WH Topic 12: The Cold War — WHT12.1 Rivalry, Mistrust, and Accord
Breakdown of the Grand Alliance
The Grand Alliance of WWII (USSR, USA, UK) collapsed quickly after the war. Tensions grew from disagreements on Eastern Europe, reparation policies, and differing visions for global order. Yalta and Potsdam Conferences revealed deep mistrust—leading to the division of Germany and Europe.
Impact: Formation of rival blocs—NATO (West) and Warsaw Pact (East)—set the foundation for Cold War bipolarity.
Role of Ideology and Containment
- Ideology: Capitalism versus Communism; both sides claimed universal legitimacy and saw the other as a threat to their system.
- Truman Doctrine & Containment: The US adopted "containment" to limit Soviet expansion, funding anti-communist allies (e.g., Marshall Plan).
- Bipolar Propaganda: Both superpowers used media, education, and cultural diplomacy to promote their worldviews—reinforcing mistrust.
- Soviet Security Concerns: USSR sought buffer states in Eastern Europe—a direct challenge to Western interests.
Formula (Geopolitical Bloc): Bloc = \sum\limits_{i=1}^{n} Allies_i
Total global influence = Sum of member states aligned with each superpower
Total global influence = Sum of member states aligned with each superpower
Superpower Relations & Detente
| Period | Characteristics & Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Early Cold War (1947–62) | Berlin Blockade, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis; intense rivalry; near-nuclear war |
| Detente (1970s) | Reduction in tensions; arms control agreements (SALT I & II), cultural exchange, rise of Ostpolitik |
| Renewed Tensions (1980s) | Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; Reagan’s hardline policies; end of detente |
| Accords & End (1985–91) | Gorbachev’s reforms (Glasnost, Perestroika); INF Treaty; fall of Berlin Wall; dissolution of USSR |
Arms Race & Nuclear Balance
- Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD): Both sides developed vast nuclear arsenals—direct war was deterred by certainty of devastation.
- Arms Race Formula: Nuclear\ Capabilities = \sum\limits_{i=1}^{n} Warheads_i
- Proxy Wars and Competition: The superpowers fought indirectly (Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan), supplying arms and influence.
- Space Race: Competition for technological supremacy (Sputnik, Apollo missions) increased global prestige and rivalry.
Key Impact: The arms race shifted resources, shaped policy, and maintained the precarious balance—until political change enabled accords.
Conclusion
Rivalry, mistrust, and periodic attempts at accord characterized the Cold War. Ideological contest, military buildup, and superpower maneuvering shaped every aspect of global relations from 1947 to 1991.