Glossary
Berlin Wall
A fortified barrier constructed in 1961 by East Germany, physically dividing East and West Berlin, to prevent East Berliners from fleeing to the West.
Example:
The Berlin Wall became a powerful symbol of the Iron Curtain and the division between communist and capitalist blocs during the Cold War.
Central Planning
An economic system where the government makes all decisions regarding the production and distribution of goods and services.
Example:
Under Soviet rule, Eastern European economies operated under Central Planning, which often led to shortages and inefficiencies compared to market economies.
Cominform
The Communist Information Bureau, a Soviet-led organization established in 1947 to coordinate the policies and actions of communist parties across Europe.
Example:
Cominform was used by Moscow to ensure ideological conformity and suppress dissent among communist parties in both Eastern and Western Europe.
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON)
An economic organization of communist states, primarily in Eastern Europe, established by the Soviet Union in 1949.
Example:
Through COMECON, the Soviet Union attempted to integrate the economies of its satellite states, often to the detriment of their individual national interests.
Domino Effect
A Cold War theory that speculated if one country in a region fell to communism, then neighboring countries would also fall, like a chain of dominoes.
Example:
US involvement in Vietnam was partly driven by the fear of the Domino Effect, believing that if Vietnam became communist, other Southeast Asian nations would follow.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
A multilateral agreement regulating international trade, aimed at reducing tariffs and other trade barriers to promote global commerce.
Example:
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) laid the groundwork for a more open global economy by encouraging member nations to lower import taxes.
Hungarian Revolution
A nationwide revolt against the Soviet-imposed government of Hungary in 1956, demanding greater freedom and independence.
Example:
The Hungarian Revolution was violently suppressed by Soviet tanks, demonstrating the USSR's determination to maintain control over its satellite states.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
An international organization established to stabilize global exchange rates and promote international financial cooperation and stability.
Example:
After a currency crisis, a nation might seek a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize its economy and prevent further collapse.
Korean Conflict
A war (1950-1953) between North Korea (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (supported by the United Nations, primarily the United States).
Example:
The Korean Conflict was the first major military clash of the Cold War, resulting in the division of the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.
Marshall Plan
A massive economic aid program launched by the United States after World War II to help rebuild war-torn Western European economies.
Example:
The Marshall Plan provided billions of dollars in aid, helping countries like France and West Germany recover and resist the appeal of communism.
Molotov Plan
The Soviet Union's economic aid program for Eastern European countries, established in response to the Marshall Plan.
Example:
Unlike the Marshall Plan, the Molotov Plan was less effective in promoting economic recovery and primarily served to solidify Soviet control over its satellite states.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
A military alliance formed in 1949 by the US, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.
Example:
During the Cold War, if the Soviet Union had attacked West Germany, all NATO members would have been obligated to come to its defense.
Prague Spring
A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia in 1968, led by Alexander Dubček, which sought to introduce 'socialism with a human face'.
Example:
The Prague Spring saw reforms like increased freedom of speech and press, but it was brutally crushed by a Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion.
Puppet Governments
Governments that are nominally independent but are in fact controlled by an outside power.
Example:
After World War II, the Soviet Union installed Puppet Governments in Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary to ensure their alignment with Moscow.
Truman Doctrine
A US foreign policy established in 1947, pledging American support to any country resisting communist expansion through economic or military aid.
Example:
The Truman Doctrine was first applied to Greece and Turkey, providing aid to prevent their governments from falling to communist insurgents.
Vietnam War
A prolonged conflict (1955-1975) between North Vietnam (supported by communist allies) and South Vietnam (supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies).
Example:
The Vietnam War was a significant proxy conflict of the Cold War, demonstrating the US commitment to containing communism in Southeast Asia.
Warsaw Pact
A collective defense treaty signed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellite states, formed in response to NATO.
Example:
The Warsaw Pact served as the military arm of the Soviet bloc, ensuring military cooperation and loyalty among its members.
World Bank
An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for capital projects.
Example:
A developing nation might receive a loan from the World Bank to fund a large infrastructure project, such as building new roads or power plants.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
An intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade, succeeding GATT in 1995.
Example:
Disputes over trade practices between countries are often brought before the World Trade Organization (WTO) for resolution.