For november 9

NANO-ck

Mise-à-jour le 25 March 2024, 11 minutes de lecture

The End of World War II and the emergence of the Cold War 1944 -1950

Please read Merriman chapter 27 and the first section of chapter 28 (on class drive) and take notes that will help you answer the following questions.
Do add class & lecture notes and any other knowledge you may have – This will help you make revision sheets.
Answer the questions in a fully developed paragraph format.
This will be collected and graded.

1. In what ways did the Cold War have its roots in the later stages of World War Two?

The Cold War had its roots in the later stages of World War Two due to several key factors. The fundamental ideological differences between the United States and the Soviet Union played a pivotal role. The US represented capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union championed communism and a one-party system, creating a deep divide between the two superpowers. Additionally, the competition for influence in the post-war world was significant. As World War II concluded, both the United States and the Soviet Union vied to expand their spheres of influence, particularly in Eastern Europe, where the Soviets established communist governments.

The meetings at Yalta and Potsdam in 1945 added to tensions because the Allies disagreed, especially about what should happen to Germany and Eastern Europe after the war. The making of atomic weapons and the competition between the US and the Soviet Union to have more of these weapons were other important parts of how the Cold War began. It made both sides worried about each other’s power. Also, the creation of important plans and groups like the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, NATO, and the Warsaw Pact in the late 1940s and early 1950s made the separation and opposition between the two superpowers stronger. All of these things together shaped the world’s politics for many years, defining how countries interacted during the Cold War.

2. What were the subsequent tensions which developed between the US and the USSR up to the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950?

Before the Korean War in 1950, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union arose for several reasons. First, the division of Germany after World War II was a major issue. Western zones were controlled by the United States, Great Britain, and France, while the Soviet Union had the eastern zone, leading to disputes over Germany’s governance and the fate of Berlin.

The Berlin Blockade and Airlift of 1948-1949 exacerbated the situation, with the Soviet Union blockading West Berlin and the United States and its allies conducting an airlift to supply the city, highlighting Berlin’s division and Western resolve.

Both superpowers’ nuclear arms race intensified global rivalry and the fear of mutual destruction. The United States’ containment policy, represented by the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, aimed to halt communism’s spread by providing support to threatened countries, further adding to tensions.

The Korean War’s outbreak in 1950 puting into emphisis the global impact of the conflict between US and the Soviet Union, manifesting in smaller conflicts worldwide, rooted in ideological and power differences between the superpowers.

3. In what ways was the world a Bi-polar world after WWII?

The post-World War II world was clearly bipolar, with two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, dominating. Several key features defined this era. Both superpowers came out of the war as powerful nations with nuclear weapons, which made them afraid of each other and started the Cold War, a long struggle over ideas and politics that really changed world affairs.

The world split into two major blocs, one led by the US advocating capitalism and democracy, and the other led by the Soviet Union promoting communism. These opposing ideologies characterized the bipolar era, shaping international relations.

To strengthen their positions, both superpowers formed military alliances: NATO in the West and the Warsaw Pact in the East. These alliances contributed to the balance of power and played a critical role in Cold War dynamics. Additionally, the bipolar world gave rise to proxy conflicts, where the United States and the Soviet Union engaged indirectly in disputes through local or regional conflicts, like the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This superpower rivalry had a global impact, influencing the foreign policies, economies, and technological progress of other nations, defining the post-World War II era’s global landscape and international politics for many years.

4. What efforts were made to establish peace of WWII?

After World War II, extensive efforts were made to establish peace and prevent future global conflicts. The United Nations, founded in 1945, aimed to provide a platform for international cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution through its General Assembly and Security Council. This project was the result of a series of attempts to establish peace and a neutral solution for all countries.

To prevent a resurgence of militarism and fascism in Europe, steps like demilitarizing and denazifying Germany were taken, along with the Nuremberg Trials to prosecute Nazi leaders for their war crimes and crimes against humanity, ensuring accountability and justice.

