THE COLD WAR

1. THE COLD WAR AKA: The diplomatic war between the Soviet Union and the U.S.A. from 1945-1991

2. Post WWII • WWII- The U.S. and Soviet Union fought together against the Nazi’s. • U.S.A. was upset about Stalin signing the non-aggression pact with Germany • Stalin upset the U.S. didn’t invade Germany earlier than 1944. • Soviet Union and U.S.A. began pursuing opposing goals.

3. Yalta Conference • Feb. 1945- U.S., Britain and S.U. agree to divide Germany. • Germany to compensate S.U. for life and loss. • Soviet Union would join war against Japan. • Stalin agrees to free elections in Eastern Europe. • U.S. and S.U. were affected very differently from the war.

4. Post War Goals U.S.A. • Encourage democracy • Gain access to raw materials to boost industry • Rebuild European Governments – promote stability. • Reunite Germany Soviet Union • Encourage Communism • Rebuild its war ravaged economy using materials from E. Europe. • Control E. Europe to maintain balance of power with U.S. • Keep Germany divided.

5. The Iron Curtain divided East & West • Soviet wanted a buffer to prevent another invasion from the West. • He ignored the Yalta conference and set up Communist governments in countries along the W. border • Stalin said: “Capitalism & Communism can’t exist in the same world.”

6. Eastern Europe Questions* Use the reading to answer the following questions in complete sentences. • How were Eastern European countries influenced by the war? • What countries fell to Communist rule? Why did Stalin choose these countries? • Compare the rights people had under Communism in Eastern Europe with the rights people have in Western democracies. • What were the best and worst aspects of life under Communism? • What were Human Rights like in Eastern Europe under a communist regime?