The Cold War 1945-1990
US vs. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Definition- a political, strategic and ideological struggle between the US and the Soviet Union.
Spread throughout the world - Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America
Communism vs. Democracy- (Political Systems)
- Democracy
- voting
- people have a say
- freedoms
- speech
- You can say whatever you want to say.
- religion
- press
- speech
- people can travel if they want to
- Communism
- Dictatorship
- very controlling
- government is in control of everything
- people don't have freedoms
- they still promote equality
- everyone is equal but everyone is poor
Socialism vs. Capitalism- (Economic Systems)
- Capitalism
- People own their own businesses
- Socialism
- government owns businesses
Causes of the Cold War
- Different political systems
- US is based on democracy, capitalism and freedom
- USSR is based on dictatorship, communism and control
- Both thought their system was better and distrusted the others intentions
- Stalin despised capitalism.
- Stalin breaking his promise to allow free elections at the Yalta Conference
- American fear of a communist attack (Red Scare) and USSR's fear of a US attack
- USSR's fear of the atomic bomb
- USSR's actions in their German zone
- USSR's goal to spread communism around the world
- This feeling of suspicion lead to mutual distrust and this did a great deal to deepen the Cold War.
Post WWII/Cold War Goals for US
- wanted to promote open markets for US goods to prevent another depression
- promote democracy throughout the world, especially in Asia and Africa
- stop the spread of communism
Post WWII/Cold War Goals for USSR
- wanted to create greater security for itself
- lost tens of millions of people in WWII and Stalin's purges
- feared a strong Germany
- Established defensible borders
- Encourage friendly governments on its borders
- Spread communism around the world
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