International Relations, 1945–83

The Beginning of the Cold War (1945–1949)

Yalta and Potsdam Conferences (1945): These were post-World War II meetings by the leaders of the USA, UK, and USSR, to negotiate peace terms. Differences emerged over the future of Germany and Eastern Europe.
Iron Curtain Speech (1946): Speech by British prime minister, Winston Churchill, highlighting the division of Europe (Eastern bloc under USSR influence vs Western bloc under US influence).
Truman Doctrine (1947): US President Truman’s policy to contain communism by providing aid to vulnerable nations.
Marshall Plan (1947-1951): US plan to help rebuild war-torn European economies to prevent the spread of communism.
Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948-1949): USSR’s attempt to force the Western Allies out of Berlin by blocking all land access; the Allies responded with an airlift to supply the city.

Cold War Crises (1950–1970)

Korean War (1950-1953): This war between communist North Korea and capitalist South Korea increased Cold War tensions.
Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): Confrontation between the USA and USSR after the latter placed nuclear missiles in Cuba; closest the world came to nuclear war.
Vietnam War (1955-1975): War between communist North Vietnam and US-backed South Vietnam escalated into a significant Cold War conflict.

Key Individuals and Nations

US Presidents (Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon): Their policies played a critical role in shaping the trajectory of the Cold War.
USSR’s leaders (Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev): Their reactions to Western policies and their own strategies also determined the dynamics of the Cold War.
Fidel Castro of Cuba: Castro’s alignment with the USSR and the resultant US-Cuban tensions significantly impacted global politics.

Detente and the End of the Cold War (1970–1983)

SALT I and II (1972,1979): These were agreements aimed at reducing the production of strategic nuclear weapons.
Helsinki Accords (1975): This international agreement sought to improve East-West relations.
Invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989): USSR’s invasion led to US sanctions and a renewal of Cold War tensions.
Reagan’s ‘Evil Empire’ Speech (1983): This marked the end of detente and reignited Cold War animosity.

Impact of Economic Factors

Arms Race: The constant competition between the USA and USSR to develop superior weaponry put significant economic strain on both nations.
Space Race: The rivalry extended into space exploration, with both the USA and USSR investing heavily.
Economic Aid: Both superpowers used financial aid to gain support from smaller nations, impact local politics, and prevent the spread or growth of opposing ideologies.

Remember to draw linkages between the stages of the Cold War, key individuals/nations, and economic factors for a comprehensive understanding of International Relations from 1945–83.