18.1 COLD WAR IN EUROPE

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940SThe Cold War: Period of high tension between democratic/capitalist and Communist countries throughout the world.

• No direct conflicts between the two major players: the U.S. and Soviet Union

• Both sides had built up large piles of nukes, but they were never used

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940S• At the Potsdam Conference the Allies were discussing the

future of Europe (esp. Germany)• Soviet Union wanted to bring East Europe under its

communist influence

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940SGermany was split into two main zones

• Soviet Union ran the eastern half by itself• Huge sacrifices in the war and its troops already controlled

that part of Germany• Berlin (Germany’s capital) was also split

• Berlin was deep in the Russian half, though…

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940S1947: U.S. President Truman announces his policy of containment: The U.S.’s commitment to stop the spread of communism

• Would not effect countries that were already communist or chose communism freely.

• First tested when communists attempted to take over Greece

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940S1948 Berlin Blockade: Soviets blocked any boat, trains, or truck from entering West Berlin (run by the U.S./Britain/France)The U.S. responded by airlifting (flying) in food, medicine, and other supplies to the Berliners

• The Russians gave in by May 1949

COLD WAR IN THE LATE 1940S1949: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed as an alliance against Communism in Europe

• If one member was attacked, all other members were required to help• Formed by U.S., Canada, and most of Western Europe