The Cold War characterized by an ideological dispute between the communism of the Soviet Union and the capitalism of the United States.
Although both countries never faced each other directly, there were a number of conflicts that were supported by these two powers.
Characteristics of the Cold War
The Cold War begins in 1947, shortly after the end of World War II.
The Cold War is characterized by intense ideological polarization in the world. There were countries that adopted capitalism as their economic system, while others chose socialism.
An expectation was also created between both powers that one day they would face each other. Then came the arms race, where a lot of money was invested in research and construction of weapons.
Finally, we can highlight foreign interference as one of the hallmarks of the Cold War. Any opposition movement in capitalist countries was labeled "communist" by the United States and opposed. In turn, the same happened in socialist countries, where dissidents were censored and demonstrations repressed.
Cold War Phases
The Cold War is divided into three phases for study purposes:
1 . Maximum voltage (1947-1953):at this time, the USA and the USSR dispute the occupation of territories in Europe, through financial aid plans such as the Marshall Plan or Comecon. Likewise, the Korean War takes place, where the world was on the brink of a nuclear dispute.
2 . Peaceful coexistence (1953-1977):although there were conflicts in Vietnam, Cuba and the African continent, this phase is so called because all these confrontations were controlled. At no time did the two powers show interest in using atomic weapons in the battles they fought.
3 . Recrudescence and end of the Cold War (1977-1991):the Afghan War is the last armed conflict of the Cold War. The socialist system could not compete with the capitalist system and the USSR could not help its allies financially and it itself had to borrow from the West.
It is important to note that there is no consensus among scholars on the number of phases of the Cold War. Some point to four stages, while others consider up to five stages.
Main Battles of the Cold War
Let's now look at the main conflicts fought during the Cold War.
Korean War (1950-1953)
The Korean War dates back to World War II, when the Korean Peninsula was invaded by the Soviets and Chinese, who settled in the north; and Americans, who occupied the south. The boundary between both countries was the 38th parallel.
After the end of World War II, the Soviets claimed that the Westerners had crossed the dividing line and invaded the south. Faced with this aggression, the UN authorized the use of an international force that would be led by the United States.
This conflict was used by both world powers to show their power and the advantages of their respective political systems. The Americans justified their intervention based on the Truman Doctrine, which provided for US aid to countries that fought against communism.
In reality, the Korean War is an unfinished confrontation, as the rivals only signed an armistice and not a peace treaty.
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
The Vietnam War also begins with the end of World War II.
The country was occupied by France, but Japan took advantage of the weakness of the European metropolis to take over Vietnam.
With the end of the European conflict, the Vietnamese rise up against France and in 1950, proclaim the Republic of North Vietnam, with a socialist regime, supported by the USSR. The south would remain capitalist.
In 1954, a plebiscite is held to unify the country, and faced with the possibility of socialism winning, the US intervenes, supporting South Vietnam.
The Vietnam War would last twenty years and would be the biggest armed conflict after World War II. The United States was defeated, nearly two million people fled the country, and countless civilians and military personnel lost their lives.
War in Afghanistan (1979-1988)
Until 1978, Afghanistan was a monarchy where countless tribes lived together. King Zahir is dethroned by his cousin, Prince Mohamed Daud, who proclaimed the republic and was its first president. However, the corruption continued and he was murdered.
With the rise of communists to power, several reforms were carried out such as mass schooling. However, the communist regime failed in trying to ban religion or carry out agrarian reform in the country. As the different factions began to fight each other, the USSR offered military aid to sustain the communist government.
On the other hand, the United States begins to arm and train the opponents. One would be Osama bin Laden, who would transform from American ally to enemy in two decades.
The Soviets withdraw in defeat from Afghanistan in 1988 and civil wars continue until the Taliban seize power.
End of the Cold War
The end of the Cold War lasts about two years, if we consider two main facts:the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the end of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was experiencing serious financial difficulties and could no longer help its members. Thus, East Germany (German Democratic Republic) decides to make a series of concessions to the population in order to solve its economic problems. One of them was the announcement of the opening of borders, from East to West Germany. Thousands of people then rush in and the Wall falls on November 9, 1989.
Likewise, the USSR tries to remedy its adversities by applying the policies of Mikhail Gobartchev:perestroika (construction) and glasnot (opening).
One of the measures was the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States, on December 8, 1991. The new political entity was short-lived and days later, on December 25, Gorbachev resigns and the Soviet Union disappears.
With the end of the Soviet Union, the Cold War lost its reason to exist, because all countries on the globe (except North Korea and Cuba) became capitalists.
We have more texts on the subject for you :
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- War in Afghanistan
- Marshall Plan
- Cold War Questions