Glossary

9.1 The division of Europe

6 min read•august 20, 2024

Europe's post-WWII division shaped the era. The continent split into two spheres: Western Europe aligned with the US, and Eastern Europe controlled by the Soviet Union. This division was based on political, economic, and ideological differences.

The split led to contrasting economic systems. Western Europe adopted , experiencing rapid growth. Eastern Europe followed communist models, often struggling with inefficiencies. This divide, symbolized by the , deeply impacted millions of lives for decades.

Post-WWII division of Europe

  • After World War II, Europe was divided into two main spheres of influence: Western Europe, aligned with the United States, and Eastern Europe, controlled by the Soviet Union
  • This division was based on political, economic, and ideological differences that emerged in the aftermath of the war, setting the stage for the Cold War era
  • The division of Europe had far-reaching consequences, shaping the geopolitical landscape and influencing the lives of millions of people for decades to come

Western Europe vs Eastern Europe

Capitalist economies of Western Europe

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  • Western European countries, such as France, , and the United Kingdom, adopted capitalist economic systems
  • These economies were characterized by private ownership of property, free-market competition, and limited government intervention
  • Western European nations experienced rapid economic growth and rising living standards during the post-war period ()
  • Integration efforts, such as the European Economic Community (EEC), fostered economic cooperation and trade among Western European countries

Communist economies of Eastern Europe

  • Eastern European countries, including , Poland, and Czechoslovakia, were under the influence of the Soviet Union and adopted communist economic systems
  • These economies were characterized by state ownership of property, central planning, and the suppression of private enterprise
  • Economic development in Eastern Europe was often hindered by inefficiencies, shortages, and limited consumer goods
  • The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon) was established to promote economic cooperation among communist countries, but it was largely dominated by the Soviet Union

Iron Curtain between East and West

Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech

  • In a famous speech delivered in 1946, British Prime Minister coined the term "Iron Curtain" to describe the division of Europe
  • Churchill warned that an "iron curtain" had descended across the continent, separating the communist East from the democratic West
  • The speech highlighted the growing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and foreshadowed the Cold War that would dominate international relations for decades

Physical and ideological barriers

  • The Iron Curtain represented both physical and ideological barriers between East and West
  • Physical barriers included fortified borders, barbed wire fences, and minefields that restricted the movement of people and goods between the two blocs
  • Ideological barriers were characterized by the opposing political and economic systems, as well as the suppression of dissent and free speech in the communist East
  • The Iron Curtain symbolized the deep divisions and mistrust between the two sides, making cooperation and understanding difficult

NATO vs Warsaw Pact

Formation and members of NATO

  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization () was formed in 1949 as a military alliance of Western countries, led by the United States
  • The original members of NATO included the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Portugal
  • NATO was created to provide collective defense against the perceived threat of Soviet aggression and to promote political and military cooperation among its members
  • The alliance operated under the principle of "an attack on one is an attack on all," ensuring that member states would come to each other's aid in the event of an attack

Formation and members of Warsaw Pact

  • The , officially known as the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, was formed in 1955 as a military alliance of communist countries, led by the Soviet Union
  • The original members of the Warsaw Pact included the Soviet Union, East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania
  • The Warsaw Pact was created as a counterbalance to NATO and to ensure the loyalty of Eastern European countries to the Soviet Union
  • The alliance served as a means for the Soviet Union to maintain control over its satellite states and to coordinate military and political activities in the Eastern Bloc

Berlin Wall as symbol of division

Construction of the Berlin Wall

  • In 1961, the East German government, with the support of the Soviet Union, began constructing the to stop the flow of from East to West Berlin
  • The wall was initially built with barbed wire and later fortified with concrete, watchtowers, and armed guards
  • The construction of the Berlin Wall was a dramatic escalation of the Cold War tensions and a clear manifestation of the division of Europe

Impact on East and West Berlin

  • The Berlin Wall divided the city into two separate entities, with East Berlin under communist control and West Berlin remaining a part of democratic West Germany
  • The wall separated families, friends, and communities, causing immense personal suffering and hardship
  • East Berliners were cut off from the economic opportunities and freedoms enjoyed by those in the West, leading to a stark contrast in living standards and quality of life
  • West Berlin became a symbol of Western resilience and a showcase for the benefits of democracy and capitalism, while East Berlin represented the oppressive nature of communist rule

Tensions and conflicts during Cold War

Arms race between US and USSR

  • The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a massive arms race, competing to develop and stockpile nuclear weapons and other advanced military technologies
  • The arms race led to the concept of "mutually assured destruction" (MAD), in which both sides possessed enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, creating a delicate balance of terror
  • The arms race fueled tensions between the two superpowers and raised the specter of a devastating nuclear war

Proxy wars and spheres of influence

  • The Cold War was characterized by numerous proxy wars, in which the United States and the Soviet Union supported opposing sides in regional conflicts around the world (Korea, Vietnam)
  • These proxy wars allowed the superpowers to compete for influence and advance their ideological agendas without engaging in direct military confrontation
  • The United States and the Soviet Union also sought to expand their spheres of influence by providing economic aid, military support, and political backing to friendly governments and movements in various parts of the world (Latin America, Africa)
  • The competition for spheres of influence contributed to the global nature of the Cold War and the polarization of international relations

