD WAR AKA: The diplomatic war between the Soviet Union and the U.S.A from 1945-1991

Post WWII WWII- The U.S. and Soviet Union fought together against the Nazi’s. U.S.A. was upset about Stalin signing the non-aggression pact with Germany Stalin upset the U.S. didn’t invade Germany earlier than 1944. Soviet Union and U.S.A. began pursuing opposing goals.

Yalta Conference Feb. 1945 - U.S., Britain and S.U. agree to divide Germany. Germany to compensate S.U. for life and loss. Soviet Union would join war against Japan. Stalin agrees to free elections in Eastern Europe. U.S. and S.U. were affected very differently from the war.

Post War Goals U.S.A. Soviet Union Encourage democracy Gain access to raw materials to boost industry Rebuild European Governments – promote stability. Reunite Germany Soviet Union Encourage Communism Rebuild its war ravaged economy using materials from Eastern Europe. Control Eastern Europe to maintain balance of power with U.S. Keep Germany divided.

United Nations Created-1945 U.S. and Soviet Union joined 48 other countries International organization to keep peace and protect its members from aggression

The Iron Curtain divided East & West Soviet wanted a buffer to prevent another invasion from the West. He ignored the Yalta Conference and set up Communist governments in countries along the Western border Stalin said: “Capitalism & Communism can’t exist in the same world.”

Eastern Europe Questions Eastern Europe Questions * Use the reading to answer the following questions in complete sentences. How were Eastern European countries influenced by the war? What countries fell to Communist rule? Why did Stalin choose these countries? Compare the rights people had under Communism in Eastern Europe with the rights people have in Western democracies. What were the best and worst aspects of life under Communism? What were Human Rights like in Eastern Europe under a communist regime?