Cold War – Narratives

Potsdam, Tehran and Yalta

CAUSE:
● Firstly, the cause of the Potsdam, Yalta, and Tehran conferences was the need to negotiate the
post-World War II landscape and establish a new world order
● Evidence: World War II had devastated Europe, and the victorious Allied powers needed to determine
how to rebuild and reorganise the continent. Additionally, the Allies needed to address the question of
how to deal with defeated Germany and Japan, and how to prevent future global conflicts
● Explanation: The need to establish a new world order led to negotiations among the major Allied powers,
which ultimately resulted in the Potsdam, Yalta, and Tehran conferences.
● Link: This is linked to the next step because the conferences were critical in shaping the post-World War
II world order.

EVENT:
➢ As a result of this, the Tehran Conference was held in Iran in November + December of 1943.
➢ Evidence: The conference was attended by the BIG THREE: Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and
Joseph Stalin. The conference primarily focused on military strategy, specifically the coordination of the
Allied forces in Europe and the planning of the D-Day invasion.
➢ Explanation: The Tehran Conference was important because it established a level of trust and
cooperation among the superpowers, which was crucial for the success of the war effort.
➢ Link: This is linked to the next step because the cooperation established at the Tehran Conference laid
the foundation for the future conferences.

CONSEQUENCE:
❖ As a consequence of the Tehran Conference, the Yalta Conference was held in February 1945.
❖ Evidence: The Yalta Conference was also attended by Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, and focused on
the post-war settlement of Europe. The leaders discussed issues such as the future of Germany, the role
of the United Nations, and the division of Europe into spheres of influence.
❖ Explanation: The Yalta Conference was important because it established the basic framework for the
post-World War II world order, including the division of Germany and Europe into spheres of influence,
which ultimately led to the Cold War.
❖ Link: This is linked to the next event because the Yalta Conference set the stage for the final conference,
which dealt with the practicalities of implementing the agreements reached at Yalta.

EVENT:
❖ As a result of the Yalta Conference, the Potsdam Conference was held in July and August 1945.
❖ Evidence: The Potsdam Conference was attended by new leaders, with Harry S. Truman replacing
Roosevelt and Clement Attlee replacing Churchill. The conference focused on the practicalities of
implementing the agreements reached at Yalta, including the division of Germany, reparations, and the
punishment of war criminals.
❖ Explanation: The Potsdam Conference was important because it marked the beginning of the
breakdown of trust between the superpowers, particularly between the United States and the Soviet
Union. In addition, the tensions had increased between them, ultimately leading to the Cold War + the
division of Europe into two spheres of influence.
Long Telegram + Novikov Telegram
CAUSE:
❖ Firstly, the cause of the Long Telegram and the Novikov Telegram was the growing tensions
between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.
❖ Evidence: The United States and the Soviet Union were part of an alliance, specifically the
Grand Alliance, during World War II, but they had differing ideologies. The Soviet Union was
committed to spreading communism, while the United States was dedicated to promoting
democracy and capitalism.
❖ Explanation: This caused a fundamental clash of ideologies and interests between the two
superpowers, which led to a deteriorating relationship between them.
❖ Link: This is linked to the next step because it set the stage for the Long Telegram and the
Novikov Telegram, which were both attempts by the United States and the Soviet Union to
understand and address the growing tensions between them.
EVENT:
➔ As a result of this, the Long Telegram was sent by George F. Kennan, who was serving at the
United States embassy in Moscow.
➔ Evidence: In the telegram, Kennan outlined his views on the Soviet Union and its intentions
towards the United States. He claimed that the Soviet Union was committed to spreading
communism throughout the world, which posed a direct threat to the United States.
➔ Explanation: Kennan's views were influential because they provided the United States with a
clear strategy for dealing with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
➔ Link: This is linked to the next step because Kennan's policy of containment became a central
tenet of American foreign policy for decades, and it was used to justify a wide range of
actions, including military interventions and covert operations.
CONSEQUENCE:
➢ As a consequence of Kennan's Long Telegram, the Novikov Telegram was sent by Nikolai
Novikov, the Soviet ambassador to the United States.
➢ Evidence: In the telegram, Novikov described the United States as a world-wide aggressor
that was seeking to dominate the world through its economic and military power. Novikov
claimed that the United States was trying to weaken the Soviet Union’s economy, and that the
United States was preparing for war.
➢ Explanation: Novikov's views were influential because they provided the Soviet Union with a
clear strategy for dealing with the United States during the Cold War. This worsened the
tensions between th and ultimately led to the Cold War becoming a global conflict.
➢ Link: This is linked to the next event because Novikov's telegram contributed to the arms race
between the two superpowers, which worsened the tensions between them and ultimately led
to the Cold War becoming a global conflict.
Truman Doctrine + Marshall Plan
CAUSE:
● Point: Firstly, the cause of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan was the fear of Soviet
expansionism in post-World War II Europe.
● Evidence: The Soviet Union was expanding its influence and power throughout Europe, which
was causing concern for Western nations. The Soviet Union's annexation of territories such as
Eastern Poland and the Baltic states, along with the establishment of Soviet-friendly
governments in countries like Czechoslovakia and Hungary, demonstrated the Soviet Union's
intention to spread its ideology and political system.
● Explanation: This therefore worsened the already tense relations between the Western powers
and the Soviet Union. The United States, in particular, feared the spread of communism and
the potential loss of capitalist markets in Europe. The fear of Soviet expansionism and the
spread of communism was the main cause of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.
● Link: This is linked to the next step because it created a sense of urgency among Western
powers to contain Soviet expansionism.

