The Cold War began in 1945 after World War 2 and lasted until 1989. It was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc and the US-led Western Bloc due to their opposing ideologies of communism and capitalism. This divide threatened nuclear war as both sides developed powerful weapons, especially nuclear bombs. Underlying causes included tensions between the US and USSR dating back to the 1917 Russian Revolution, as well as disagreements over postwar control of countries like Germany and crises like the Korean War.

1. The Cold War
1945-1989
Cold War causes
- Context

2. Reasons the Cold War started
For half a century after World War Two,
the world was divided and almost fell into
nuclear war. This was the Cold War.

3. Reasons the Cold War started
The Cold War split the
world into the East
and the West.
The East was led by
the Soviet Union and
the West by the USA.
This divide was based
on ideology: Communism
and Capitalism.

4. Reasons the Cold War started
The Cold War was an
especially dangerous
time due to the
various weapons held
by both sides.
In particular, the
nuclear bombs that
were developed could
have easily destroyed
the world.

5. Reasons the Cold War started
The specific start
date for the Cold War
is debated amongst
historians.
Some match it to end
of World War Two in
1945, others suggest
that there were
already USA and USSR
tensions beforehand.

6. Reasons the Cold War started
A 1917 Revolution saw
the Tsar’s removal,
and Russia became a
Communist country.
The new Communist
government angered
other countries by
refusing to repay any
debts which had been
built up by the Tsar.

7. Reasons the Cold War started
Russia then fell into
a civil war between
the Reds (Communists)
and Whites (non-
Communist).
During this conflict,
the USA and UK gave
support to the Whites,
but the Communists won
and controlled Russia.

8. Reasons the Cold War started
In 1922 the Soviet
Union was set up, with
Russia controlling
other countries across
Europe and Asia.
In America and
elsewhere in Europe,
there were fears about
the USSR’s power, and
spread of Communism.

9. Reasons the Cold War started
However, during World
War Two, US and USSR
tensions were not a
major issue.
Instead the war
actually saw the
United States and
Soviet Union fight on
the same side: to
defeat Nazi Germany.

10. Reasons the Cold War started
The USSR became
involved in World War
Two after they were
invaded by Germany.
The USA had joined the
war after being
attacked by Japan.
By August 1945, the
war finally came to an
end, with the Allies
winning the conflict.

11. Reasons the Cold War started
In August 1945, the
leader of the USSR was
Joseph Stalin.
The US President was
Harry Truman, who
replaced Franklin
Roosevelt who died
earlier in 1945.
Britain’s Prime Minister
was Clement Attlee.

12. Reasons the Cold War started
There were different issues that led to
the emergence of the Cold War, including:
• Tensions within the wartime alliance
• Arms race
• Ideological differences
• Disagreements over Germany
• Crisis over Korea