The Cold War: An Overview
The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, extending from the end of World War II in 1947 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
- Empire and Colonialism: Post-World War II, both superpowers sought to expand their influence globally, leading to decolonisation movements in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as nations sought independence from colonial rule.
- Revolutions and Transformations: The Cold War prompted numerous revolutions, including the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959), where Fidel Castro's communist regime gained support from the Soviet Union, fostering a divide in the Americas.
- Trade Networks and Economic History: The Marshall Plan (1948) aimed at European recovery from WWII solidified Western economic ties and countered Soviet influence, whereas COMECON (1949) was established to integrate the economies of Eastern Bloc countries under Soviet leadership.
- Religion and Belief Systems: The ideological conflict was also a clash of capitalism (USA) versus communism (USSR), affecting global religious practices as the US often positioned itself as a defender of democratic and religious freedoms, while many communist states suppressed religion.
- Technological and Scientific Developments: The Space Race was a significant aspect, highlighted by the Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957, leading to advancements in technology and education focused on science in both superpower nations.
- Global Interconnectedness: The Cold War fostered military alliances and pacts, such as NATO (1949) and the Warsaw Pact (1955), indicating a polarised world that affected international relations and alignments.
- Comparative Civilisations: The ideological struggle led to the comparison of capitalist and communist societies, influencing global perspectives on governance, economic systems, and civil liberties.
- Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons: Propaganda played a crucial role, with both sides using media to promote their respective ideologies, creating a cultural divide that still influences global politics today.
