The international situation in 1945

Question 1

Which historian emphasised that the impact of WW2 on the international system made conflict between the USA and the USSR likely?

Answer 1

Thomas G. Paterson in On Every Front: The Making and Unmaking of the Cold War (1992)

Question 2

How had WW2 created a redistribution of power? 3

Answer 2

Defeat of Germany, Italy and Japan left a power vacuum in Europe and Asia
British and French power was much reduced
The multipolar system of the 1930s had effectively collapsed

Question 3

What happened to the USA and USSR after WW2?

Answer 3

Emerged as the two most powerful nations in a new biploar system

Question 4

What had WW2 done to the European Empires?

Answer 4

Accelerated their disitegration

Question 5

What did disintegration of the European empires lead to?

Answer 5

Former colonies became independent, which led to political instability as the USA and USSR competed for influence over the newly independent states

Question 6

What was a reason for the emergence of the Cold War?

Answer 6

Instabilities of the post-war world