The Story of a Changing World: From War to a Cold Peace

During the darkest days of World War II, three powerful leaders came together to discuss
the future. In November 1943, in the city of Tehran, President Roosevelt from the United
States, Prime Minister Churchill from Britain, and Premier Stalin from the Soviet Union sat
down together. People called them "The Big Three," and their mission was to plan how they
could defeat Germany and end the terrible war. This meeting was like a secret council of
superheroes, but instead of powers, they used strategy and cooperation to fight the enemy.

In June 1944, their plans took a bold step forward on a day known as D-Day. Allied soldiers
from the United States, Britain, and Canada stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in
one of the most massive battles ever. This attack helped weaken Germany, and soon, the
tide of the war turned in favor of the Allies. Victory was coming, and the world held its
breath.

A New World Emerges

By 1945, everything changed. The Big Three met again in Yalta to discuss what the world
would look like once the war was over. In May, Germany finally surrendered. People across
Europe and America celebrated VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. But in Asia, Japan was still
fighting. In August, the United States made a powerful and controversial decision to drop
atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrendered shortly after, and the world
war ended.

But what kind of world would follow? The leaders wanted to prevent another terrible war, so
they created the United Nations, an organization where countries could work together to
keep the peace.

The Start of the Cold War

After the war, though, new tensions began to brew. The world was dividing into two sides:
the United States and its allies, who believed in democracy and freedom, and the Soviet
Union and its allies, who believed in communism and control by the state. In 1946, Churchill
described this division as an "Iron Curtain" that was cutting Europe in half. Behind this
curtain, countries were under strict Soviet control.

The United States saw the Soviet Union as a threat, and in 1947, President Truman
announced the Truman Doctrine. This was a promise to help any country that wanted to
resist communism. The US also offered money to rebuild Europe through the Marshall Plan,
hoping that strong, free countries would not fall under Soviet influence. Meanwhile, Stalin
formed Cominform to organize and strengthen communist governments in Eastern Europe.

A Divided Germany and an Airlift Adventure

Germany, once the heart of the war, was now split between East and West. In 1948, Stalin
tried to take control of Berlin, blocking all supplies to the western part of the city. But the
Allies didn’t give up—they started the Berlin Airlift, flying food and supplies into the city day
and night. Stalin eventually lifted the blockade, and Berlin remained divided.

In 1949, the world split even more. The Western countries formed NATO, a military alliance
to defend against the Soviet Union, while Germany officially became two countries:
democratic West Germany and communist East Germany. Around the same time, China
became a communist country under Mao Zedong, tilting the balance of power further.

Racing to Build Bigger Bombs

The 1950s were filled with fear and competition. The United States and the Soviet Union
were in an arms race, trying to build the most powerful weapons. In 1952, the United States
developed the hydrogen bomb, an even stronger atomic weapon, and the Soviet Union
quickly followed.

Then, in 1953, Stalin died, bringing some relief but also uncertainty. The Cold War didn’t
slow down, though. In 1955, the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact with its allies, a
military alliance to counter NATO. It seemed like the world was now split into two massive
teams, each watching the other with suspicion.

Walls, Crises, and Close Calls

In 1961, tensions became real for the people of Berlin when the Soviet Union built the Berlin
Wall. This wall separated families and friends, trapping people on the communist side and
blocking them from the freedoms of the West. It became a symbol of the division between
the two worlds.

The scariest moment came in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviet Union put
missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. The world held its breath as the two
sides came dangerously close to nuclear war. Luckily, both leaders decided to step back, and
a crisis was avoided. They even set up a “hotline” between Moscow and Washington so they
could talk directly to avoid such close calls in the future.

A Step Toward Space, Peace, and Change

The 1960s were also a time of exploration and progress. In 1969, American astronaut Neil
Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon, a proud moment for the US in the
Space Race against the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, in Europe, leaders were working to ease
Cold War tensions. The US President, Richard Nixon, made historic visits to China and the
Soviet Union in 1972, showing that perhaps the two sides could start talking rather than
threatening each other.

