The Cold War, Present Lesson 2

Main Ideas: The end of World War II gave rise to a bi-polar world.The end of World War II gave rise to a bi-polar world. Nuclear technology prevented general warfare between the US and the Soviet UnionNuclear technology prevented general warfare between the US and the Soviet Union The Cold War led to a variety of diplomatic alignments in the Developing WorldThe Cold War led to a variety of diplomatic alignments in the Developing World

The Bi-Polar World After WWII:After WWII: – US controls 75% of world’s wealth – USSR has world’s largest military & occupies half of Europe – European powers & Japan destroyed What it means to be a superpower:What it means to be a superpower: – refugees – The Marshall Plan & COMECON – international organizations The United Nations, 1945The United Nations, 1945

The Nuclear World World War III is assumed!World War III is assumed! By 1949, both superpowers have nukes:By 1949, both superpowers have nukes: – threat of immediate destruction – nuclear arms race The “Cold War”The “Cold War”

Nuclear Strategy A-Bomb, H-Bomb, Neutron Bomb, & megatonsA-Bomb, H-Bomb, Neutron Bomb, & megatons Acronyms of the Nuclear World:Acronyms of the Nuclear World: – ICBMs – ABMs – MIRVs – SLBMs – MAD!!

“West” vs. “East” The “West”—states aligned with USAThe “West”—states aligned with USA – NATO (W. Europe) – OAS (Americas) – SEATO (SE Asia) – Israel, Japan, South Africa

“West” vs. “East” The “East”—states aligned with USSRThe “East”—states aligned with USSR – Warsaw Pact (E. Europe) – China – North Korea – Cuba (post-1959)

“West” vs. “East” Non-Aligned States—to a degree, play both sidesNon-Aligned States—to a degree, play both sides – India – Middle East – Africa – Some Latin America & SE Asia

Cold War Strategy USSRUSSR –build buffer & aid leftist revolts when possible USAUSA – Containment Kennan’s “X Article”Kennan’s “X Article”

Is It Getting Warm In Here…? Close Calls:Close Calls: – Greece, 1946 – Berlin, 1948 & 1961 – Korea, – Cuba, – Vietnam, – Afghanistan, – “The Nuke ‘Em ’80s”

The Developing World Tendency toward dictatorshipTendency toward dictatorship – more stable for superpowers Economic & military dependencyEconomic & military dependency “Double-edged sword”“Double-edged sword”

Normalizing Realpolitik and DeténteRealpolitik and Deténte – US approaches to containment in 1970’s – SALT & START treaties – Return to aggressive posture under Reagan (‘80’s) Glasnost and PerestroikaGlasnost and Perestroika – Soviet policies of “openness” (social & economic)

Collapse of Communism CausesCauses –Failure to diversify –Impacts of arms race –Communications technology – Success of W. Europe (esp. W. Germany) – Pathetic consumer economy

The Post-Cold War World Was it the “safest” thing for the US?Was it the “safest” thing for the US? – far less political stability – alienation in non- vital regions – nuclear concerns – cultural/generational confusion