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History of Europe since 1945: the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences – the Cold War – NATO – the Warsaw Pact – construction of Europe – reunification of Germany – collapse of the USSR
Author : Olivier FORLIN, Lecturer, Pierre Mendès France University, Grenoble
For online access to this series of 16 historical maps
Europe and nations, 1945-2005
The aftermath of the Second World War was traumatic. The creation of the United Nations and the Nuremburg trials sought to reestablish political stability and a new moral order but these were again threatened by rivalry between the two great powers: USSR and USA. For a while divided by the Cold War, Europe decided to launch a unique political organization that would guarantee peace and restore its influence in world affairs.
This series contains 16 animated historical maps. For a preview, see the map on :
Europe at the End of the War
The victorious Allies decided on the key issues for the post-war period at the peace conferences, especially those of Yalta and Potsdam.
USSR expands its Territory after the War
In 1945, thanks to its role in the victory over Nazi Germany, the USSR was given new territories along its western border.
Occupied Germany and Divided Germany
The Allies’ occupation of Germany led to a division of the country at the end of 1949.
Italian Unity under Threat 1945-1948
Italy came out of the war deeply wounded, with its unity under serious threat.
Poland: New Frontiers 1945-1947
Poland was reconstituted further to the west.
A Defeated Hungary Converted to Communism 1945-1948
Hungary was forced to return territory it had annexed at the end of the 1930s.
Europe and the Cold War (1947-1991)
Division of Europe into two blocs and construction of the European Union during the cold war
The Marshall Plan and Comecon
Aid offered by the United States for the reconstruction of European countries allowed the continent to remain part of the market economy but was refused by the USSR and countries under its influence.
Military Alliances in Europe
European military policy is overshadowed by the opposition between NATO and the Warsaw Pact
Crises in Eastern Europe
Beginning in 1948, a series of crises demonstrated the Eastern European countries’ desire to throw off Soviet influence.
Yugoslavia: From Unity to Disunity
despite the scars left by the war, Tito managed, for a while, to reestablish Yugoslavia’s unity.
Cyprus: Independence and Partition
Cyprus became independent in 1960, but tensions between the Greek and Turkish populations led to partition.
Europe from One Century to the Next: 1990-2005
Emancipation of the ex-communist democracies and the collapse of the USSR led to a tremendous geo-political evolution.
The Collapse of the USSR
On obtaining their independence, the ex-USSR states had to deal with new tensions but managed to negotiate a peace for transition.
Wars in ex-Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia’s collapse led to a series of military upheavals and saw its populations subjected to ‘ethnic cleansing’.
European Union: Integration by Increments
As the number of member states increases, can the European Union remain a truly homogeneous entity?
History of Europe since 1945: the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences – the Cold War – NATO – the Warsaw Pact – construction of Europe – reunification of Germany – collapse of the USSR