The EFFECTS of the Cold War, Explained [AP World History Review—Unit 8 Topic 3]

Cold War Military Alliances and Proxy Wars

Formation of Military Alliances

• The Cold War led to the formation of significant military alliances, notably NATO in 1949, as Western nations sought mutual defense against the Soviet threat.

• NATO included the United States and various Western European countries, aiming to counteract Soviet influence after World War II.

• In response, the Soviets established the Warsaw Pact in 1955, creating a similar alliance among Eastern Bloc nations.

• Both alliances operated under a principle of collective defense; an attack on one member was considered an attack on all.

Nuclear Proliferation

• The arms race intensified during the Cold War, with both superpowers amassing nuclear weapons capable of global destruction.

• The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 marked a critical moment when Soviet missiles were discovered in Cuba, escalating tensions significantly.

• The U.S. had previously placed missiles in Turkey, highlighting mutual provocations between the two powers.

• President Kennedy's naval blockade around Cuba represented a severe escalation that brought both sides close to war but ultimately led to de-escalation.

Proxy Wars During the Cold War

Korean War

• Following WWII, Korea was divided into North and South; North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950 seeking unification under communist rule.

• This conflict drew international involvement: UN forces (primarily U.S.) supported South Korea while the Soviets provided support to North Korea indirectly through supplies rather than troops.

Angolan Civil War

• Post-independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola faced internal strife among rival ethnic groups vying for power.

Angolan Civil War and Cold War Proxy Conflicts

Overview of the Angolan Civil War

• The Angolan Civil War began as a significant conflict, becoming a battleground for larger powers involved in the Cold War.

• It is identified as one of the proxy wars during this period, highlighting the global struggle between superpowers.

Contra War in Nicaragua

• In 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front, self-proclaimed socialists, seized power in Nicaragua.

• The United States reacted strongly against this socialist movement, asserting that no socialist regime would be tolerated in its hemisphere.