That same year, the US and the Soviet Union signed SALT I, an agreement to limit nuclear
weapons. Though the world was still divided, people hoped that this was the beginning of a
calmer time.

The End of the Cold War Story?

Though the story of the Cold War would continue for years, these moments from 1943 to
1972 show how the world went from the devastating unity of World War II to a divided
peace, known as the Cold War. It was a time when superpowers were rivals, and the world
often seemed balanced on a knife’s edge. But it was also a time when leaders took steps
toward peace, cooperation, and even reaching for the stars.

The story of the Cold War is filled with tension, bravery, close calls, and hopes for a better
future.

Timeline of the Cold War (1943-1972)

1943:

 November 1943: Tehran Conference - The "Big Three" (Roosevelt, Churchill, and
Stalin) meet to plan war strategy.

1944:

 D-Day Landings: Allied forces land in Normandy, France, opening a second front
against Germany.

1945:

 February 1945: Yalta Conference - The "Big Three" discuss post-war arrangements.

 May 1945: VE Day (Victory in Europe) - Allied victory in Europe.

 August 1945: The USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.
  July 1945: Potsdam Conference - The "Big Three" agree to split Germany.

 End of Second World War: Japan surrenders after the atomic bombings.

 United Nations founded: An international organization dedicated to maintaining

peace and promoting cooperation among nations.

1946:

 February 1946: Long Telegram - George Kennan, the US ambassador to the Soviet
Union, warns of the dangers of Soviet expansionism.

 March 1946: Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech - In a speech in Fulton, Missouri,

Winston Churchill warns of the growing Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.

1947:

 March 1947: Truman Doctrine announced - The USA pledges to support countries
resisting communist pressure.

 June 1947: Marshall Plan announced - The USA offers economic aid to European
countries to help them rebuild after the war.

 September 1947: Cominform set up - An organization set up by Stalin to coordinate

the activities of communist parties in Eastern Europe.

1948:

 February 1948: Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia - The Communist Party seizes

power in Czechoslovakia in a coup.

 June 1948: Berlin Blockade - The Soviet Union blocks all land and water routes to
West Berlin.

1949:

 April 1949: NATO formed - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance
of Western countries, is formed.

 October 1949: German Democratic Republic (GDR) and Federal Republic of Germany
(FRG) established - Germany is officially divided into two states.

 People's Republic of China established: Communist forces led by Mao Zedong win
the Chinese Civil War and establish the People's Republic of China.

1950:

 North Korea invaded South Korea: The Korean War begins.

1952:
  Elizabeth II became Queen of England: Queen Elizabeth II ascends to the British
throne.

 USA successfully tested hydrogen bomb: The USA develops a more powerful nuclear
weapon.

1953:

 Stalin died: Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union, dies.

 DNA discovered: James Watson and Francis Crick discover the structure of DNA.

1955:

 Geneva Summit: Eisenhower and Khrushchev meet for the first time.

 Warsaw Pact formed: The Soviet Union forms its own military alliance in response to
West Germany joining NATO.

 Federal Republic of Germany joined NATO: West Germany joins the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization.

1956:

 Suez Crisis: A military and political crisis involving Egypt, Israel, France, and the UK.

 Hungarian Uprising: A nationwide revolt against the communist government in

Hungary, brutally crushed by the Soviet Union.

1957:

 USA launched first inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM): The USA develops a
long-range missile capable of reaching the Soviet Union from its territory.

 Soviet Union launched first ICBM: The Soviet Union develops its own ICBM.

 August 1957: Soviet Union tested its first hydrogen bomb: The Soviet Union
successfully tests its hydrogen bomb.

1959:

 Camp David Summit: Eisenhower and Khrushchev meet again, but fail to make
progress on the Berlin issue.

 Khrushchev visited USA: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visits the United States,
meeting with President Eisenhower.

