1. The Cold War 1947-1989… 1.What is it?
Constant global confrontation between the Soviet Union and United States.
Avoidance of direct armed conflict between the two “Superpowers”.

2. The Cold War begins 1945 -1948 Key issue:
Why did the wartime alliance fall apart?
What were the major points of difference?
The importance of Yalta and Potsdam conferences
The roles of Stalin and Truman

4. 5. The rise of the superpowers
Before WW2 there were a number of countries which could have claimed to be superpowers – USA, USSR,GB, France, Japan, Germany.
The damage caused by the war to these countries left only two countries with the military strength and resources to be called superpowers…USA and USSR.

5. What they believed
Don’t forget USA was capitalist and USSR was communist
They were complete opposites
They had allied against Fascism ….. Now the common enemy had been defeated the reason for co-operation was gone
Differences soon emerged

6. Europe at the end of WW2
After the war, who would lead the countries and form new governments?
The USSR favoured the communist groups, the USA favoured the non-communists
Examples would be Greece and Yugoslavia
This was one cause of tension between the superpowers

7. 8. THE BERLIN WALL

8. Divided Berlin

9. What it takes to be a superpower
Strong economy
Influential government
Strong military
United government