The opposing economic and political philosophies of the United States and the Soviet Union led to competition.
Long-term Consequences of World War II

• Death toll in Europe, Africa, and Asia estimated at over
• War created numerous problems with long-term

Demographic and Social Consequences

• war in which civilian deaths outnumbered military ones
• Millions move due to destruction and changes in borders
• Hunger, disease increase
Economic and Environmental Consequences

 Tanks and bombs destroyed
 Forests ; farmland destroyed
 Western European nations faster
 rebuilds more slowly

Allies Become Enemies
Yalta Conference: A Postwar Plan

• In February 1945, British, American, Soviet leaders meet at
• They agree to divide into zones of occupation when WWII ends
• Soviet leader agrees to allow free elections in Eastern Europe

Creation of the United Nations and Geneva Conventions

• June 1945, 50 nations form —international organization
• All members represented in ; 11 on Security Council
• Five permanent members have Security Council
• Many nations gather to create the :
- treaties on the treatment of civilians, POWs, and those injured during wartime

Differing U. S. and Soviet Philosophy and Goals

• U. S. and Soviets sharply after WWII ends
• is world’s richest and most powerful country after WWII
• Soviets recovering from high war casualties, many destroyed

Eastern Europe’s Iron Curtain
Soviets Build a Buffer

• Soviets control countries after World War II
• Stalin installs governments in several countries
• Truman urges free elections; refuses
• In 1946, Stalin says cannot co-exist

An Iron Curtain Divides East and West

 Germany divided; East Germany Communist, West Germany Democratic
 —Winston Churchill’s name for the division of Europe

United States Tries to Contain Soviets

• —U. S. plan to stop the spread of communism
• —U. S. supports countries that reject communism
• Congress approves Truman’s request for aid to

The Marshall Plan

 Much of Western Europe lay in ruins after World War II
 —U. S. program of assisting Western European countries
 Congress approves plan after Communist takeover of

The Berlin Airlift

• In , U. S., Britain, France withdraw forces from West Germany

• Their former occupation zones form one country
• Soviets oppose this, stop land and water traffic into
• West Berlin, located in occupation zone, faces starvation
• U. S., Britain fly in for 11 months until the blockade ends

Assistance to Asian Nations

• President Truman initiates program to assist non-European nations
• Provides expertise to build up , public health, and education

The Cold War Divides the World

• —struggle of U. S., Soviet Union using means short of war

Superpowers Form Rival Alliances

• In 1949, U. S., Canada, West European countries form
• —North Atlantic Treaty Organization, defensive military alliance
• In 1955, Soviets, Eastern European nations sign alliance
• In 1961, Soviets build to separate East and West Berlin

The Threat of Nuclear War

• Soviet Union explodes its first in 1949
• U. S. and Soviet Union both develop more powerful
• —policy of willingness to go to the edge of war
• Increasing tensions lead to military buildup by

The Cold War in the Skies

 In 1957, Soviets launch , first unmanned satellite
 In 1960, Soviets American spy plane, increasing tensions