U1: the origins of the Cold War two 1945 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Explain the differing IDEOLOGIES
USA = Freedom and capitalism
USSR = State control and communism
Explain the Bolshevik revolution ?
called the October Revolution
• Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party
• Overthrew the Provisional Government after the February Revolution
• Aimed to establish a communist state based on Marxist ideas
• Resulted in the creation of the Soviet Union (USSR)
• Key event that started Communist rule in Russia
Explain the russian civil war ?
Fought between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks)
• Followed the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917
• The Reds wanted to keep communist control; the Whites wanted to restore the old order or a different government
• Foreign powers (Britain, USA, France, Japan) supported the Whites but didn’t win
• Resulted in Bolshevik victory and solidified communist rule in Russia
• Led to the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922
What is the western perception of the ussr
Seen as authoritarian and oppressive
• Viewed as a threat to democracy and freedom
• Feared spread of communism worldwide
• Perceived as expansionist and aggressive (e.g., Eastern Europe control)
• Seen as lacking individual rights and political freedoms
• Considered an enemy in the ideological Cold War
What was the nazi soviet pact?
Also called the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
• A non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union
• Signed in August 1939 by foreign ministers Molotov (USSR) and Ribbentrop (Germany)
• Secretly agreed to divide Poland and Eastern Europe between them
• Allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet attack
• Broke down in 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union
Explain the second front
Refers to the Western Allies opening a front in Western Europe against Nazi Germany during WWII
• The Soviet Union demanded this to relieve pressure on the Eastern Front
• Resulted in the D-Day invasion (Normandy landings) in June 1944
• Helped split German forces and hasten Nazi defeat
Why did the second front cause wartime greviances
The Soviets wanted the Allies to open a second front in Western Europe earlier (to take pressure off their massive fight against Germany in the East).
• The Western Allies delayed launching the second front until 1944 (D-Day).
• This delay caused resentment and mistrust from the USSR, who felt the West wasn’t doing enough to help.
Explain the Atlantic charter
Agreement between Winston Churchill (UK) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA)
• Outlined post-war goals like self-determination, no territorial expansion, and free trade
• Set the foundation for the United Nations and post-war world order
• Emphasized cooperation and peace after WWII
Why did the Atlantic charter cause wartime greviances
The Charter promised self-determination and freedom for all nations.
• However, the Soviets saw Western actions as hypocritical, especially when the Allies didn’t challenge Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
• This created tension over the future of Europe after WWII and fueled distrust.
Tehran agreements
• Open a second front in Western Europe (D-Day) to relieve pressure on USSR
• Commit to fight until Germany’s unconditional surrender
• Discussed post-war plans for Germany and Eastern Europe
• Soviet Union agreed to join war against Japan after Germany’s defeat
Yalta agreement
Germany to be divided into four occupation zones (US, UK, USSR, France)
• Establish the United Nations to maintain peace
• Free elections promised in Eastern European countries (though later ignored)
• USSR to enter war against Japan within 3 months of Germany’s surrender
• Agreement on reparations from Germany
Potsdam agreements
Finalized details on Germany’s occupation and demilitarization
• Issued the Potsdam Declaration calling for Japan’s unconditional surrender
• Agreed on trial of Nazi war criminals
• Discussed reparations and territorial changes in Europe
Yalta disagreements
• Free elections in Eastern Europe: Stalin wanted Soviet control; Western leaders wanted genuine democracy.
• Reparations: Disagreement on how much Germany should pay. • Poland’s borders and government: Dispute over Poland’s future government and territory.
Potsdam disagreements
Growing mistrust: Truman was suspicious of Stalin’s intentions.
• Eastern Europe: USSR had installed communist governments, against Western expectations. • Germany’s future: Disputes over reparations and economic recovery. • Atomic bomb: The US’s secret weapon added tension, with Stalin suspicious.
How was Czechoslovakia liberated
Czechoslovakia was liberated from Nazi control in 1945 mainly by the Soviet Red Army’s advance and a local Czech resistance uprising called the Prague Uprising. The Soviet Prague Offensive in May 1945 freed Prague and ended German occupation just as World War II in Europe ended.
How was hungary + romania liberated
Both countries were Axis allies initially but switched sides as the Soviet Red Army advanced in 1944.
• Liberated and occupied by Soviet forces during late 1944 and early 1945.
• Post-liberation, both fell under Soviet communist influence.
How was Finland liberated
• Signed an armistice with the USSR in 1944, ending the war.
• Forced to expel German troops in the Lapland War (1944-45).
• Kept independence but lost land and paid reparations to the USSR.
• Followed a policy of neutrality during the Cold War.
How was bulgaria liberated
In September 1944, as the Soviet Red Army advanced into the Balkans, Bulgaria switched sides and declared war on Germany.
• The Soviets entered Bulgaria with little resistance, helping to overthrow the pro-Axis government.
• A Communist-led government was established with Soviet backing by late 1944.
• Bulgaria became part of the Soviet sphere of influence and joined the Eastern Bloc after the war.
How was yugoslavia liberated
Partially liberated by the communist Partisan resistance led by Josip Broz Tito.
• Guerrilla warfare and coordination with advancing Soviet troops weakened Axis control.
• Liberated by 1945, leading to the establishment of a communist-led Yugoslavia.
How was poland liberated
Liberated mainly by the Soviet Red Army from the east between 1944-1945.
• The Warsaw Uprising (August–October 1944) by Polish resistance was brutally crushed by Nazis without Soviet help.
• After liberation, Poland fell under Soviet influence, leading to communist government control.
