हिंदी
CISCEISC (Arts) Class 12
प्रश्न पत्र३७२
पाठ्यपुस्तक उत्तर१६६८१
महत्वपूर्ण प्रश्न एवं उत्तर५८७१
अवधारणा स्पष्टीकरण और वीडियो९५३
समय सारणी१५
पाठ्यक्रम

Overview of Cold War 1945-1991 : Origin, Course, End and Impact

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Topics

  • Towards Independence and Partition: The Last Phase(1935-1947)
    • Role of M.N. Roy
    • Role of Jawaharlal Nehru
    • Role of Subhas Chandra Bose
    • Congress Socialists
    • Trade Union Activities
    • Kisan Sabha Movement
    • Growth of Communalism
    • Provincial Autonomy under the 1935 Act
    • The Congress Ministries
    • Assessment of the Activities
    • National Movements During the Second World War
    • The August Offer of 1940
    • Quit India Resolution
    • Spread of the Movement
    • Violent Public Reaction
    • Important Storm Centres of the Movement
    • Movement in Three Phases
    • Causes of the Failure of the Movement
    • Significance of the Movement
    • Contribution of Subhas Chandra Bose along with the Objectives of the INA
    • Significance of the INA Movement
    • Transfer of Power (1945-1947)
    • Reaction against the Cabinet Mission Plan
    • Communal Riots in different parts of the Country
    • Formation of the Interim Government
    • Attlee's Declaration of 1947
    • The Mountbatten Plan
    • The Indian Independence Act, 1947
    • Execution of the Mountbatten Plan
    • Overview of Towards Independence and Partition: The Last Phase(1935-1947)
  • Indian History
  • World History
  • Establishment and Development of Indian Democracy (1947-1966)
  • Challenges to Indian Democracy (1964-1977)
    • Period: (1964 to 1977)
    • Naxal Movement
    • Main Leaders of the Movement
    • J P Movement (1974-75)
    • Course of the Movement
    • Emergency (1975–1976)
    • Suspension of Democratic Organs
    • Criticism of the Emergency Era May Be Grouped As
    • Revocation of Emergency and Announcement of Elections (1977)
    • Overview of Challenges to Indian Democracy (1964-1977)
  • Changing Face of the Indian Democracy (1977-1986)
  • India's Foreign Policy
  • Movements for Women's Rights
  • World War-II
    • Factors Leading to the World War II
    • Aggressive Policy of Germany
    • Aggressive Policy of Italy
    • Aggressive Policy of Japan
    • Anglo-french Appeasement Policies
    • War in Europe
    • War in Africa
    • Attack on Russia
    • Fall of Italy
    • Fall of Germany
    • Fall of Japan
    • American Entry and Contribution to the Victory
    • Reasons for the Defeat of the Axis Powers
    • Overview of World War-II
  • De-Colonisation in Asia (China) and Africa (Ghana and Kenya)
  • Cold War 1945-1991 : Origin, Course, End and Impact
  • Protest Movements (Civil Rights Movement, Anti-Apartheid Movement and Feminist Movement)
  • Middle East : Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916-1993)
    • Post-War Conflict in Palestine and the Formation of Israel
    • World Zionist Movement
    • Arab-Israeli Wars and the Camp David Accord (1948–1979)
    • The Suez Issue (1956)
    • Causes of the Arab-Israel War
    • The Six Day War (1967)
    • The Yom Kippur War (1973)
    • Camp David and the Egyptian-Israeli Peace (1978-79)
    • Israel PLO OSLO Peace Accord (1993)
    • Overview of Middle East : Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916-1993)
Estimated time: 170 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Cold War, 1945-1991 > Origins of the Cold War

  • The Cold War began due to ideological differences between Capitalism and Communism.
  • Mutual distrust developed between the USA and the USSR after the Second World War.
  • Each power feared the expansion of the other’s political system.
  • Differences arose over the future political setup of Europe.
  • Conflicting national interests of the superpowers led to tension. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Cold War, 1945-1991 > End of War-Time Unity

  • The unity among the Allied Powers ended soon after the defeat of Germany.
  • The Allies failed to agree on peace treaties and the future of Germany.
  • Differences arose over territorial and political arrangements in Europe.
  • Suspicion and rivalry replaced cooperation among the former Allies.
  • These disagreements marked the beginning of the Cold War. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Yalta Conference (February 1945)

