AMSCO 8.1 Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization Notes

📍Topic 8.1: Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization

📖 AMSCO p.547 - p.550

Main Idea

Key Timeline

Image Courtesy of Riya

Things to Know

Bringing the War to an End

• Tehran Conference (November 1943)
  • The conference took place in November 1943, with the participation of the Big Three leaders: Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
  • Its primary focus was on post-war plans and strategies.
  • The leaders reached an agreement, designating roles for the liberation of Europe: the Soviet Union would be responsible for Eastern Europe, while Britain and the U.S. would concentrate on Western Europe.
  • Territorial adjustments were part of the agreement, leading to the relocation of Polish territory to the Soviet Union.
  • To compensate for this shift, Poland was to gain territorial concessions from Germany.
• Yalta Conference (February 1945)
  • Allies anticipated Germany's defeat and faced disagreements on post-war plans.
  • Roosevelt's objectives included advocating for free, democratic elections in Eastern Europe and seeking Soviet assistance against Japan.
  • Stalin's demands encompassed influence over Eastern Europe as a buffer zone, control of Japanese islands, Chinese ports, and the Manchurian railroad.
  • A compromise was achieved, with the Soviet Union committing to fight Japan and providing vague assurances regarding free elections in Eastern Europe.
• Potsdam Conference (July 1945)
  • Truman replaced Roosevelt as U.S. president.
  • Atlee replaced Churchill as British prime minister.
  • Truman insisted on free elections in Eastern Europe.
  • Soviet occupation hindered the possibility of free elections.
  • Stalin rejected Truman's demand.
  • As a result, Communists gained control of East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania.
• Post-Conference Developments
  • Trust between the U.S. and the Soviet Union eroded.
  • Aggressive rhetoric emerged, marking the start of the Cold War.
  • The failure to settle key issues set the stage for a prolonged post-war conflict.

Shifting Balance of Power

• Post-War Devastation (1945)
  • Europe and Asia experienced widespread devastation, resulting in a significant loss of life estimated between 40 to 60 million deaths.
  • The destruction extended to infrastructure, factories, roads, and bridges.
  • Massive population movements occurred, driven by fear, as people sought safety and opportunities in the aftermath of the war.
• Massive Destruction in Europe
  • East and Central Europe experienced greater losses compared to Western Europe.
  • The Soviet Union, Poland, and Germany were among the worst-hit nations, losing 10-20% of their populations.
  • Despite significant losses, Great Britain and France managed to maintain democratic traditions, strong education systems, and innovative corporations.
  • The advantages in Western Europe laid the foundation for global leadership in the post-war era.
• US-Soviet Rivalry
  • The U.S. experienced minimal damage on its soil, with the industrial base and infrastructure remaining intact and strengthened.
  • Deaths in the U.S. was significantly lower compared to Europe.
  • The development and use of atomic weapons further enhanced U.S. power on the global stage.
  • The Soviets tested an atomic bomb in 1949, making them the sole challenger to the U.S. in terms of military might and political influence.
• Advances During the War
  • Military research during the war resulted in significant technological advancements.
  • Developments included improvements in air pressure systems, refrigeration, and the enhancement of materials like stronger plywood and plastics.
  • Penicillin (a crucial wartime advance) was developed and saved lives on the battlefield. Later it became widely used in civilian medicine, improving the health and well-being of millions of people.

The Start of the Cold War

• Tensions and Settlement (1945-1949)
  • Tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were evident during the Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam conferences.
  • The high costs of the war deterred both superpowers from engaging in a full-scale conflict.
  • The Cold War emerged as a result, characterized by indirect, non-military confrontation.
  • This rivalry played out in various forms, including propaganda, secret operations, and an arms race between the two superpowers.
• Global Impact and Transformation (1945-1950s)
  • The deadliest consequences of the Cold War were often experienced outside the superpowers' own territories.
  • The U.S.-Soviet rivalry fueled the support of opposing sides in global conflicts.
  • Small civil wars and regional conflicts escalated as a result, leading to increased death tolls and widespread destruction in various parts of the world.
• Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Race (Early 1950s)
  • Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union advanced their nuclear capabilities by developing hydrogen bombs, surpassing the destructive power of World War II atomic bombs.
  • The arms race intensified with close ties between the military and weapons development industries.
  • President Eisenhower expressed concerns about the escalating U.S.-Soviet competition and the growing influence of the military-industrial complex.
  • He warned against the alliance between the government and large defense contractors, raising awareness about the potential dangers of such collaborations.
• Public Concerns and Protests (1960s and Beyond)
  • Concerns among citizens heightened regarding the stockpiling of nuclear weapons.
  • Ongoing concerns persist about the influence of the military-industrial complex and its potential impact on global stability.

Breakdown of Empires

• Restructuring of Empires (Post-World War I)
  • Austro-Hungary and Ottoman Empires crumbled, leading to the formation of multiple new countries
  • Emphasis on self-determination and the right of each country to choose its own form of government
• World War II Impact on Colonial Powers
  • During World War II, leading colonial powers focused on stopping Hitler, leading to a temporary setback for anti-colonial movements
  • Anti-colonial movements grew stronger, but actual independence progress was limited during the war
• Post-World War II Context
  • World War I marked the zenith of colonial empires, with British, French, and other European dominating in regions such as Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and China.
  • Empires in Austria, Turkey, and Russia were multiethnic but often were dominated by one group, leading to discrimination against minority populations.
  • After World War I, the demand for self-determination gained momentum, sparking renewed efforts to undermine colonialism globally.
• Foundation for Dismantling Colonial Empires (Post-World War II)
  • Movements for self-determination expanded in the colonized world
  • Advocates for greater self-rule and full independence emerged within these movements
  • Weakened colonial powers, particularly Great Britain and France, had fewer resources to resist independence after World War II
  • The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union provided anti-colonial activists with two powerful supporters

Terms to Remember