Bipolar world: Cold war- USA vs USSR
- Created by: Anoush
- Created on: 16-12-15 16:18
View mindmap
- Bipolar world- Cold War:USA vs USSR
- The Cold war i.e. a conflict without fighting, was set against the backdrop of international rivalry after WW2. It raged for 40 years between the world's 2 post-war superpowers- the USA and USSR.
- The different ideologies of communism and capitalism prevented mutual understanding on major issues:
- The Soviet policy toward Western Europe after 1945. Faced with hostility from the West- 'iron curtain'.
- The USA and USSR had 27,000 nuclear weapons between them.
- The different ideologies of communism and capitalism prevented mutual understanding on major issues:
- The USSR becomes a superpower and influence:
- In 1941, the USSR had the industrial strength to take on and defeat Hitler, and had the world's 2nd largest economy- having taken over Britain.
- After 1945, the USSR competed with the USA- matching its research and technology and testing and producing nuclear weapons by 1949.
- In 1961, the USSR beat the USA to put the 1st man into space (Yuri Gagarin).
- By 1960s, it was the world's 2nd economic superpower, although its GDP was less than half that of the USA.
- Capitalism
- Most countries are now capitalist- believing in a market economy.
- Communism- communal wealth.
- E.g. Kerala, S India, has had a communist state government since 1957. Although, one of India's poorest states, its communist state government has invested in education, healthcare, life expectancy at levels associated with richer countries.
- Influence of USSR
- During 70's, there was considerable Soviet influence in Africa.
- China played a role in supporting communist Viet Cong forces during Vietnam War.
- Gave military assistance to 17 sub-Saharan countries.
- Republic o Congo- provided military assistance. In return, was given access to natural resources and allowed to establish a military base in the country.
- Angola- supported Marxist MPLA with arms and equipment in civil war, including aircraft.
- Guinea's bauxite reserves were opened by USSR's largest economic ad programme in the region. Granted military privilege.
- Somalia- largest Soviet support in East A (military equipment worth US$165m.
- Soviet naval renaissance aircraft, operating from Somali airfields, gave Mos. potential to cover entire Indian Ocean.
- During 70's, there was considerable Soviet influence in Africa.
- Influence of USA
- Spread of communism throughout E Europe, China and Korea in 140s caused shockwaves in USA.
- By mid-1950's, American money was pouring into India + South- East Asia, as USA feared communist expansion.
- Fight against communism dominated US foreign policy until collapse o USSR in 1991.
- US promotion of economic development thrugh modernisation theory was to dominate economic delopment.
- IMF and WB helped to achieve this influence.
- Modernists believed that the world could be improved by human intervention. Naturally superior + more intelligent than indigenous people.
- The Cold war i.e. a conflict without fighting, was set against the backdrop of international rivalry after WW2. It raged for 40 years between the world's 2 post-war superpowers- the USA and USSR.
Comments
No comments have yet been made