  • It was decided to establish the United Nations Organisation (UNO) to maintain international peace.
  • Germany was to be freed from Nazi influence and divided into four occupation zones.
  • Liberal reforms were to be introduced in Germany and Nazi war criminals punished.
  • Free elections were promised in the Eastern European states, including Poland.
  • Soviet interests in Eastern Europe and the Far East were recognised. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Potsdam Conference (1945)

  • The Potsdam Conference was the last wartime conference of the Allied Powers.
  • It was attended by Stalin, Truman and Churchill (later Clement Attlee).
  • Germany was to be disarmed, denazified and Nazi leaders punished.
  • Serious disagreements arose over Poland and the future of Germany.
  • The conference widened mistrust between the Allies, deepening the Cold War. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Causes of the Cold War

  • Ideological Conflict: Fundamental clash between Communism and Democracy created mistrust.
  • Historical Suspicion: Western intervention in the Russian Civil War (1918) created long-term Soviet suspicion.
  • End of War-Time Unity: Cooperation among Allies collapsed after the Second World War.
  • Soviet Expansion: USSR established Communist governments in Eastern Europe, alarming the West.
  • Atom Bomb and Power Blocs: American monopoly of atomic weapons and formation of rival blocs intensified tensions. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Truman Doctrine (12 March 1947)

  • The doctrine was announced by US President Harry S. Truman on 12 March 1947.
  • It aimed to stop the spread of Communism by supporting free nations.
  • The USA promised economic and military aid to countries under Communist threat.
  • Greece and Turkey were the first countries to receive American assistance.
  • The doctrine marked the beginning of America’s policy of containing Communism worldwide. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Marshall Aid/Marshall Plan (1947)

  • The Marshall Plan was introduced by the USA in 1947 as the European Recovery Programme.
  • It aimed to rebuild Europe and prevent the spread of Communism.
  • Economic and financial assistance was offered to European countries.
  • Seventeen Western European countries accepted the plan.
  • The USSR rejected the plan and forced its satellite states to do the same. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Molotov Plan

  • The Molotov Plan was introduced by the USSR as a response to the Marshall Plan.
  • It aimed to unite Communist countries of Eastern Europe economically.
  • Trade and economic relations were controlled by the USSR.
  • The plan strengthened Soviet influence over its satellite states.
  • It led to the formation of a separate Eastern Bloc. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon)

  • Comecon was established by the USSR in 1949.
  • Its aim was to strengthen the economies of Communist states.
  • Industries were nationalised and agriculture was collectivised.
  • The USSR tried to integrate the Communist bloc into a single economy.
  • Resistance from satellite states later weakened this policy. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Communist Information Bureau (Cominform)

  • Cominform was set up by the USSR to coordinate Communist parties.
  • All Communist states were required to follow Soviet policies.
  • It aimed to ensure political control over Eastern Europe.
  • Non-Communist leaders were removed and opposition suppressed.
  • Western powers strongly opposed Soviet domination of Eastern Europe. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Communist Takeover of Czechoslovakia (1948)

  • Czechoslovakia was the only democratic state in Eastern Europe after Second World War.
  • The Communists initially shared power in a coalition government.
  • In 1948, the Communists seized power through a coup.
  • Non-Communist ministers were forced to resign and elections were controlled.
  • The event shocked the Western bloc and widened the Cold War divide. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: The Berlin Blockade (1948–1949)

  • Germany and Berlin were divided into four zones after the Second World War.
  • The Western Powers merged their zones and introduced a new currency in 1948.
  • The USSR opposed this and blockaded all road, rail and canal links to West Berlin.
  • The Western Powers supplied West Berlin through the Berlin Airlift.
  • The blockade was lifted in May 1949, deepening Cold War tensions. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Formation of NATO (1949)

  • NATO was formed as a collective defence organisation against Soviet expansion.
  • It was established by Western countries on 4 April 1949.
  • Member states agreed that an attack on one would be treated as an attack on all.
  • NATO placed the defence of member nations under a joint military command.
  • Its formation increased Cold War tensions between East and West. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Thaw in the Cold War

