Cold War

History

A global ideological and geopolitical struggle (late 1940s–early 1990s) between the capitalist West (led by USA) and communist East (led by USSR).
Shaped by doctrines like containment and détente.
Manifested through:
- Arms race, proxy wars and diplomatic tensions
- Events like Cuban Missile Crisis nearly caused nuclear war
Led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and changed global alliances.

The Cold War’s roots trace back to the end of World War II.
At the Yalta Conference (Feb 1945), the USA, UK, and USSR discussed the post-war world.
They agreed to divide Germany into four zones, each controlled by one Allied power.
They also decided to form the United Nations to promote global cooperation and avoid future conflicts.

Doctrine/Pact	Description
Truman Doctrine	US policy (1947) to contain communism by aiding threatened countries.
Marshall Plan	US aid (1947) to rebuild Europe and resist communism.
NATO	Military alliance (1949) of Western democracies for collective defense.
Warsaw Pact	Soviet-led military alliance (1955) in response to NATO.
Brezhnev Doctrine	USSR’s right to intervene in socialist countries to maintain communism (1968).
Reagan Doctrine	US policy (1980s) to support anti-communist groups worldwide.
Iron Curtain Doctrine	Concept of strict division between East and West during the Cold War.

Ended with Gorbachev’s reforms, Berlin Wall’s fall (1989), and USSR’s collapse (1991).
US became the sole superpower; Cold War bipolarity ended.
Eastern Europe turned democratic, and Germany reunified.
Led to NATO/EU expansion, globalisation, and focus on new global issues.

Event	Year(s)	Description
Berlin Blockade & Airlift	1948–49	USSR blocked West Berlin; US responded with airlift of essential supplies.
Korean War	1950–53	US and USSR supported opposite sides; war ended in a stalemate.
Vietnam War	1955–75	US tried to stop communism; North Vietnam emerged victorious.
Cuban Missile Crisis	1962	USSR placed missiles in Cuba; nuclear war was narrowly avoided.
Space Race	1957–1969	USSR launched Sputnik (1957); US landed on the moon (1969).
Détente	1970s	Period of reduced tensions; SALT talks and Helsinki Accords were held.
US-China Rapprochement	1972	US improved ties with China; weakened Soviet influence in Asia.

Non-Alignment Policy – Stayed out of US/USSR blocs; led NAM movement.
Active Diplomacy – Mediated tensions, e.g., during Korean War.
Pro-Soviet Tilt (1960s–70s) – Sought USSR support after 1962 war.
1971 Treaty with USSR – Strategic move before Indo-Pak war; not formal alliance.
Post-Cold War Changes
- 1991 Economic Reforms – Liberalisation, open markets, foreign investment.
- Balanced Foreign Policy – Improved ties with US, maintained Russia ties.
- Multilateralism – Supported inclusive, rule-based global systems.