Crisis, Unrest, and the Possibility for Peace

Crisis, Unrest, and the Possibility for Peace

True to many observers that since there hasn't been any major conflicts to start the second half of the 20th century that there should be peace and prosperity in the world. The truth though shows a different picture of this time period. Prosperity was very prevelent in the world and many of the countries that were ravaged during the second World War did quite well after. Aid from outside countries such as the United States helped countries like France dig themselves out of the rubble that was and enter a time of growth.

The world powers that emerged victorious from the WWII, the United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union, were all committed to creating a world peace that would last for many years to come and keep this catastrophe from happening again. A domino-effect of things broke down along the way to peace that derailed the dream for peace between the world powers. It pitted the United States and Great Britain vs. Russia in what would be known as the Cold War. This Cold War would lead many years of unrest around the globe and wouldn't be settled until near the end of the 20th century.

Misunderstandings seem to have been the catalyst to the Cold War unrest, division, and arms stockpiling. The first was on how Germany should be dealt with right after WWII was over. It was agreed that the Soviet Union would divide Germany into zones and would pay heavy taxes to Russia. But the way that the provinces that were now controlled by the Soviet Union would be able to vote in there elections would not be overlooked by the U.S. and Great Britain. The issue of free elections but with pro-Russian influence would not be allowed by the U.S. President Harry S. Truman demanded that free elections reign throughout Europe. Stalin and the Soviets wanted security from Germany and its neighbors and allies after going through two deadly invasions at the hand of Hitler's army. Both sides stood strong to there goals and tensions increased and the stale mate gave way to a Cold war that lasted for almost the entire second half of the 20th century.

Many hardships followed around the world. Russia tightened its grip on neighboring countries, making them endure what provinces were already going through inside the "iron curtain".