1. WWII Aftermath and the beginning of the Cold War

2. War Crime Trials
Allied leaders agreed to punish those responsible for “crimes against humanity” which occurred during WWII
22 surviving Nazi leaders were tried at the Nuremburg trials between 1945 & 1946
Several were executed and others imprisoned
These trials showed that leaders could be held accountable for their wartime actions

4. The United Nations
World War II resulted in the formation of a more powerful international body, called the United Nations
Purpose: to provide a place to discuss world problems and develop solutions
Makeup:
General Assembly w/ representatives from all countries
Security Council with 15 member nations (5 permanent)

6. Germany transformed Several changes to Germany were made:
Army completely disbanded
Nazi party outlawed
Democracy and tolerance were promoted

8. East and West Germany
Also, Germany was divided into two halves to be controlled by the Allied powers
West: democratic and controlled by USA, England and France
East: communist and controlled by the Soviet Union

11. A Divided Europe
After WWII, Europe became sharply split between two halves – West and East
This tension marks the beginning of the Cold War between the USA and Soviet Union
West: democracy and free enterprise/governments
East: communism and controlled by Stalin and the USSR

12. Two Superpowers
With Germany and Japan defeated and England and France depleted after WWII, the United States and Soviet Union were by far the strongest nations in the world
USA and USSR had great influence over other countries and dictated the direction the world would move in

13. The Cold War Begins
Conflicts in ways of thinking and mutual distrust between the USA and USSR led to the Cold War
A continuing state of tension and hostility between the USA and Soviet Union
Called a “cold” war due to no armed battles between the superpowers

14. “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” Sir Winston Churchill, 1946

15. ADD THIS!!
The “Iron Curtain” was the western boundary of USSR control during the Cold War