Nature of the Cold War IB History: The Cold War

About the Unit… In the unit we will explore various aspects of the Cold War which was a global political and economic conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR) that lasted from the end of WWII until Topics –Nature of the Cold War –Origins of the Cold War –The First Cold War –Fluctuating Relations –From Détente to Second Cold War –End of the Cold War

What historians agree about… The Cold War developed during and after the end of World War II The world became politically and economically divided between the United States and it’s allies known as “The West” and the Soviet Union and it’s allies known as “The East.” The terms “West” and “East” came from the countries of Western Europe being mostly allied with the United States and the countries in Eastern Europe being mostly allied with the Soviet union.

Churchill (UK), Truman (USA), Stalin (USSR) at Yalta negotiating post- WWII occupation of territory. World map of USA and it’s allies (blue) and the Soviet Union and it’s allies (red).

What historians disagree about… The United States and the Soviet Union were definitely the two most powerful countries following WWII but not all agree the two were equals. The Cold War had many aspects including competing ideologies and a propaganda war but not all agree on which was most important. The Cold War affected many aspects of politics and society of the countries who were involved, and especially the operation of the United Nations. Other important features of the Cold War included an arms race; cultural, scientific, and sporting competition; spying and covert activities; and public fears about a third “World War.”

Fears about WWIII Competing IdeologiesArms Race Propaganda + Societal Effects

Summary Historians agree that… –The Cold War developed at the end of WWII –World became divided between the US/Allies and Soviet Union/Allies –Terms East/West came from US/Soviet Union’s allies in Europe Historians disagree about… –Whether US and Soviet Union were equals as world super-powers –What was most important between competing ideologies and propaganda war –How Cold War effected society and the UN –Also included an arms race, a non-military competition, spying/cover activities, and fears of WWIII