The Cold War, 1948

Post-War Tensions

The Cold War Begins

During World War II, the US and the Soviet Union had been allies

However, they had little in common except for their opposition to Nazi Germany

Once the war was over, tensions between the two countries surfaced

At the heart of the conflict were differences in their political and economic systems

Reasons for Distrust

America Soviet Union

Free elections No elections or fixed/corrupt

Democratic Dictatorship

Capitalist Communist

‘Survival of the fittest’ Everybody helps everybody

Richest world power Poor economic base

Personal freedom Society controlled by the NKVD (secret police)

Freedom of the media Total censorship

Capitalism vs. Communism 2 superpowers had emerged from WWII:

the United States & the Soviet Union Both wanted to assert their dominance

and superiority over the other Distrust on both sides!

The Soviet’s feared Western countries would try and invade them

The US/Canada feared the Soviets would try and overthrow their societies with communism

The Iron Curtain

The boundary between Western & Eastern Europe is often called the Iron Curtain

The Western Bloc was under Soviet influence (communism)

The former allies (US, Canada, France & Britain) were concerned the Soviets planned to spread their influence over Eastern Europe

The Cold War, cont’d

No war was actually ever declared! The cold war was a war of words,

propaganda (print , radio and TV) where all those involved created “spy” notions and invasions fear to citizens

Hostilities between the 2 groups were expressed in arguments, threats and actions intended to frustrate one another

Think of it as a war of words!

From World War II to Cold War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpYCplyBknI

Soviet Spies in Canada

1945: Soviet spies were found in Canada (and other Western capitals)

Igor Gouzenko: young Russian announced to Canadian RCMP he had proof of a widespread Soviet spy ring

Documents proved spies in various government departments and in the Canadian-British atomic bomb project!! Intentions of the Soviet’s seemed even

more suspicious!

Gouzenko

Following this reveal, Gouzenko feared for his (and his family’s life)

Initially, Gouzenko would walk around with a hood to try and hide his identity from the KGB (Soviet Secret Service)

The RCMP provided them with new identities and moved them to secret camp (under constant police surveillance)

To many Canadians, Gouzenko was a brave figure who alerted the Western world to the threat of Soviet Communism

Preparation for War …

Following discovery of Soviet spies, many wondered what would happen in the event of another war!

Many believed they could survive another war, if they properly prepared for it (and had advance warning)

Defense #1: Civil Defense Plan Federal

government created civil defense plans (emergency plans)

Cities made plans for alarm sirens and mass evacuations

Defense #2: Duck and Cover Schools practiced

having students duck under their desks

Had drills for students to run immediately home for cover

Defense #3: Bomb Shelters With the threat of radio

active fall out, bomb shelters became the new fad

Ideal shelter needed supply of water & fresh air (outside sources would be contaminated)

Many Canadians built these in their basements

Stocked up on canned goods and bottled water

Defense #4: The Diefenbunker Where: Ottawa What: 4 storey,

300 room, 100,000 square foot underground bunker

Why: meant to house 535 government officials in nuclear war

Inside the Diefenbunker

The Vault

Top: CBC Emergency Broadcast Studio, Right: the Prime Minister suite