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Post-War Tensions. The Cold War, 1948. The Cold War Begins. During World War II, the US and the Soviet Union had been allies However, they had little in common except for their opposition to Nazi Germany Once the war was over, tensions between the two countries surfaced
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Post-War Tensions The Cold War, 1948
The Cold War Begins • During World War II, the US and the Soviet Union had been allies • However, they had little in common except for their opposition to Nazi Germany • Once the war was over, tensions between the two countries surfaced • At the heart of the conflict were differences in their political and economic systems
Capitalism vs. Communism • 2 superpowers had emerged from WWII: the United States & the Soviet Union • Both wanted to assert their dominance and superiority over the other • Distrust on both sides! • The Soviet’s feared Western countries would try and invade them • The US/Canada feared the Soviets would try and overthrow their societies with communism
The Iron Curtain The boundary between Western & Eastern Europe is often called the Iron Curtain The Western Bloc was under Soviet influence (communism) The former allies (US, Canada, France & Britain) were concerned the Soviets planned to spread their influence over Eastern Europe
The Cold War, cont’d • No war was actually ever declared! • The cold war was a war of words, propaganda (print , radio and TV) where all those involved created “spy” notions and invasions fear to citizens • Hostilities between the 2 groups were expressed in arguments, threats and actions intended to frustrate one another • Think of it as a war of words!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpYCplyBknI From World War II to Cold War
Soviet Spies in Canada • 1945: Soviet spies were found in Canada (and other Western capitals) • Igor Gouzenko: young Russian announced to Canadian RCMP he had proof of a widespread Soviet spy ring • Documents proved spies in various government departments and in the Canadian-British atomic bomb project!! • Intentions of the Soviet’s seemed even more suspicious!
Gouzenko Following this reveal, Gouzenko feared for his (and his family’s life) Initially, Gouzenko would walk around with a hood to try and hide his identity from the KGB (Soviet Secret Service) The RCMP provided them with new identities and moved them to secret camp (under constant police surveillance) To many Canadians, Gouzenko was a brave figure who alerted the Western world to the threat of Soviet Communism
Preparation for War … • Following discovery of Soviet spies, many wondered what would happen in the event of another war! • Many believed they could survive another war, if they properly prepared for it (and had advance warning)
Defense #1: Civil Defense Plan • Federal government created civil defense plans (emergency plans) • Cities made plans for alarm sirens and mass evacuations
Defense #2: Duck and Cover • Schools practiced having students duck under their desks • Had drills for students to run immediately home for cover
Defense #3: Bomb Shelters • With the threat of radio active fall out, bomb shelters became the new fad • Ideal shelter needed supply of water & fresh air (outside sources would be contaminated) • Many Canadians built these in their basements • Stocked up on canned goods and bottled water
Defense #4: The Diefenbunker • Where: Ottawa • What: 4 storey, 300 room, 100,000 square foot underground bunker • Why: meant to house 535 government officials in nuclear war
Inside the Diefenbunker Top: CBC Emergency Broadcast Studio, Right: the Prime Minister suite The Vault
