18.1 Cold War in Europe

1. 18.1 Cold War in Europe

2. Cold War in the Late 1940s • The 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

3. 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

4. Cold War in the Late 1940s • Germany 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…

5. Cold War in the Late 1940s • 1947: 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

6. Cold War in the Late 1940s • 1948 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

7. Cold War in the Late 1940s • 1949: 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