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The Cold War: How World War II Sparked Global Superpower Rivalry

The Cold War originated after World War II when the U.S. and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, competing for global influence. The ideological clash between capitalism and communism led to tensions and conflicts worldwide. Key events, such as the Yalta Conference and the establishment of NATO, set the stage for this prolonged rivalry. The U.S. adopted measures like the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to contain communism, while the Soviets tightened control over Eastern Europe, leading to the formation of satellite states. This ideological struggle defined international relations for decades.

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The Cold War: How World War II Sparked Global Superpower Rivalry

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  1. The Cold War

  2. Essential Question • How did WW2 help lead to the start of the Cold War?

  3. Introduction • At end of WW2, U.S. & Soviet Union became known as SUPERPOWERS • U.S. – Atomic Bomb & Powerful Economy • U.S.S.R. – Red Army • Each attempted to expand influence • Global competition led to conflicts on every continent for next 45 years • “Cold” because neither side attacked openly

  4. Roots of the Cold War • Competing ideological systems • Leaders wanted to spread their ideas

  5. Roots of the Cold War

  6. The Cold War Begins in Europe DO NOT COPY THIS SLIDE • The Yalta Conference • NATO • Warsaw Pact

  7. The Yalta Conference • Roosevelt, Churchill, & Stalin met before WW2 ended in 1945 • Made plans for post-war world • Split Germany into 4 zones to be occupied by 3 allies & France

  8. An Iron Curtain Falls on Eastern Europe • Soviet Army put local Communist leaders in charge of Eastern European nations • Stalin used Eastern Europe as buffer to protect Soviet security • Many Eastern European countries became Soviet satellites • Trade & communication cut off between East & West • Countries forced to create Communist governments & economies

  9. Growing American Involvement • Leaders feared Stalin wanted to rule world, like Hitler • U.S. was only nation that could stand up to Soviets & Communism • Truman Doctrine – U.S. would support people resisting Communism, began U.S. containment • Wouldn’t overturn existing Communism, but would prevent it from spreading

  10. Growing American Involvement • Marshall Plan – Gave money to Western European nations to rebuild economies & resist Communism • Berlin Airlift • 1948 – Allies merged 3 German zones • Stalin closed access to Berlin & east • Allies airlifted food & supplies • Stalin admitted defeat, removed blockade

  11. Growing American Involvement • Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) created in 1949 • German Democratic Republic (East Germany) created in response

  12. NATO & Warsaw Pact • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) • U.S., Canada, & 10 Western European countries • Protect Western Europe from Communism • U.S. pledged to use nuclear weapons to defend Europe • Warsaw Pact • Soviet response to NATO • Communist countries created alliance

  13. How WW2 Started Cold War • Emergence of 2 Superpowers • Ideological Differences Reemerge • Soviet Security Fears • U.S. Leaders Avoid Isolationism & Appeasement • New Weapons Lead to Cold War • Rise of Communism in Asia

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