EVENT:
➔ Point: As a result of this, what developed was the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.
➔ Evidence: In March 1947, President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, which
stated that the United States would provide military and economic aid to any country
threatened by communism. Additionally, in June 1947, Secretary of State George Marshall
proposed the Marshall Plan, which aimed to provide financial assistance to rebuild the
war-torn countries of Europe, including those under Soviet influence.
➔ Explanation: The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan were implemented in response to
the Soviet threat and aimed to prevent the spread of communism by providing economic and
military assistance to countries at risk of Soviet influence. The Truman Doctrine and the
Marshall Plan were both essential components of the United States' containment policy
towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
➔ Link: This is linked to the next step because the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan led to
a significant increase in U.S. involvement in European affairs.

CONSEQUENCE:
❖ Point: As a consequence of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, the United States
established itself as a dominant power in Europe and contributed to the division of Europe
during the Cold War.
❖ Evidence: The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan led to a significant increase in U.S.
involvement in European affairs, both economically and politically. The U.S. became the
primary source of financial aid for Europe, which solidified its role as a dominant power in the
region. However, the Soviet Union saw the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan as an
attempt by the United States to spread its influence in Europe and responded by increasing its
own military and political presence in Eastern Europe.
❖ Explanation: The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan also contributed to the division of
Europe during the Cold War. The Soviet Union established its own sphere of influence in
Eastern Europe, which was in direct opposition to the Western powers' influence in the region.
The division of Europe into two competing blocs lasted throughout the Cold War and had a
significant impact on global politics.
Comecon + Cominform
CAUSE:
● The Soviet Union's expansionist policies were the main cause of the creation of Comecon and
Cominform. The Soviet Union wanted to increase its influence in Europe and spread communism, while
the United States sought to contain the spread of communism through the Truman Doctrine and the
Marshall Plan.
● Evidence: After World War II, the Soviet Union controlled many of the countries in Eastern Europe and
sought to spread communism throughout the region. In response, the United States implemented
containment policies to prevent the spread of communism.
● Explanation: The Soviet Union's expansionist policies and the United States' containment policies
created a divide between the Eastern and Western blocs, leading to the formation of separate economic
and political alliances.
● Link: This is linked to the formation of Comecon and Cominform, which were created to promote
economic cooperation and spread communist ideology in the Eastern bloc.

