Definition of the cold war
After the World War Two, a relationship developed between the United States of America (USA) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) termed as the Cold War. This relationship dominated international affairs for many years resulting into many serious crises like, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, and Berlin Wall among others. During this period. there was a massive growth of the weapons of mass destruction that led to a lot of worries (Historylearningsite 2012).
The major turning points in Europe in the development from 1945 through 1989
Recalling the work of Henry who was the navigator in the fifteenth century, the European Union (EU) discovered some opportunities because of the global challenges they faced. In early twenty-first century, globalization slowed down the integration of EU forces, but later the union discovered its global goals. The integration of the EU brought about a lot of crises as the nation faced problems implementing some policies and goals as those set in 1945. One of the major turning points in Europe development was the source of failures that resulted from the declaration of political aspirations of the EU institutions. These failures led the European parliament develop a strategy for ensuring the integration process took place without any failure and the set objectives met. These were achieved by the year 1989 when the EU policies were achieved although there was a question on how to take control of future crises (Kuhnhardt 12).
Another major turning point that saw the development of Europe from 1945 through 1989 was the development of European constitution. In addition, there was a creation of the European Economic Community in 1957 that led to the end of world War Two. After 1945, Europe developed a parliamentary democracy in Western Europe that brought about peace to the region. Moreover, the Eastern Europe Union enlarged as they tried to develop the first constitution but failed. This indicated that the widening of EU was not in line with the planned integration. Later, European Union came up with leaders who formed constitution authority and ensured democracy was followed. The authority practiced transparency, efficiency and accountability and later developed the constitution by 1989. After this, the European politics strengthened and the countries were in a position of developing in different ways as governed by the constitution (Nagel 15-37).
What roles did the US play since 1945 in Europe?
After the cold war, U.S and Europe formed a tight relationship that ensured the two nations lived without threats, and had a strategic plan on how to develop them from 1945. U.S ensured that Europe gained the needed union after the crisis caused by the Second World War through ensuring laws and values were followed. Moreover, various State leaders practiced their powers through embracing extensive agendas, though not power driven, but ensured European nation face no more threats. After the cold war, U.S came up with an international agenda offering new opportunities, and necessities to Europeans that brought about transatlantic cooperation in hosting new strategies. In addition, the Neo-liberal intuitionist from United States developed international institutions that promoted the set agendas, encouraging linkages among smaller states, and promoting formation of coalition governments. Even if the European nations were affected by post-Cold War crisis, they later successfully adapted themselves to the circumstances and overcome new challenges through the help of U.S government (Larres 230-232).
In May 1989, U.S President Bush and the then defense secretary Baker resolved the conflicts over the first U.S and European Community declaration resulting from misunderstanding among leaders. The German Boston university chancellor Helmut proposed a joint declaration between the United States and European Community with the objectives of improving the cooperation between the two nations. After the union, U.S issued security to the European Community. The new constitution developed by EC ensured that the nation developed tight political and security component in order to improve Europe’s political stand. U.S played a significant role in ensuring European Community leaved in a safe environment, and also assisted in improving their economy after the Cold War. European Community developed into a stable economy and political union by the year 1983 (Larres 233-234).
Reasons for the collapse of Soviet Union
The main reason that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union was due to changes in leadership that occurred in 1985 after the succession of Konstantin Chernenko by Gorbachev as the General Secretary. The union dissolved within the subsequent years , and by 1991 it came to a dead end. The urge for leadership in different Unions brought about disagreement among member states affecting even the most silent nations in the union. Moreover, there was an increase in general education level forcing people to join higher education. The knowledge from the outside world led to disintegration of the Soviet Union as communities diversified from their traditions and beliefs. On the other hand, the collapse of the Soviet Union was due to social change. As people gained more education, they realized the need for improved economy, which was long declined in the union for 30 years (1950-1980). Communities migrated into other nations like U.S and settled there since they could get access to good education, health care, and conducive environment (Dallin and Lapidus 19-25).
Work Cited
Dallin, A., and Lapidus, G. W., The Soviet System: From Crisis to Collapse. Westview Press,
1995
Historylearningsite. What was the Cold War. 2012. Retrieved from:
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/what%20was%20the%20cold%20war.htm
Kuhnhardt, L. Implications of globalization on the Raison d’Etre of European Integration, Oslo:
Arena, 2002
Larres, K. A Companion to Europe since 1945. United kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2009
Nagel, S. Policymaking and Democracy: A Multinational Anthology, Lanham: Lexington Books,
2003
