Do Now: What was the role of the United Nations? Crumbling Alliances Do Now: What was the role of the United Nations?

Super Powers The U.S. and the Soviet Union became super powers after WWII because they still maintained economic resources and military power Soviet Union and U.S. were allies during the second half of WWII but did not trust one another They became allies because they had a common enemy, Nazi Germany This mistrust soon led to a conflict known as the Cold War 1. Why do you think the United States and Soviet Union became super powers?

Cold War A state of tension and hostility among nations without armed conflict Stalin had two goals for Eastern Europe: Spread Communism Create a buffer zone of friendly governments as a defense against Germany Stalin installed Pro-Soviet communist governments throughout Eastern Europe Why would Stalin want to defend himself from Germany?

Iron Curtain Prime Minister Winston Churchill distrusted Stalin Churchill spoke about a great divide in Europe, an Eastern and Western Bloc Western Bloc were made up of democracies led by the U.S. Eastern Bloc were made up of communist countries led by the Soviet Union Churchill called this divide the “iron curtain” 1. What are the differences between communism and democracy?