A Divided World: Cold War & Decolonization
Cold War and Decolonization studies the post-WWII geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991, alongside the process of colonies gaining independence globally. It examines the ideological struggle between capitalism and communism, proxy conflicts, and the wave of decolonization in Africa, Asia, and beyond, reshaping global power dynamics and national identities.
Timeline of Cold War & Decolonization
This section outlines the key phases of the Cold War and decolonization. Here’s the breakdown:
- Early Cold War and Decolonization (1947-1950s): Initial tensions and first wave of independence movements.
- Height of Cold War and Independence (1960s-1970s): Proxy wars and mass decolonization in Africa and Asia.
- Détente and Continued Decolonization (1970s-1980s): Eased tensions and further independence struggles.
- End of Cold War and Post-Colonial Challenges (1980s-1991): Soviet collapse and new nations’ struggles.
Key Figures and Events
This section highlights the main individuals and pivotal moments that shaped this era:
- Harry S. Truman (1947): U.S. President, introduced the Truman Doctrine to contain communism.
- Berlin Blockade (1948-1949): Soviet blockade of West Berlin, countered by the U.S.-led Berlin Airlift.
- Jawaharlal Nehru (1947): First Prime Minister of independent India, led non-aligned movement.
- Indian Independence (1947): India and Pakistan gained freedom from British rule.
- Kwame Nkrumah (1957): Led Ghana to independence, first sub-Saharan African nation to break free.
- Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): U.S.-Soviet standoff over Soviet missiles in Cuba, closest to nuclear war.
- Nelson Mandela (1994): South African anti-apartheid activist, became president after years of struggle.
Examples of Cold War & Decolonization
Early Cold War and Decolonization (1947-1950s) Examples
- The Marshall Plan (1948) rebuilt Western Europe, countering Soviet influence with $13 billion.
- Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1949 after years of resistance.
- The Korean War (1950-1953) saw U.S. and Soviet-backed forces fight a proxy conflict.
Height of Cold War and Independence (1960s-1970s) Examples
- The Vietnam War (1955-1975) pitted U.S.-backed South Vietnam against Soviet-supported North Vietnam.
- 1960, known as the “Year of Africa,” saw 17 African nations, like Nigeria, gain independence.
- The Suez Crisis (1956) marked Britain and France’s declining colonial power in Egypt.
Détente and Continued Decolonization (1970s-1980s) Examples
- The SALT I Treaty (1972) limited U.S. and Soviet nuclear arsenals, easing Cold War tensions.
- Angola and Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after prolonged wars.
- The Non-Aligned Movement, led by nations like India, avoided Cold War superpower blocs.
End of Cold War and Post-Colonial Challenges (1980s-1991) Examples
- The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the Cold War’s end, leading to German reunification.
- South Africa ended apartheid in 1994, with Nelson Mandela becoming president after decades of struggle.
- New nations like Kenya faced economic challenges, often relying on foreign aid and loans.