EVENT (Comecon):
❖ As a result of the Soviet Union's desire to increase its influence and spread communism in Europe,
Comecon was created in 1949. This organisation was intended to promote economic cooperation and
development in the Eastern bloc countries
❖ Evidence: Comecon was founded by the Soviet Union, along with Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,
Poland, and Romania. Its purpose was to provide economic assistance to these countries and
strengthen their ties to the Soviet Union.
❖ Explanation: Comecon was intended to counter the economic assistance provided to Western Europe
by the Marshall Plan, which aimed to promote economic recovery and stability in Europe. Comecon
helped to establish a centralised economic planning system in the Eastern bloc, which allowed the
Soviet Union to exert control over the economies of its satellite states.
❖ Link: This is linked to the formation of Cominform, which was created to promote political cooperation
and spread communist ideology in the Eastern bloc.

EVENT (Cominform):
➔ Cominform was created in 1947 to coordinate communist parties across Europe and promote a unified
communist front. The organisation was founded by the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, France, Italy, and
Czechoslovakia.
➔ Evidence: Cominform was established in response to the Marshall Plan and the growing influence of the
United States in Western Europe. The organisation was designed to promote political and ideological
conformity among the communist parties of Europe
➔ Explanation: Cominform sought to strengthen the power of communist parties in the Eastern bloc and
establish a unified communist front against the Western powers. The organisation aimed to prevent the
spread of capitalist ideas and promote communist ideology.
➔ Link: The formation of Cominform and Comecon further solidified the divide between the Eastern and
Western blocs, leading to the Cold War and increased tensions between the United States and the
Soviet Union.

CONSEQUENCE:
★ The creation of Comecon and Cominform had significant consequences for the Eastern bloc and the
global community. These organizations helped to solidify the power of the Soviet Union in Eastern
Europe and increase tensions between the Eastern and Western blocs.
★ Evidence: Comecon provided economic assistance to Eastern European countries, but the organization
was criticized for promoting inefficiency and hindering economic growth. Cominform helped to spread
communist ideology in Europe, but the organization was dissolved in 1956 due to disagreements among
communist parties.
★ Explanation: The creation of Comecon and Cominform helped to promote the spread of communism in
Europe, but also reinforced the divide between the Eastern and Western blocs. The organizations
contributed to the tensions and conflicts of the Cold War and had lasting impacts on the political and
economic systems of the countries involved.
Berlin Blockade
CAUSE:
● Point: Firstly, the cause of the Berlin Blockade was the increasing tension between the Soviet
Union and the Western Allies after the end of World War II.
● Evidence: After the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, the victorious Allied powers divided the
country into four zones of occupation - the Soviet Union, the United States, Great Britain, and
France. However, the division of Germany and its capital city, Berlin, was problematic, as the
city was located entirely within the Soviet zone of occupation.
● Explanation: The Soviet Union's goal was to rebuild and strengthen its economy after the war,
and the country saw the potential to gain control over all of Germany, including the Western
Allies' zones of occupation, by putting pressure on Berlin.
● Link: This is linked to the Soviet Union's desire for security and control over Eastern Europe,
which was seen as a buffer zone against any potential Western aggression.

EVENT:
● Point: As a result of the Soviet Union's desire for control, the Berlin Blockade was
implemented.
● Evidence: On June 24, 1948, the Soviet Union blocked all road, rail, and waterway access to
West Berlin, which was supplied by the Western Allies. The blockade caused a major crisis as
the Western Allies were forced to airlift supplies to the city.
● Explanation: The Berlin Blockade was an attempt by the Soviet Union to pressure the
Western Allies to abandon their occupation of Germany and to recognize the Soviet Union's
authority in Eastern Europe.
● Link: This is linked to the increasing tension between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies,
which led to the formation of military alliances and the start of the Cold War.

