Origins of the Cold War
USA vs USSR tensions from 1945 to the Berlin Wall
Ideological divide: USA (capitalism, democracy, free markets) vs USSR (communism, one-party state, planned economy). Wartime alliance collapsed immediately after defeating Nazi Germany.
Key events:
- Yalta & Potsdam (1945): Agreements on post-war Europe broke down. Stalin wanted buffer states in Eastern Europe.
- Iron Curtain Speech (1946): Churchill warned of Soviet domination from "Stettin to Trieste."
- Truman Doctrine (1947): USA committed to containing communism globally.
- Marshall Plan (1947): $13 billion in US economic aid to rebuild Western Europe and prevent communist appeal.
- Berlin Blockade (1948-49): Stalin blocked access to West Berlin. Western Allies airlifted supplies for 11 months.
- NATO (1949) formed as Western military alliance. Warsaw Pact (1955) as Soviet response.
- Berlin Wall (1961): East Germany built wall to prevent mass emigration to the West.
Historiographical debate:
- Orthodox view: USSR was the aggressor, expanding communism
- Revisionist view: USA provoked tensions through economic imperialism
- Post-revisionist: Both sides share responsibility; security dilemma
Key Points to Remember
- 1Ideological divide: capitalism vs communism
- 2Truman Doctrine + Marshall Plan = containment
- 3Berlin Blockade: first major Cold War crisis
- 4Historians debate: orthodox vs revisionist vs post-revisionist
Pakistan Example
Pakistan's SEATO and CENTO Membership — Cold War Alliances
Pakistan joined two Cold War alliances — SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955) — aligning with the USA against Soviet expansion. This brought military aid but also drew Pakistan into superpower politics. When the USA supported India in 1971, Pakistan felt betrayed, showing the limits of Cold War alliances for smaller nations.
Quick Revision Infographic
History — Quick Revision
Origins of the Cold War
Key Concepts
Formulas to Know
Doctrine + Marshall Plan = containmentPakistan's SEATO and CENTO Membership — Cold War Alliances
Pakistan joined two Cold War alliances — SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955) — aligning with the USA against Soviet expansion. This brought military aid but also drew Pakistan into superpower politics. When the USA supported India in 1971, Pakistan felt betrayed, showing the limits of Cold War alliances for smaller nations.