1960:

 Paris Summit: The Paris Summit collapses after a U-2 spy plane incident.
  U-2 Crisis: A US U-2 spy plane is shot down over the Soviet Union, increasing
tensions.

 Berlin Wall built: The Soviet Union builds a wall to separate East and West Berlin.

1961:

 Vienna Summit: Kennedy and Khrushchev meet in Vienna, but the meeting ends in
deadlock.

 Berlin Wall built: The Berlin Wall is constructed, physically dividing East and West
Berlin.

1962:

 Cuban Missile Crisis: The Soviet Union places nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a
tense standoff with the USA.

 Hotline between the USA and the Soviet Union established: A direct communication
link is set up between Washington and Moscow to help prevent future
misunderstandings.

1963:

 President Kennedy assassinated: John F. Kennedy, President of the USA, is

assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

 Limited Test Ban Treaty signed: The USA, the Soviet Union, and the UK sign a treaty
banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

1966:

 Cultural Revolution in China: A sociopolitical movement in China launched by Mao

Zedong.

1967:

 First heart transplant: Dr. Christiaan Barnard performs the world's first successful
human-to-human heart transplant.

 Outer Space Treaty: The Outer Space Treaty prohibits the placement of weapons of
mass destruction in Earth orbit, on the Moon, or on other celestial bodies.

1968:

 Prague Spring: A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, crushed by the

Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies.

 Martin Luther King assassinated: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is
assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
  Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: A treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear
weapons.

1969:

 First man on the Moon: Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the
Moon.

 Brandt elected chancellor of West Germany: Willy Brandt, a proponent of Ostpolitik,

becomes Chancellor of West Germany.

1970:

 Terrorists attacked Munich Olympics: Palestinian terrorists attack the Munich

Olympics, killing 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.

1972:

 Nixon visited Beijing and Moscow: US President Richard Nixon visits China and the
Soviet Union, marking a significant thaw in relations.

 SALT 1 signed: The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) agreement is signed
between the USA and the Soviet Union, limiting the number of strategic nuclear
weapons.

Cast of Characters

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR): President of the United States from 1933 until his death in
1945. He played a key role in leading the Allies to victory in World War II. He died just weeks
before the war in Europe ended.

Winston Churchill: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from
1951 to 1955. Known for his strong leadership during World War II, he coined the phrase
"Iron Curtain" to describe the Soviet Union's division of Europe.

Joseph Stalin: Leader of the Soviet Union from 1924 until his death in 1953. He was a
ruthless dictator who oversaw the expansion of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe after
World War II.

Harry S. Truman: President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. He assumed the
presidency following the death of Roosevelt and played a key role in shaping US foreign
policy during the early years of the Cold War. He introduced the Truman Doctrine and
authorized the use of the atomic bomb against Japan.

George Kennan: American diplomat and historian, best known for his "Long Telegram" in
which he articulated the policy of containment as a strategy to counter Soviet expansionism.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. He focused on
building up the US nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against the Soviet Union. He also met with
Khrushchev at the Geneva Summit in 1955.

Nikita Khrushchev: Leader of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964. He engaged in a period of
de-Stalinization but also oversaw the construction of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile
Crisis.

John F. Kennedy: President of the United States from 1961 to 1963. He faced off against
Khrushchev during the Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was assassinated in
1963.

Richard Nixon: President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. He initiated a policy of
détente with the Soviet Union and China, visiting both countries and signing the SALT I
agreement.

Mao Zedong: Leader of the Communist Party of China, founding father of the People's
Republic of China. His alliance with the Soviet Union in the early years of the Cold War
played a significant role in shaping global power dynamics.

Willy Brandt: Chancellor of West Germany from 1969 to 1974. He pursued a policy of
Ostpolitik, seeking to improve relations with East Germany and other Eastern Bloc countries.

Alexander Dubček: Leader of Czechoslovakia during the "Prague Spring" of 1968. His
attempts at implementing liberal reforms were met with a Soviet invasion.

