1. 1945 TO PRESENT

2. Formation of the United Nations U. S., Russia and 48 Other Nations GOAL: To Protect Members Against Aggression 1945 “ Revised League of Nations ” MAKE UP : General Council and A Security Council Were Created To Keep A Balance of Power in the United Nations

3. U. S. and Soviet Differences GOALS OF THE SUPERPOWERS U.S. Encouraged Democracy Rebuilt European nations after WW II Unify Germany for European security Soviets Encouraged Communism Control Eastern Europe ( protect borders) Keep Germany Divided

4. THE IRON CURTAIN The division between mostly democratic Western Europe and Communist Eastern Europe was known as the “ iron curtain ” The Iron Curtain was constructed of concrete and steel and stretched across Europe, dividing the Communist from the free world.

5. The Cold War A Divided World Beginning in 1949 the superpowers used spying, propaganda, and secret operation in their dealings with each other. Much of the world allied with one side or the other. Both superpowers had nuclear weapons. Political tension threatened world peace.

6. COMMUNISM IN CHINA 1949 – Communist leader Mao Zedong gained control of China. American ’ s viewed the take over as “ just another step in Russia ’ s attempt to take over the world ” Mao became an important part of the Cold War by directing an anti-American campaign.

7. The Race In Space Soviets launched Sputnik – the first successful satellite The U.S. answered the challenge – within a year the U.S. had launched its own satellite. In 1961, both the Soviets and the United States sent a man into space.

8. Korean War 1950-1953

9. 38 th Parallel Divided Korea into North and South North = Communist South = Non – Communist

10. Russia supplied North Korea with money, tanks, and airplanes…What do you think their motive was? June 25, 1950 –North attacks South…surprise!!!!!!!!!! –Truman senses a de ja vu of WWII (Hitler & Mussolini) and pledges assistance to South Korea –United Nations also supports South Korea Korean War

11. General Douglas MacArthur General MacArthur is selected to lead 15 nations against North Korea Proven leader of the Pacific War in World War II

12. North Korea….  Controlled all of the Peninsula, except a small area in the SE (Pusan)  MacArthur launches a surprise attack and ½ N. Korea surrenders around Inchon (near Seoul) the other half retreats…the UN Army pursues them across the 38 th parallel

13. October-January 1950 China sends 300,000 to aid North Korea –This turns into a war between China vs. US the Chinese have many more troops and drive UN and South Korea troops out of N. Korea - China/N. Korea get control of Seoul…Is this a big deal? MacArthur pushes to nuke China…President Truman says no way…we ’ re trying to prevent WWIII…they argue…MacArthur is fired

14. 1952 UN forces drive North Korea out of Seoul 1953 UN and North Korea sign a cease- fire agreement

15. Accomplishment (?) The two Koreas are divided at the 38 th parallel….almost EXACTLY where the line was before they began fighting….. Result? 5 million soldiers and civilians died

16. Communism in Cuba Fidel Castro Led A Revolution –Harsh Dictator –Suspended Elections –Jailed or Executed Opponents –Nationalized the Economy taking U.S. Owned Sugar Mills and Refineries -The U.S. Responded With an Embargo -Castro Turned to the Soviets for Help

17. Cuban Missile Crisis Soviet Leader Secretly Built 42 Missile Sites in Cuba! Discovered by an American Spy Plane Kennedy Demanded the Missiles Be Taken Down Kennedy Established a Blockade Around Cuba Finally, Russia Backed Down! (close call – World War III)

18. Colonies Become New Nations India Was Partitioned and Became Independent From Britain Pacific Islands Gained Independence Colonized Areas of Africa Gained Independence {Some through war, others granted independence}