The Cold War Begins

WWII Officially ends with… VJ-DAY Victory in Japan Day Without the promised Soviet attack of Japan from the West, the United States decides to drop two atomic bombs on Japan Leads to the unconditional surrender of the Japanese U.S. ENDS World War II with aid from NO other Allies.

At the end of WWII, there were two superpowers: Post War World At the end of WWII, there were two superpowers: Why would these two countries be considered the most powerful in the world? U.S. & U.S.S.R

The U.S. and U.S.S.R. began to compete to be the #1 world power: This competition is called: The Cold War

Cold War “1945 – 1991” war fought indirectly (cold) between 2 superpowers (U.S. and U.S.S.R.) over political, economic, and military power conflicts were fought through “satellite” or dependent countries (ex: Korea & Vietnam) war of ideologies – communism vs. democracy/capitalism

The U.S. allied with other democratic or “western” nations The USSR allied with communist or “eastern” nations Domestic & Foreign policy for both the U.S. & U.S.S.R was dictated by this tension War of ideologies (political/economic) Competition to see what ideology would dominate the world – who would have a larger “sphere of influence” Battlefields were undeveloped/weak nations called “satellites” Both the U.S. and Soviet Union engaged in actions and decisions that contributed to the ongoing tension that lasted nearly 50 years.

World was divided into 2 ideologies: East = communist (allied with USSR) West = democratic/capitalist (allied with U.S.)

There are four major categories of competition: Military Battles – use of weapons and soldiers to spread ideology Political Battles – attempt to spread political beliefs to other countries Economic – use of money to influence other countries Technological – develop new technology to prove superiority of a nation Question: After being Allies during WWII, why couldn’t the two nations co-exist peacefully?

Because of the fundamental differences between the two countries Question: Why couldn’t the two nations co-exist peacefully? Answer A: Because of the fundamental differences between the two countries

Economic Differences The United States “capitalism” Private ownership Free competition Little government regulation Social classes The Soviet Union “socialism” Government ownership Economic equality Classless society

Political Differences The United States “democracy” Government by the people (elected representatives) Checks & Balances Guaranteed freedoms & rights The Soviet Union “totalitarian” Single leader Government has total control No freedoms or rights

Key Values The United States “freedom” Government responsibility to guarantee certain freedoms (1st Amendment rights) The Soviet Union “equality” Government responsibility to ensure equality (food, housing, clothing, education, jobs, etc)

Social Differences The United States “individual” Stresses the need for people to do things on their own Emphasis on competition Individuals are responsible for own achievement The Soviet Union “community” Stresses the need for people to do things that benefit everyone “all for one, one for all” Example: Collective Farm

Question: Why couldn’t the two nations co-exist peacefully? Answer B: Because of actions and decisions made by both countries that contributed to the rise in tension