Key diplomatic conferences, like the 1945 Potsdam Conference, addressed post-war issues including Germany’s future and Berlin’s division. The Marshall Plan, initiated in 1947, provided economic aid to help rebuild war-torn Western European nations and reduce the appeal of communism. Formation of military alliances, such as NATO, bolstered collective defense against aggression, enhancing global stability.

Territorial disputes were resolved through treaties and agreements overseen by the United Nations. The post-war era also saw significant decolonization efforts, granting independence to former colonial territories to reduce potential conflicts from colonial oppression. These initiatives collectively aimed to create a more peaceful and stable world order after a devastating global conflict, with the goal of preventing future wars and promoting international cooperation.

5. Why did the United States support the establishment of the United Nations?

The United States strongly backed the United Nations for several important reasons. A primary motivation was to prevent another devastating global conflict like the destructive World Wars of the early 20th century. The memories of immense suffering and destruction from World War II fueled a determined effort to create an international organization focused on keeping peace and security through diplomacy, preventing the possibility of another devastating war.

The US also saw the United Nations as a necessary platform for promoting collective security and international cooperation. The UN’s Security Council had the authority to approve military action when needed to prevent aggression or maintain peace. The US recognized that active involvement in the UN allowed it to shape the post-war world order, advance its national interests, support democracy and free-market capitalism, and counter the spread of communism. It was a significant concern during the early Cold War years. This strong support for the UN aligned with broader US foreign policy goals, centered on fostering global peace, stability, and international cooperation in the post-war era.

6. Why did the Allies establish War Crimes Trials? (Understand the significance of the War Crime Trials)

The Allies’ War Crimes Trials after World War II are profoundly significant for several key reasons. First of all, these trials ensured accountability and justice for wartime atrocities. They aimed to prosecute those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, providing closure for victims and the international community.

In addition, the trials acted as a powerful deterrent against future aggression and inhumanity. By punishing individuals for their wartime actions, they sent a clear message that such deeds would not go unpunished, preventing similar atrocities and promoting respect for international humanitarian law.

Furthermore, the trials established crucial legal precedents for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, laying the foundation for modern international criminal law. They introduced the concept of “crimes against humanity”, setting the stage for future international legal frameworks. These trials were integral to broader post-war efforts to create a just world order based on justice, human rights, and international law to prevent another catastrophic global conflict.

7. In what way did the status of women change in the post war era?

The post-war era brought significant changes for women : with men drafted into the military during World War II, women entered male industries where they had no space before, where only men were allowed. They were challenging gender norms and showcasing their abilities, a shift that persisted after the war.

Furthermore, this period saw the rise of women’s rights movements. Women who had played vital roles in the war returned with a desire for equality and recognition. Their activism, alongside organizations like the Women’s International Democratic Federation and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, raised awareness of women’s rights and set the stage for later feminist movements in the 1960s and 1970s. Legal changes, including expanded women’s suffrage and international declarations like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, further reinforced the trend toward increased gender equality in the post-war era.

8. Why did the United States provide Marshall Plan assistance to Europe?

The United States provided Marshall Plan assistance to Europe for several key reasons. Firstly, Europe needed to rebuild after the widespread destruction of World War II, and the Marshall Plan aimed to help nations reconstruct their infrastructure, industry, and economies. A stable and prosperous Europe was crucial for global peace and stability, as post-war instability could risk the spread of communism.

The Marshall Plan was also a key part of the US policy to contain communism. Economic hardships and instability in post-war Europe could promote the growth of communist movements, so the US sought to strengthen European economies and democratic institutions to reduce communism’s appeal.

In addition, the US had economic interests in supporting Europe’s recovery, as a prosperous Europe would be a significant market for American goods and services, benefiting US businesses and the economy. The Marshall Plan was a vital element of post-war strategy to promote stability, peace, and democracy in a war-torn continent.