Leonid Brezhnev: Leader of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982. He oversaw the Soviet
invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and issued the Brezhnev Doctrine, asserting the Soviet
Union's right to intervene in other communist countries to prevent the spread of "counter-
revolution".

Thematic Outline: Cold War (1943-1972)

I. Origins and Early Years (1943-1949)

 A. Wartime Conferences and Post-War Arrangements:Tehran Conference (1943):

Planning war strategy among the "Big Three"

 Yalta Conference (1945): Discussing post-war order, leading to rising tensions

 Potsdam Conference (1945): Agreement to split Germany, solidifying divisions

 B. Rise of the Iron Curtain:Churchill's "Iron Curtain" Speech (1946): Warning of

Soviet expansionism

 Long Telegram (1946): Kennan's analysis of Soviet intentions and advocating

containment
  C. Formation of Blocs and Early Conflicts:Truman Doctrine (1947): US commitment
to contain communism globally

 Marshall Plan (1947): Economic aid to rebuild Europe, countering Soviet influence

 Cominform (1947): Organization to control communist parties in Eastern Europe

 Communist Takeover of Czechoslovakia (1948): A sign of Soviet domination in Eastern

Europe

 Berlin Blockade (1948-49): Soviet attempt to control West Berlin, countered by airlift

 NATO (1949) and Warsaw Pact (1955): Formal military alliances solidify the East-West
divide

 Division of Germany (1949): Creation of East and West Germany as separate states

 Communist Victory in China (1949): Expansion of communist influence in Asia

II. Escalation and Crisis (1950-1962)

 A. Global Expansion of the Cold War:Korean War (1950-53): First hot war of the Cold
War, proxy conflict between superpowers

 B. Nuclear Arms Race and Technological Competition:Development of Hydrogen

Bomb (1952): Escalation of nuclear capabilities

 First ICBM Launches (1957): Increased threat of nuclear war

 Space Race: Competition in space exploration symbolizing technological rivalry

 C. Confrontations and Crises:Geneva Summit (1955): First meeting between US and

Soviet leaders, limited progress

 Suez Crisis (1956): Highlighting Cold War tensions in the Middle East

 Hungarian Uprising (1956): Brutal Soviet suppression of a popular uprising

 U-2 Crisis (1960): Downing of US spy plane escalating tensions

 Berlin Wall Construction (1961): A physical symbol of the divided world

 Vienna Summit (1961): Kennedy and Khrushchev meeting ends in deadlock

 Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): The closest the world came to nuclear war, highlighting
the danger of escalation

III. Thaw and Détente (1963-1972)

 A. Steps Towards Dialogue and Arms Control:Hotline Established (1962): Direct

communication link to prevent misunderstandings

 Limited Test Ban Treaty (1963): First step towards nuclear arms control
  Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968): Aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear
weapons

 SALT I (1972): Limiting the number of strategic nuclear weapons

 B. Shifts in International Dynamics:Sino-Soviet Split: Ideological and geopolitical

differences fracture the communist bloc

 Ostpolitik: West German policy seeking rapprochement with East Germany and the
East

 C. Cultural and Social Developments:Cultural Revolution (1966-76): Upheaval in

China with global implications

 Prague Spring (1968): Suppressed attempt at liberalization in Czechoslovakia

 Global Protests and Social Movements: Challenging Cold War orthodoxies

 D. Nixon's Détente:Nixon's Visits to China and the Soviet Union (1972): Signalling a
thaw in relations

IV. Key Figures of the Cold War

 A. Allied Leaders:Franklin D. Roosevelt

 Winston Churchill

 Harry S. Truman

 Dwight D. Eisenhower

 John F. Kennedy

 B. Soviet Leaders:Joseph Stalin

 Nikita Khrushchev

 Leonid Brezhnev

 C. Other Significant Figures:George Kennan

 Mao Zedong

 Willy Brandt

 Alexander Dubček

 Richard Nixon