History (2147)
Truman Doctrine (1947): USA would support countries resisting communism (containment policy) Marshall Plan (1947): $13 billion US aid to rebuild Western Europe — prevent communism spreading through poverty Berlin Blockade (1948-49): Stalin blocked road/rail to West Berlin → USA/UK airlifted supplies for 11 months → USSR backed down Berlin Wall (1961): East Germany built wall to stop people fleeing to West. Symbol of the Iron Curtain. Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, 90 miles from USA. Kennedy blockaded Cuba. Closest the world came to nuclear war. Khrushchev withdrew missiles. Vietnam War (1955-75): USA tried to stop communist North Vietnam taking the South. Lost — Vietnam unified under communism. Fall of Berlin Wall (1989): East Germans demanded freedom. Wall opened 9 Nov 1989. Led to German reunification and Soviet collapse (1991).
Topic 2 of 3Cambridge O Levels
The Cold War
USA vs USSR tensions, the Berlin Wall, Cuba, and proxy wars
After WW2, USA (capitalist, democratic) and USSR (communist, one-party) became superpowers with opposing ideologies.
Key events:
Key Points to Remember
- 1Truman Doctrine: contain communism
- 2Marshall Plan: rebuild Europe with $13 billion
- 3Cuban Missile Crisis: closest to nuclear war
- 4Berlin Wall fell 1989 → Soviet collapse 1991
Pakistan Example
Pakistan in the Cold War — US Ally Against Soviet Afghanistan
Pakistan was a key Cold War ally of the USA. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-89), Pakistan's ISI channelled CIA weapons to Afghan mujahideen. Peshawar became the staging ground. This US-Pakistan alliance shaped regional politics for decades — and the consequences are still felt today.