CONSEQUENCE:
➔ Point: As a consequence of the Berlin Blockade, the Western Allies responded with the
formation of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
➔ Evidence: In April 1949, the Western Allies signed the North Atlantic Treaty, which established
NATO as a mutual defence alliance against any potential Soviet aggression.
➔ Explanation: The Berlin Blockade was a significant event in the early years of the Cold War
and increased the sense of threat and insecurity felt by the Western Allies. The blockade
ultimately failed, and the Soviet Union lifted the blockade in May 1949, but the tension
between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies remained high.
NATO
CAUSE:
● Point: Firstly, the cause of NATO was the growing threat of the Soviet Union and the
communist bloc to the West after World War II.
● Evidence: For example, the Soviet Union was rapidly expanding its influence across Eastern
Europe, and there were concerns that it would continue to spread communism throughout the
rest of the continent. Additionally, the United States feared that if it did not act, it would lose its
influence in Europe.
● Explanation: This therefore encouraged Western European countries to form a collective
defence alliance to protect themselves from the Soviet Union and communism.
● Link: This is linked to the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949,
which aimed to provide collective defense against the Soviet Union and its allies.

EVENT:
❖ Point: As a result of this, NATO established a system of mutual defence that formed the
cornerstone of the organisation.
❖ Evidence: For example, if any country is attacked under NATO, then that is considered an
attack against all countries of NATO, and that each member state will take necessary
measures to assist the attacked member state.
❖ Explanation: This therefore increased the security of member states and deterred the Soviet
Union from launching any aggression against them.
❖ Link: This is linked to the creation of a military command structure, including the Supreme
Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Allied Command Operations (ACO), to coordinate
military actions and ensure the readiness of member state armed forces.

CONSEQUENCE
★ Point: As a consequence of NATO, Europe was able to maintain stability and avoid another
major conflict during the Cold War.
★ Evidence: For example, NATO played a significant role in the peaceful resolution of the
Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when the Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba.
★ Explanation: This therefore improved the relationship between the West and the Soviet Union
and reduced the risk of a nuclear war.
★ Link: This is linked to the expansion of NATO after the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of
the Cold War, as many former Soviet bloc countries joined NATO to enhance their security
and stability, thereby consolidating peace and stability in Europe. Additionally, NATO played a
critical role in military operations such as the Kosovo War, which helped to end ethnic conflicts
in the region.
Hungarian Uprising
CAUSE:
● Point: Firstly, the cause of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956 was the repressive policies of the
Soviet-backed Hungarian government, led by Matyas Rakosi. Rakosi's regime imposed strict
censorship on the media, suppressed opposition parties, and created a secret police force to
enforce loyalty to the government. This led to widespread discontent among the Hungarian
population.
● Evidence: For example, in 1952, the Hungarian Communist Party purged many of its
members who were deemed to be disloyal to the government. Over 350,000 people were
arrested, and many were executed or sent to labor camps.
● Explanation: This therefore worsened the situation and increased opposition to the
government. The Hungarian people became increasingly frustrated with the government's
policies and their lack of freedom.
● Link: This is linked to the events of the Hungarian Uprising because it created an atmosphere
of oppression and resistance among the Hungarian people.
EVENT:
❖ Point: As a result of this, what developed was a student demonstration on October 23, 1956,
in Budapest, which soon turned into a mass protest against the government. The protesters
demanded an end to Soviet control and the establishment of a multi-party democracy. The
government responded by sending in the police and the military, which only fueled the anger
of the protesters.
❖ Evidence: For example, the protesters took control of the radio station and broadcasted their
demands to the country. Workers across the country went on strike in solidarity with the
protesters.
❖ Explanation: This therefore encouraged more people to join the uprising, and it quickly spread
across Hungary. The protesters formed militias to defend themselves against the government
forces.
❖ Link: This is linked to the events of the Hungarian Uprising because it was the catalyst that
sparked the revolution and united the Hungarian people in their opposition to the government.

