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Cold War Rivalry

The document outlines key events and themes from the Cold War, including the Cominform, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Space Race, and the Olympics rivalry, culminating in the USSR's collapse in 1991. It also discusses the decline of the British Empire due to WWI and WWII, the rise of nationalism, and the independence movements in India and Africa. Additionally, it highlights the impacts of WWII on Britain, particularly in welfare reforms like the establishment of the NHS and education improvements.

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Carissa Tan
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4 views2 pages

Cold War Rivalry

The document outlines key events and themes from the Cold War, including the Cominform, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Space Race, and the Olympics rivalry, culminating in the USSR's collapse in 1991. It also discusses the decline of the British Empire due to WWI and WWII, the rise of nationalism, and the independence movements in India and Africa. Additionally, it highlights the impacts of WWII on Britain, particularly in welfare reforms like the establishment of the NHS and education improvements.

Uploaded by

Carissa Tan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Cold War Rivalry

Cominform (1947): Stalin united communist countries to control ideas and policies.​

Korean War (1950–1953): North Korea (USSR-supported) invaded South Korea


(US-supported); UN and China joined in, ending in a stalemate.​

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): USSR placed missiles in Cuba; US discovered them. Tension
lasted 13 days, almost causing war. Ended with a deal: USSR removed missiles, US promised
not to invade Cuba.​

Vietnam War (1955–1975): US backed South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam.
Guerrilla tactics wore down US support. US left in 1973, Vietnam became communist.​

Space Race: USSR first in space (Sputnik, Gagarin, Tereshkova), US first on moon (1969).
Show of global power.​

Olympics Rivalry: USSR and USA competed in sports to prove dominance. USSR won more
medals but faced drug accusations.​

End of Cold War (1991): USSR collapsed due to economic struggles, ending the Cold War.

Decline of British Empire

Loss of Power: WWI & WWII weakened Britain’s economy and military, pushing colonies to
demand independence.​
Spread of Nationalism: Colonies wanted self-rule, inspired by democratic and anti-colonial
ideas.​
Symbolic Changes: Countries removed colonial symbols (e.g. Cecil Rhodes statue).​
Rhodes' Legacy: Exploited African land/resources; made laws that harmed local people.

Independence for India

British Control: Britain ruled key parts of life (army, law, education). Indian culture ignored.​
Indian Support in WWI: India helped Britain, but got little in return.​
Gandhi’s Role: Led peaceful protests for independence.​
Independence (1947): After WWII, Britain offered freedom. India was split into India and
Pakistan due to religious divisions.

Independence in Africa

Colonial Control: By 1900, over 80% of Africa was colonized.​


Economic Exploitation: Colonies were used for raw materials and cheap labor.​
Berlin Conference: Europe divided Africa to avoid conflict among themselves.​
Post-WWII Independence: War weakened European powers. Africans demanded freedom
after fighting in the war.​
Examples: Ghana gained independence first; others followed. Some, like Nigeria and Kenya,
joined the Commonwealth.​
Challenges: New nations faced poverty, unstable governments, and conflict.

Impacts of WWII on Britain

Welfare Reforms:

●​ NHS (1948): Free healthcare (funded by taxes); some services like medicine/dental care
still paid.​

●​ Education: School leaving age raised to 15; free milk for students.​

●​ Housing: “New towns” (e.g. Stevenage) built with homes and jobs.​

●​ Family Support: Child allowance, increased pensions, and financial help for the poor.​

●​ Problems: NHS staff faced stress and shortages.

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