The Cold War
POINT ONE CAUSE: Soviet Union (Communist) and the United States (Democratic) gain influence over world events EFFECT: The rise of the Superpowers. The world chooses sides.
POINT TWO CAUSE: Competition between the two: Soviet Union (Eastern Bloc) and the US (Western Bloc) EFFECT: The Cold War (1945-1991)-period of distrust, misunderstanding, and political noncooperation
POINT THREE CAUSE: Germany divided after WWII between the Allies (US, Britain, France, Soviet Union) EFFECT: Soviets don’t agree to unite a democratic Germany. Germany divided (East & West Germany.) Berlin Wall built in 1961.
POINT FOUR CAUSE: Soviet Union forces Eastern Europe countries to become Communist. EFFECT: “Iron Curtain”-invisible curtain that divides Western and Eastern Europe (MAP PAGE 170)
POINT FIVE CAUSE: Soviets want to spread Communism beyond Eastern Europe EFFECT: US tries to prevent spread leading to the Korean and Vietnam War
POINT SIX CAUSE: Fear, spying, mistrust, worry about nuclear attack from other side EFFECT: New alliances are formed. WEST-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) EAST-Warsaw Pact (DATELINE PG.342)
POINT SEVEN CAUSE: Soviet Union was trying to keep up with the US in the arms race EFFECT: Soviet leaders increase freedoms of people and reduce government control of businesses (free market)
POINT EIGHT CAUSE: Eastern Bloc nations demand freedom from Soviet Union EFFECT: Berlin Wall was torn down (Germany is united again). Soviet republics seek independence-Soviet Union and Communist Party collapses.