Soviet Expansion in Satellites

The Cold War was a sustained period of geopolitical tension between the USA and the USSR post-World War II. This era was characterised by ideological clashes and notable historical developments.

Definition and Timeline

• Cold War: A time of extended geopolitical tension and ideological conflict predominantly between the USA and USSR.
• Timeline Highlights:
  • 1945: Conclusion of World War II, setting the stage for the Cold War.
  • 1946: Iron Curtain speech delivered by Churchill.
  • 1961: Erection of the Berlin Wall.
  • 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • 1989: Dismantling of the Berlin Wall.
  • 1991: Fall of the USSR, marking the Cold War's end.

Geopolitical Landscape Post-WWII

• Emergence of Superpowers:
  • USA: Initiated the Marshall Plan to support European recovery and propagate capitalist ideals.

• USSR: Established Comecon to bolster economic ties within the Eastern Bloc.

Introduction to the Superpowers

• USA Economic Influence: Strengthened through the vast scope of the Marshall Plan.
• USSR Economic Strategy: Reinforced through state-run economies.

Ideological Conflict

• USA: Championed capitalism and democracy.
• USSR: Advocated for communism and socialism.

Spheres of Influence

• Definition: Spheres of influence refer to regions where superpowers exert predominant control.
• Alliances Formed:
  • NATO: Established by the USA and its allies to oppose Soviet expansion.
  • Warsaw Pact: Created by the USSR in retaliation to NATO.

Importance in Global Politics

• Bipolar World Order: Segmented global power into two influential blocs.
• Containment vs. Expansion:
  • USA: Implemented policies such as the Truman Doctrine.

• USSR: Aimed to increase influence through satellite states.

Introduction to Soviet Expansion

In the aftermath of WWII, the Soviet Union sought to establish a buffer zone of allied states as a means of protection against Western influence.

Stalin's Foreign Policy Ambitions

• Goals:
  • Fortify borders through military strength.
  • Propagate socialism throughout Eastern Europe.

Soviet Military and Political Strategies

• Role of the Red Army:
  • Functioned as an occupying force.
  • Operated as a defensive barrier.

Alliances and Economic Control

• COMECON vs. Warsaw Pact:
  • Developed economic dependency and military coordination.

Introduction to Resistance Movements

Resistance to Soviet dominance grew due to political oppression and economic difficulties.

Key Resistance Movements

• Hungarian Revolution (1956):
  • Spearheaded by Imre Nagy, who advocated for democracy.
• Polish Solidarity Movement (1980s):
  • Led by Lech Wałęsa, concentrating on labour rights.

Visual Aids

Maps

• Display key Soviet satellite states post-WWII.