The Cold War Initial Conflicts Topic 1 Origins of the Cold War 1945-1953

The Division of Germany Post World War 2

Berlin The city became a symbol of the Cold War conflict It was a centre of importance in Europe After World War II, both Russia and the US rushed to control the areas that had been under Nazi power Berlin was also divided into zones The US wanted to begin a system of open markets and democracy (capitalism) in the city while the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism

1948 Blockade 1st April 1948: Russia placed a blockade of all road and rail into West Berlin This meant the people of West Berlin had no access to food and other supplies and could not use the infrastructure (rail) Russia did this in the hope that the people of West Berlin would be dissatisfied with the allies (the US, Britain and France) In response, the allies flew the supplies into West Berlin and imposed a counter blockade on East Berlin In May 1949, Russia lifted the blockade and were humiliated by the conflict

People’s Republic of China - 1949 After World War II, China was in civil war as the National and Communist parties battled for power Mao Tze Tung and the Communist Party won power in 1949 This created new tension between the US and China, as the US were fearful of communist power

The Korean War 1950-1953

After World War II, Korea was divided into two Communist Russia controlled North Korea The US controlled South Korea In June 1950, North Korea attacked the south The UN supported the US and on 15th September UN troops landed in South Korea and pushed the north back over their borders China entered the war to stop the UN advance into North Korea

By July 1951, the fighting was around the 38th Parallel War ended in 1953 The war showed that: - US were prepared to enter into conflict - Military strength of China