Cold War and its Different Stages

Introduction:

In the field of international politics, the term 'Cold War' is the most discussed and importantchapter
after the Second World War. In this time, the USA and USSR became the two superpowers. Onenation
tried to reduce the power of other. Indirectly the competition between thetwo Super Powers led to the
Cold War. Then America took the leadership of all the Capitalistcountries and Soviet Russia took the
leadership of all the Communist Countries.As a result of which both stood as rivals to each other.

Cold War:

Basically cold war means the war of nerves. It means not directly collision or war. ‘No War, No

Peace' situation.

Defining Cold War:

Cold war was the psychological (democratic Vs. Communist) and ideological (Capitalist vs.Socialist)
conflict since the end of the Second World War between the great powers USA andUSSR. In fact, Cold
War is a Verbal War which is fought through newspaper, magazines, radioand other propaganda
methods.

Own View:

From the above discussion it can be said that after the Second World War, the increasingconflict
between two super powers is known as Cold War.

Different Stages of Cold War:

The Cold War did not occur in a day. It passed through several phases.

FirstPhase (1946-1949):

In this phase America and Soviet Union disbelieved each other. America always tried to controlthe Red
Regime in Russia. Without any hesitation Soviet Russia established Communism bydestroying
democracy in the Poland, Bulgaria, Rumania, Hungary, Yugoslavia and other EasternEuropean Countries.

Truman Doctrine:

In order to reduce Russia's hegemony, America helped Greece and Turkey by following TrumanDoctrine
which came into force on 12 March 1947.

Marshall Plan:

According to MarshallPlan which was declared on 5 June 1947. America gave financialassistance to
Western European Countries.

NATO:

In this phase NATO was formed in 1949.

Second Phase (1949-1953):ANZUS (1951):

In this phase a treaty was organized between Australia, NewZeeland and America in September1951.
Korean War: At this time North Korea declared war against South Korea. North Koreawas USSR
dominated and South Korea was USA dominated. Then with the help of UNO,America sent military aid
to South Korea. However, both North Korea and South Korea signedpeace treaty in 1953 and ended the
war.

Third Phase (1953-1957):SEATO:

USA formed SEATO in 1954 in order to reduce Russia's influence.

MEDO:

In 1955 America formed MEDO in Middle East.

WARSAW PACT:

To reduce the American Power, Russia signed WARSAW PACT in 1955

.Suez Crisis (1956):

In 1953 Stalin died and Khrushchev became the President of Russia. In 1956 an agreement wassigned
between America and Russia regarding the Suez Crisis. America agreednot to help herallies.

Fourthphase (1957-1962):Berlin Wall:

In 1959 the Russian President Khrushchev went on a historical tour to America. Both countrieswere
annoyed for U-2 accident and for Berlin Crisis. In 13 August 1961, Soviet Russia made aBerlin Wall of 25
Kilometers in order to check the immigration from Eastern Berlin to WesternBerlin. In 1962, Cuba's
Missile Crisis contributed a lot to the cold war. This incident created anatmosphere of conversation
between American President Kennedy and Russian PresidentKhrushchev. America assured Russia that
she would not attack Cuba and Russia also withdrawmissile station from Cuba.

Fifth Phase (1962-1969):Hot Line:

The fifth phase which began from 1962 also marked a mutual suspicion between USA andUSSR. There
was a worldwide concern demanding ban on nuclear weapons. In this period HotLine was established
between the White House and Kremlin. This compelled both the parties torefrain from nuclear war.
Inspire of that the Vietnam problem and the problem in Germany keptCold war between USA and USSR
in fact.

Sixth Phase (1969-1978):DETENE:

This phase commencing from 1969 was marked by DETENE between USA and USSR-theAmerican
President Nixon and Russian President Brezhnev played a vital role for putting an endto the Cold War.

Last Phase (1979-1991):New Cold War:

In this phase certain changes were noticed in the Cold War. That is why call this phase as NewCold War.
In 1979, the American President Carter and Russian President Brezhnev signed SALT2. But in 1979 the
prospects of mitigating Cold War were marred by sudden development inAfghanistan. Vietnam (1975),
Angola (1976), Ethiopia (1972) and Afghanistan (1979) issuesbought success to Russia which was
unbearable for America. In 1980 Americaboycotted theOlympic held at Moscow. In 1984, Russia
boycotted the Olympic game held at Los-Angeles. Atthat time many East European Countries declared
themselves as democratic and in 1991 USSRwas dissolved and WARSAW PACT also disrupted.

Conclusion:

Atlast we can say that the situation of Cold War was not started within a day. It was the resultof many
years of conflict and the result of Cold War had far-reaching implications in theinternational affairs.