Europe and nations since 1945

Europe and nations since 1945

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: the USSR and the 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.

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
Milestones in European Construction

Milestones in European Construction

School version

Video extract


The European Union, which now has 27 Member States, is seen as an attractive area where peace, and democracy are well established.


Europe at the End of the War

Europe at the End of the War

Video extract


The victorious Allies decided on the key issues for the post-war period at the peace conferences, especially those of Yalta and Potsdam.


The USSR expands its Territory after the War

The USSR expands its Territory after the War

Video extract


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

Occupied Germany and Divided Germany

Video extract


The Allies’ occupation of Germany led to a division of the country at the end of 1949.


Italian Unity under Threat 1945-1948

Italian Unity under Threat 1945-1948

Video extract


Italy came out of the war deeply wounded, with its unity under serious threat.


Poland: New Frontiers 1945-1947

Poland: New Frontiers 1945-1947

Video extract


Poland was reconstituted further to the west.


A Defeated Hungary Converted to Communism 1945-1948

A Defeated Hungary Converted to Communism 1945-1948

Video extract


Hungary was forced to return territory it had annexed at the end of the 1930s.


Europe and the Cold War (1947-1991)

Europe and the Cold War (1947-1991)

Video extract


This map describes the division of Europe into two blocs and construction of the European Union during the Cold War.


The Marshall Plan and Comecon

The Marshall Plan and Comecon

Video extract


Aid offered by the United States for the reconstruction of European countries allowed the continent to remain part of the market economy. However, this aid was refused by the USSR and countries under its influence.


Military Alliances in Europe

Military Alliances in Europe

Video extract


European military policy is overshadowed by the opposition between NATO and the Warsaw Pact


Crises in Eastern Europe

Crises in Eastern Europe

Video extract


Beginning in 1948, a series of crises demonstrated the Eastern European countries’ desire to throw off Soviet influence.


Yugoslavia: From Unity to Disunity

Yugoslavia: From Unity to Disunity

Video extract


Despite the scars left by the war, Tito managed, for a while, to reestablish Yugoslavia’s unity. Upon his death, Yugoslavian nationalist interests emerged strong and threatened to separate Yugoslavia into different countries.


Cyprus: Independence and Partition

Cyprus: Independence and Partition

Video extract


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

Europe from One Century to the Next: 1990-2005

Complete video


Emancipation of the ex-communist democracies and the collapse of the USSR led to a tremendous geo-political evolution.


The Collapse of the USSR

The Collapse of the USSR

Video extract


On obtaining their independence, the former USSR satellite states had to deal with new tensions but managed to negotiate a peace for transition.


Wars in ex-Yugoslavia

Wars in ex-Yugoslavia

Video extract


Yugoslavia’s collapse led to a series of military upheavals and saw its populations subjected to ‘ethnic cleansing’.