1. The Cold War American Hegemony, Soviet Challenge

2. I. The effects of WWII
Much of Europe, China, and Japan were devastated
Whole cities had been leveled (destroyed) by successive bombing campaigns
Armies of refugees found themselves displaced (removed from homes)
Local governments broke down as the defeated regimes crumbled

3. The effects of WWII - cont.
The Allies (United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union, France) turn from occupiers to administrators and judges.

4. The effects of WWII - cont.
World War II destroyed the old balance of power
Formerly great empires, especially Britain were exhausted, leaving two major players: The United States and the Soviet Union
Marxism-Leninism (Communism/Socialism) called for the violent overthrow of capitalist regimes and their replacement by secular communist states.
China falls to communism in 1949

5. The Cold War American Hegemony, Soviet Challenge
Part I: Rebuilding of Europe/Japan + Standoff between U.S./Allies and Soviet Union/Allies
Part II: Cold War turns hot – Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Cuban Missile Crisis, Arms Race, and Space Race
Part III: De-Colonization – India/Pakistan, Africa + South Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America

6. II. Rebuilding and Standoff
World Circa 1980

7. United Nations Create in April 1945 in San Francisco
Created two powerful entities: The General Assembly and the Security Council
General Assembly votes on a range of international issues
Security Council decides what actions to take to settle international conflicts

10. Molotov Plan
Believed the Marshall plan was an attempt to “interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries”
USSR provides direct aid and trade agreements
Former axis powers had to pay reparations

14. Germany Split into two countries
Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)
German Democratic Republic (East Germany)
In West Germany people confronted the horrors of the Nazi Regime
German industry helps rebuild the country
Presence of U.S. Troops allows for more focus on rebuilding and social welfare programs

16. Japan
From Allied military forces under MacArthur occupied and ruled Japan
Japan adopts a new democratic constitution and bill of rights
No military allowed – only a national defense force
U.S. pours billions into Japan’s economy and spark an economic boom
Would be the 2nd / 3rd largest economy over time

17. China People’s Republic of China was formed in 1949.
Communist leader Mao Zedong defeats nationalists after 20yrs of fighting
Launches Great Leap forward – series of 5 year plans
Results in widespread hunger and starvation
Introduces the Cultural Revolution in order to rid resistance to Communism
Results in political oppression and deaths