Collapse of Soviet Union and reunification

Fall of the Berlin Wall

  • In November 1989, amid growing political and economic pressures, the East German government opened the Berlin Wall, allowing citizens to freely cross between East and West Berlin
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall was a pivotal moment in the collapse of in Eastern Europe and a powerful symbol of the end of the Cold War
  • The events in Berlin sparked a series of peaceful revolutions across Eastern Europe, leading to the overthrow of communist governments and the establishment of democratic systems

Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact

  • As communist regimes fell across Eastern Europe, the Warsaw Pact began to unravel
  • In 1991, the Warsaw Pact was officially dissolved, marking the end of the Soviet Union's military and political control over its former satellite states
  • The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact paved the way for the newly independent countries of Eastern Europe to pursue their own political and economic paths, often seeking closer ties with the West

German reunification and aftermath

  • Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communist rule in East Germany, the process of German reunification began
  • In October 1990, East and West Germany were formally reunited as a single nation, ending over four decades of division
  • German reunification brought about significant challenges, including economic disparities, social integration, and political adjustments
  • The reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War division of Europe had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and ushering in a new era of European cooperation and integration

Key Terms to Review (18)

Berlin Wall: The Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War divide between the communist Eastern bloc and the democratic Western nations. Its construction represented the culmination of tensions between the Soviet Union and Western powers, as well as the physical embodiment of ideological differences during a time of significant political upheaval in Europe.
Capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods, and production and prices are determined by competition in a free market. This system emphasizes individual entrepreneurial freedoms, profit motive, and limited government intervention. Capitalism became a prominent force during significant historical transformations, driving innovations and economic growth while also sparking debates around social equality and government roles in the economy.
Cold War: The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. This conflict was characterized by ideological rivalry, nuclear arms races, and proxy wars, profoundly influencing global politics and economics.
Cominform: Cominform, or the Communist Information Bureau, was an organization established in 1947 to coordinate and promote communist parties and movements across Europe. It was a response to the growing influence of Western capitalist countries and aimed to solidify Soviet control over Eastern Europe during the early Cold War period. The formation of Cominform marked a key moment in the division of Europe, as it symbolized the deepening ideological rift between the Eastern Bloc and Western nations.
Communism: Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This concept emerged as a reaction to capitalism, aiming to eliminate the disparities created by private ownership and to promote collective well-being.
East Germany: East Germany, officially known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was a socialist state established in 1949 in the eastern part of Germany after World War II. It was characterized by a one-party system led by the Socialist Unity Party and was heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, reflecting the broader ideological division of Europe during the Cold War.
Iron curtain: The iron curtain refers to the political, military, and ideological barrier that divided Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II until the end of the Cold War. This term symbolizes the stark contrast between Western democratic nations and Eastern communist countries, highlighting the growing tensions and divisions that emerged in the aftermath of World War II.
Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953, known for his totalitarian regime and significant role in World War II and the subsequent division of Europe. He transformed the Soviet Union into a major world power through industrialization and collectivization, while also employing brutal methods including purges and state terror to eliminate opposition. His influence during and after the war helped shape the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
Marshall Plan: The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. initiative enacted in 1948 to provide economic aid to Western European countries devastated by World War II. This plan aimed to rebuild war-torn economies, prevent the spread of communism, and promote political stability in Europe, which had been divided into East and West after the war.
NATO: NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance formed in 1949 between North American and European countries to ensure mutual defense against aggression. It was created in response to the tensions of the Cold War and the threat posed by the Soviet Union, serving as a collective security arrangement that aimed to deter potential adversaries through the principle of collective defense, meaning an attack against one member is an attack against all.
NATO Treaty: The NATO Treaty, formally known as the North Atlantic Treaty, is a military alliance established in 1949 that binds member countries to mutual defense against aggression. It was a key element in the geopolitical landscape of post-World War II Europe, as it aimed to deter Soviet expansion and promote collective security among Western nations.
Propaganda: Propaganda is a form of communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position. It often relies on emotional appeals, manipulation of facts, and selective presentation of information to shape public perception and promote specific ideologies or agendas. In various historical contexts, it has been used to justify political movements, foster nationalism, and mobilize populations for war or social change.
Refugees: Refugees are individuals who are forced to flee their home country due to persecution, conflict, or violence, seeking safety in another country. This term encompasses those who leave their homes for a variety of reasons, such as war, ethnic or religious discrimination, and human rights violations. Understanding the plight of refugees is essential in grasping the social and political dynamics during periods of upheaval and division in Europe.
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I, placing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. This treaty not only redrew the map of Europe but also sowed the seeds of discontent that would later contribute to the rise of nationalism and ultimately lead to World War II.
Warsaw Pact: The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 among the Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries as a counterbalance to NATO. It solidified the division of Europe during the Cold War and represented the Soviet commitment to protect its allies, creating a collective defense agreement that facilitated military cooperation among member states.
West Germany: West Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), was established in 1949 and existed until the reunification of Germany in 1990. It emerged from the Allied occupation zones in post-World War II Europe and became a symbol of democratic governance and economic prosperity during the Cold War, standing in stark contrast to its eastern counterpart, East Germany.
Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill was a British statesman, military leader, and Prime Minister who served during crucial periods of the 20th century, most notably during World War II. Known for his stirring speeches and unwavering resolve, Churchill's leadership was instrumental in rallying the British people during their darkest hours and shaping the post-war world.
Yalta Conference: The Yalta Conference was a pivotal meeting held in February 1945 between the leaders of the Allied powers: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. This conference aimed to discuss the reorganization of post-war Europe and the future of Germany after World War II, setting the stage for the division of Europe into spheres of influence between the East and West.
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