International Relations 1945 - 2003 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What was The Cold War
The Cold War was the conflict between the Communist nations led by the Soviet Union (USSR) and the democratic nations led by the United States.
What is the difference between a “Cold war” and a “Hot War”
Unlike a “hot war” of actual fighting a “cold war” is a conflict using every means short of actual fighting.
How was the Cold War fought
It was fought by all means - propaganda, economic war, diplomatic haggling and occasional military clashes. It was fought in all places - in neutral states in Europe, in newly independent nations in Africa, Asia and even in outer space
Where did the term “Cold War” originate
The term ‘cold war’ was first used to describe the frosty atmosphere that developed between the superpowers in the years following the end of WW2.
How long did the Cold War last
It lasted for over 40 years and the two superpowers never actually directly fought each other.
What where the 2 new superpowers after The Second World War
The two new superpowers which emerged even stronger and were far more powerful in military and economic terms than the rest of the world were – the USA and the USSR.
What makes USA and USSR superpowers?
• Large populations which enable them to raise large armies.
• Large land areas
• Lots of natural resources e.g. iron ore, coal and oil.
• Both had helped to defeat Germany in WW2.
• Both had nuclear weapons – USA by 1945 and USSR by 1949.
• USSR was the largest army in the world.
• USA was the richest country in the world – it controlled 1/3 of the world’s industrial production and ½ of the world’s shipping.
• No other countries were big enough or wealthy enough to challenge them.
Industry in a Capitalist country
private firms and people usually own all business, agriculture and industry
Industry in a communist country
The State government usually runs all industry, business and agriculture for the benefit of everyone..
Government in a capitalist country
Two or more political parties run the country their way. In the USA Republicans and Democrats compete through elections to run the country for four years. This is a DEMOCRACY
Government in a communist country
there is only one party in government. No opposition parties are permitted to exist so the people can not change the government.
This is a DICTATORSHIP
Economy in a capitalist country
This is a free market economy. Companies can make and sell any goods in order to make profit.
Economy in a communist country
Companies are controlled by the Government. The government decides what a company makes and the price at which it sells its goods.
Wealth in a capitalist country
There are huge differences of wealth throughout the country as there is in most capitalist countries.
Wealth in a communist country
The country’s wealth is equally shared. The level of wealth generally less than in capitalist countries. Unemployment was rare and less examples of extreme poverty like USA had.
Freedom of speech and media in a capitalist country
Individual freedom was more important than equality – they do not believe in censorship of the media.
Freedom of speech and media in a communist country
Society as a whole was more important than individual freedom. Everyone was to be equal. Media was strictly censored.