  • Death of Stalin: Stalin’s death in 1953 reduced tension between the superpowers.
  • Peaceful Co-existence: Khrushchev supported peaceful co-existence with the West.
  • End of Hostilities: The Korean War ended and peace talks began in Indo-China.
  • Improved Relations: Anti-Communist hysteria declined in the USA after McCarthyism.
  • Positive Agreements: The Austrian State Treaty (1955) showed cooperation. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Extent of the Partial Thaw

  • Hungarian Revolt: The USSR crushed the Hungarian uprising in 1956.
  • Continued Control: Soviet control over satellite states remained unchanged.
  • Warsaw Pact: The USSR formed the Warsaw Pact in 1955.
  • Arms Race: Missile testing and military competition continued.
  • Space Race: Launch of Sputnik showed renewed rivalry. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis was the most dangerous confrontation of the Cold War.
  • After Fidel Castro nationalised American properties, US–Cuba relations deteriorated.
  • The USSR installed nuclear missiles in Cuba, close to the US coast.
  • The crisis brought the USA and USSR to the brink of nuclear war.
  • The crisis ended with removal of missiles, establishment of a hotline and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963). 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: The Warsaw Pact (1955)

  • The Warsaw Pact was formed by the USSR in response to NATO.
  • It was signed on 4 May 1955 by the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.
  • The pact provided for a joint military command under Soviet leadership.
  • It strengthened Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
  • The pact deepened the division between the Eastern and Western blocs. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: First Phase of the Vietnam War (1946–1954)

  • French Rule: Indo-China (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) was under French control.
  • Ho Chi Minh: Leader of the Vietminh movement for independence.
  • Independence Claim: Vietnam declared independence in 1945; France refused.
  • Vietminh Resistance: Fought France for eight years with Chinese support.
  • French Defeat: France lost at Dien Bien Phu in May 1954, ending the first phase. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Geneva Conference of 1954

  • The conference was attended by Britain, France, USA and Communist China.
  • Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam.
  • Ho Chi Minh’s government was recognised in North Vietnam.
  • Elections were planned in 1956 to reunify Vietnam but were never held.
  • The failure of elections led to prolonged conflict and later US involvement. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Second Phase of the Vietnam War (1954–1975)

  • Diem’s Regime: South Vietnam under President Ngo Dinh Diem refused to hold nationwide elections.
  • US Support: America backed Diem and avoided elections fearing a communist victory.
  • Rise of NLF: The National Liberation Front (NLF) was formed against the unpopular Diem government.
  • US Intervention: The USA increased military involvement to keep Vietnam non-communist.
  • Cold War Context: Vietnam became a Cold War conflict involving the USA and Communist powers. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Gulf of Tonkin Incidents (1964)

  • The Gulf of Tonkin incidents occurred during President Johnson’s administration.
  • The first incident took place on 2 August 1964 between North Vietnam and the US Navy.
  • The USS Maddox was allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese patrol boats.
  • A second incident was reported on 4 August 1964, though it never actually occurred.
  • These incidents provided justification for increased US involvement in Vietnam. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Consequences of the Gulf of Tonkin Incidents

  • The US Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution granting wide powers to President Johnson.
  • The resolution led to direct US military intervention in the Vietnam War.
  • Heavy bombing of North Vietnam increased but failed to defeat the Vietcong.
  • President Nixon later introduced the policy of “Vietnamisation”.
  • US troops withdrew after the 1973 ceasefire, and Vietnam became communist in 1975. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: The Berlin Wall (1961)

  • The Berlin issue increased tension between the Eastern and Western blocs.
  • Khrushchev demanded that Western Powers withdraw from West Berlin.
  • The USA under President John F. Kennedy rejected the Soviet demand.
  • In August 1961, the Berlin Wall was constructed across the city.
  • The Wall blocked movement from East Berlin to West Berlin and deepened the Cold War divide. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Detente – Meaning and Major Developments (1970s)