CONSEQUENCE:
★ As a consequence of this, the Soviet Union sent in troops to crush the uprising. The
Hungarian forces were no match for the Soviet military, and the revolution was quickly
suppressed. The Soviet Union installed a new government, which was more compliant to their
interests.
★ Evidence: For example, the Soviet military used tanks and artillery to crush the rebellion, and
thousands of Hungarians were killed in the fighting. Many more were arrested.
★ Explanation: This therefore worsened the situation for the Hungarian people, and it destroyed
their hopes for freedom and democracy. The Soviet Union tightened its grip on Hungary, and
it remained under Soviet control for another 33 years.
Cuban Revolution
CAUSE
❖ Firstly, the cause of the Cuban Revolution was the corrupt and oppressive regime of Cuban
President Fulgencio Batista. Batista came to power through a military coup in 1952 and ruled
Cuba with the support of the United States. He suppressed political opposition, restricted
freedom of the press, and allowed American businesses to exploit the country's resources.
This led to widespread poverty and discontent among the Cuban people.
❖ Evidence: For example, Batista's government was infamous for its brutality and human rights
abuses. His secret police force, known as the Bureau for the Repression of Communist
Activities, arrested and tortured thousands of Cubans who were suspected of being
anti-government.
❖ Explanation: This therefore worsened the situation and increased opposition to the
government. The Cuban people became increasingly frustrated with the government's
policies and their lack of freedom.
❖ Link: This is linked to the events of the Cuban Revolution because it created an atmosphere
of oppression and resistance among the Cuban people.
EVENT
➢ As a result of this, Fidel Castro led a group of rebels in a guerilla war against Batista's
government. The rebels were based in the mountains of Sierra Maestra and gradually gained
support from the Cuban people. They conducted raids on government forces and disrupted
the country's infrastructure, such as destroying power plants and disrupting transportation.
➢ Evidence: For example, in 1959, the rebels captured Havana, the capital city of Cuba, and
Batista fled the country. The new government led by Fidel Castro nationalised
American-owned businesses and established a socialist state.
➢ Explanation: This therefore encouraged more people to join the revolution, and it quickly
spread across Cuba. The revolutionaries formed a new government and began implementing
social and economic reforms, such as land redistribution and free education and healthcare.
➢ Link: This is linked to the events of the Cuban Revolution because it was the turning point that
led to the overthrow of Batista's government and the establishment of a new socialist
government.

CONSEQUENCE
★ As a consequence of this, the United States imposed an economic embargo on Cuba, which
has lasted for over 60 years. The US government viewed the new government in Cuba as a
threat to American interests in the region and began a campaign to isolate and undermine the
Cuban government.
★ Evidence: For example, the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was a failed attempt by the US to
overthrow the Cuban government. The US also attempted to assassinate Fidel Castro and
conducted covert operations to destabilise the Cuban government.
★ Explanation: This therefore worsened the situation for the Cuban people, and it created a
difficult economic situation for the country. Cuba was unable to trade with the US or receive
aid, which made it difficult to sustain its socialist economy.
Bay of Pigs
CAUSE
❖ Point: Firstly, the cause of the Bay of Pigs invasion was the United States' desire to overthrow
Fidel Castro's revolutionary government in Cuba.
❖ Evidence: Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the United States was concerned about
the spread of communism in the region and believed that Castro's government was a threat to
their interests. The U.S. government began planning a secret operation to overthrow Castro,
which eventually became known as the Bay of Pigs invasion.
❖ Explanation: This desire to remove Castro and prevent the spread of communism was a key
factor in the decision to launch the invasion.
❖ Link: This is linked to the U.S.'s Cold War policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the
spread of communism beyond its current borders.

EVENT
➔ Point: As a result of this, the United States trained and armed a group of Cuban exiles to
launch an invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs.
➔ Evidence: The U.S. government trained around 1,500 Cuban exiles in Guatemala, and
provided them with weapons and equipment to carry out the invasion. On April 17, 1961, the
exiles launched an attack on the beach at the Bay of Pigs.
➔ Explanation: The U.S. government believed that the Cuban people would rise up against
Castro and support the invasion, but this did not happen. The exiles were quickly
overwhelmed by the Cuban military, and the invasion failed.
➔ Link: This is linked to the U.S.'s belief in the effectiveness of covert operations and the use of
proxy forces to achieve their goals, rather than direct military action.

