There was a struggle of control of Germany state in Europe that resulted into the cold war. The Soviet Union seized control over Eastern Europe where half of Germany and half of the capital Berlin. On the other hand, United States, France and Great Britain had full control of Western Germany and west Berlin. In 1948, the transport infrastructure that connected to West Berlin was blocked by The Soviet Union. This resulted into lack of supplies from east to west Europe forcing the three countries; United States, Great Britain and France to airlift their supplies. They are lifting is commonly known as the Berlin Airlift.
Outcome of second World War
After the Second World War, the strongest unions were the Americans (US) and the Soviet Union nations while third world countries also emerged. The superpowers wanted control over resources in the underdeveloped countries. This is one of the causes of the cold war. The cold war was the war of ideas because the superpower thought differently in terms of economics and government. The two countries had established different economic theories and approaches; The Soviet Union was a communist state where production and resources are controlled by the government. On the other hand, the US emerged to be a capitalist state where productions of goods are controlled by people and businesses. In capitalism people were free to decide where they wanted to live.
Role of Communism in cold war
The conflicts of cold war can be attributed to the control of power gained during the Second War II. After World War II South Korea and North Korea were formed from Korea where they adopted different economic ideologies. South Korea became a capitalist state while North Korea adopted communist economic perspective. South Korea was invaded by the Northern resulting into a cold war. The United Nation came to the aid of south Korea by sending solders to help them. China sent solders in the North Korea to help them. The war ended in 1953 with no country wining since the two states are still separated. Another conflict was between the United States and The Soviet Union. This conflict was about the Miles and Nuclear arms. Cuba became alias of The Soviet Union after becoming communist in 1959. This moved was seen as a threat to the US government because The Soviet Union kept missiles in Cuba and it was believed that US could be attacked from this state. President Kennedy decided to counter this move by sending war ships to surround Cuba. This conflict was referred to as Cuban Missile Crisis. It lasted for six days after the sending of the warships after which The Soviet Union withdrew its missiles from Cuba.
Role of nationalism in the cold war
There were two groups of nationalist during cold war. The first group believed in global market and democracy forming international blocks such as European Union. The other group of nationalist was viewed as racists, the one that cannot reform. Nationalism is also attributed to the overthrown of communism rule in The Soviet Union. Nationalist such as Yeltsin were very popular and influential in The Soviet Union rule. Through their influence The Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991 after Ukraine and Russia declared independence.
Life in Eastern Europe during cold war
During this period people of Eastern Europe spend most of their time daily searching and waiting for basic goods and services. There was acute shortage of basic commodities, personal hygiene and health items such as toilet paper. There were difficulties of shopping because of long lines. However, during this period in Eastern Europe, many people could not afford cars hence most public transport means were overcrowded with people coming and going to work and school. The lives of people in Western Europe were better and had greatly improved. There were quality products and many businesses hence basic commodities were easily acquired. There was sufficient supply of food and hygiene materials to the residents.
Life of women during cold war
Women who were working during the cold war went through hard time. They were to stand on a line for hours before they could purchase meat and other households. Women also lacked basic hygiene items for their personal use. The products produced during this period were of low quality.
End of cold war
The end of cold war is attributed to many things among them is the change of perspective between the Soviet Union and United states. There is an argument that cold war is as a result of Soviet Union ideology and aim of overthrowing capitalist states worldwide. The war ended because United States and other capitalist countries proved to have better policies and strong economy compared to communist states. Revolutions also played a major role where people within the communism states did not want the hardliner rule of Gorbachev and poor economic state of Eastern Europe. Peace groups from East Europe also contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union by reaching out to the West Europe countries.
References
Herz, Martin F. Beginning of the Cold War. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1966.
John B. Dunlop, The New Russian Revolution, Belmont, Mass.: Nordland Pulishing Company 1976