  • Meaning of Detente: Detente meant a permanent relaxation of international tensions, not just a temporary thaw in the Cold War.
  • Beginning of Detente: Real detente began in the early 1970s due to fear of nuclear war and the impact of the Vietnam War.
  • Arms Control Measures: The USA and USSR established a hotline and signed the SALT Agreement in 1972 to limit nuclear arms.
  • Helsinki Agreement: The Helsinki Agreement of 1975 accepted European frontiers settled after World War II, promoting cooperation.
  • Improved Relations: Detente saw improved US–USSR and US–China relations, including recognition of the People’s Republic of China in 1979. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Motives of Different Powers for Detente

  • China wanted to end its international isolation and improve relations with the USA due to strained ties with the USSR.
  • The USA sought to revise its failed Vietnam policy and adopt peaceful co-existence.
  • The USSR aimed to reduce defence expenditure and improve living standards.
  • Unrest in Eastern Europe, especially Poland, pushed the USSR towards detente.
  • Western Europe feared nuclear war; West Germany followed Willy Brandt’s policy of Ostpolitik. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: The Regime of Gorbachev (1985–1991)

  • Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union in 1985.
  • He aimed to revitalise and transform the Soviet system.
  • Gorbachev introduced Perestroika to restructure the economy.
  • He launched Glasnost to promote openness and transparency.
  • His reforms significantly changed the internal and external policies of the USSR. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Economic Reforms – Perestroika

  • Perestroika aimed at opening the Soviet economy to market forces.
  • Private ownership of businesses was allowed from 1987 for the first time since the 1920s.
  • Small-scale private enterprises were permitted to improve efficiency.
  • Central control over production, trade and raw materials was reduced.
  • Reforms were intended to increase competition and provide alternative employment.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Cultural Reforms – Glasnost

  • Glasnost introduced openness and transparency in governance.
  • Freedom of speech, worship and expression was expanded.
  • State control over media and individual life was reduced.
  • Many political prisoners were released during this period.
  • Critics of the government and anti-Stalin literature were permitted. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: End of the Cold War

  • The Soviet economy weakened in the 1980s due to inefficiency and heavy military spending.
  • Gorbachev realised that the USSR could no longer afford the arms race.
  • Nuclear missile reduction treaties were signed with the USA.
  • Soviet forces were withdrawn from Afghanistan in 1989.
  • These developments effectively ended the Cold War. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Political Changes in Eastern Europe

  • In 1988, Gorbachev announced the end of Soviet political control over Warsaw Pact countries.
  • Eastern European states were allowed to follow independent political paths.
  • Peaceful democratic revolutions occurred, beginning in Poland.
  • Communist governments were replaced by democratic parties.
  • The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, leading to the reunification of Germany.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: August Coup of 1991

  • In 1991, conservative members of the Communist Party attempted to stop the breakup of the USSR.
  • Mikhail Gorbachev was placed under house arrest by conservatives led by Gennady Yanayev.
  • The coup collapsed after three days due to lack of public and military support.
  • After the coup, Gorbachev resigned as General Secretary and the Communist Party was dissolved.
  • Boris Yeltsin emerged as the new leader, leading to the dissolution of the USSR and the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Impact on Poland

  • Solidarity Movement: A new trade union, Solidarity, demanded political reforms and a referendum.
  • Martial Law: General Jaruzelski imposed martial law and banned Solidarity.
  • Failure of Reforms: Economic problems continued and Soviet support was withdrawn.
  • Political Talks: In April 1989, talks led to changes in Poland’s constitution.
  • Democratic Transition: In December 1990, Lech Walesa became President, completing peaceful change. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Development in Germany

  • Gorbachev’s reform policies and economic needs influenced changes in East Germany.
  • East Germans began migrating to the West in large numbers in 1989 via neighbouring countries.
  • The Soviet Union and the USA supported the reunification of Germany.
  • Russia agreed to withdraw its troops from East Germany.
  • Germany was reunified on 3 October 1990, with Helmut Kohl becoming the first Chancellor of united Germany. 
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Impact on Czechoslovakia

  • Western Trade: Czechoslovakia had extensive trade relations with Western countries in the 1970s.
  • Economic Problems: By the early 1980s, the economy declined due to lack of industrial modernisation.
  • Public Protests: In November 1989, massive demonstrations took place in Prague against the communist government.
  • National Strike: A nationwide strike followed after Alexander Dubcek addressed a large public rally.
  • End of Communism: These events led to the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia in 1989. 
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