CONSEQUENCE
★ Point: As a consequence of the Bay of Pigs invasion, the U.S. suffered a major setback in its
efforts to remove Castro and limit the spread of communism in the region.
★ Evidence: The failure of the invasion was a significant embarrassment for the U.S.
government, and led to increased anti-American sentiment in Cuba and elsewhere in Latin
America. It also strengthened Castro's position, as he was able to portray the invasion as a
victory against U.S. aggression.
★ Explanation: The failure of the invasion led the U.S. government to reassess its strategy
towards Cuba, and to focus more on covert operations and economic pressure to achieve its
goals. It also led to increased tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as Castro sought closer
ties with the Soviet Union in response to the perceived threat from the U.S.
★ Link: This is linked to the escalation of the Cold War in the early 1960s, and to the eventual
Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Cuban Missile Crisis
CAUSE
➔ Point: Firstly, the cause of the Cuban Missile Crisis was the political tension between the
United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
➔ Evidence: The United States had a policy of containment to prevent the spread of
communism, and the Soviet Union felt threatened by this. The Soviet Union had also placed
missiles in Cuba, which was close to the United States.
➔ Explanation: This therefore worsened the relationship between the two superpowers, and
increased the possibility of a nuclear war.
➔ Link: This is linked to the event that followed because it led to the discovery of the missiles in
Cuba by the United States.

EVENT
● Point: As a result of this, what developed was the discovery of Soviet Union's missile
installations in Cuba by the United States.
● Evidence: On October 14, 1962, the United States discovered Soviet Union's missile
installations in Cuba through U-2 spy planes.
● Explanation: This discovery led to an increase in tension between the United States and the
Soviet Union, as the missiles were capable of reaching most parts of the United States and
posed a significant threat to national security.
● Link: This is linked to the consequence that followed because it prompted the United States to
take action against the Soviet Union.

CONSEQUENCE
❖ Point: As a consequence of this, a diplomatic standoff ensued between the United States and
the Soviet Union, which lasted for thirteen days and came to be known as the Cuban Missile
Crisis.
❖ Evidence: The United States responded by imposing a naval blockade on Cuba, which
prevented the Soviet Union's ships from delivering more missiles. The Soviet Union
responded by increasing their military readiness and threatening to attack the United States.
❖ Explanation: This increased the tension between the two countries and raised the possibility
of a nuclear war, which could have had catastrophic consequences.
❖ Link: This is linked to the resolution of the crisis because it ultimately led to negotiations
between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Prague Spring
CAUSE
❖ Point: Firstly, the cause of the Prague Spring was the political and economic reforms initiated
by Alexander Dubček, who became the leader of Czechoslovakia in January 1968.
❖ Evidence: Dubček aimed to create a more democratic and decentralized socialist
government, and his reforms included greater freedom of speech and the press, the
decentralisation of the economy, and a reduction in the powers of the secret police.
❖ Explanation: This therefore encouraged greater political and social freedom in
Czechoslovakia, but also threatened the Soviet Union's control over the Eastern Bloc.
❖ Link: This is linked to the event that followed because it provoked a reaction from the Soviet
Union.
EVENT
➔ Point: As a result of this, what developed was the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet
Union and other Warsaw Pact countries on August 21, 1968.
➔ Evidence: The Soviet Union claimed that the reforms in Czechoslovakia threatened the unity
of the Warsaw Pact, and they were concerned that the country might leave the Pact and ally
with the West.
➔ Explanation: The invasion put an end to the Prague Spring and reasserted Soviet control over
the Eastern Bloc, but it also provoked widespread condemnation and resistance within
Czechoslovakia.
➔ Link: This is linked to the consequence that followed because it led to a period of repression
and political turmoil within Czechoslovakia.
CONSEQUENCE
➢ Point: As a consequence of this, Czechoslovakia underwent a period of repression and
political turmoil
➢ Evidence: The Soviet Union installed a new government in Prague, which reversed the
reforms of the Prague Spring. Many people were arrested, expelled from their jobs or
universities, and some were even killed.
➢ Explanation: This worsened the relationship between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union.