During the Second World War, the US and Soviet Union were allies against the Axis power. But the aftermath of WWII turned these allies into competition and shifted the balance of power. 

We call this competition the Cold War. Countries involved in the cold war, such as the United States and its relationship with Russia became tense, as Americans had long been wary of Soviet socialism and more concerned about the leader of Russia, Joseph Stalin, and his oppressive rule of his country. 

Then, the Soviets resented the Americans as they refused to treat the USSR as a legitimate part of the international community. Unfortunately, this resulted in the deaths of millions of Russians. When the war ended, the grievances worsened and turned into an overwhelming sense of hostility and distrust. 

But has it ever crossed your mind what countries were involved in the cold war, aside from the US and Russia? 

Understanding the Countries that were involved in the Cold War

What was the Cold War? 

Many European cities turned into rubble after the destruction of World War II. It also led world leaders to seek ways to protect against attacks in the future. 

While the US and Soviet Union had worked together in defeating the Axis powers, the partnership turned into a 50-year-long confrontation. 

There were so many issues, and they disagreed on rebuilding Europe. Their efforts in increasing security also became a big conflict, and that’s when the “Cold War” started. 

It was called the cold war because the two superpowers never engaged in combat directly. They only expanded their global influence and increased their military capabilities. 

Worse, they undermined others’ way of life in front of the world. The US believed in the capitalist system of multiple political parties and free markets. However, the Soviet Union founded the communist system controlled by a centralized state and a single political party. 

With that, Cold War came basic differences between the views of the US and the Soviet Union. The communist societies also believed in redistributing wealth and promoted state-run and workers’ economies. 

So much for that. Let us discover the countries involved in the cold war. 

Related Posts

The Most Devastating Wars in History

Cultural impact of the World War 2

Top 7 Events in World History That You’ll Never Forget

1. Albania 

It was November 1944 when the German occupying forces withdrew from the country. They came under pressure from Communist guerrillas under the Enver Hoxha. 

However, the primary reason was the Soviet thrust into the Balkans that threatened to cut the line of retreat into the Balkans. When 1944 ended, Hoxha seized power, and then 2 years later, the country declared the People’s Republic of Albania. 

2. Belgium 

The political issue for the country was the return of Leopold III. He was barred from Belgium, and he surrendered. 

Despite the German occupation and ravages of the war, Belgium’s industrial plant remained intact. This allowed the economy to recover far more rapidly than others in Western Europe. 

3. Bulgaria 

In 1944, it became obvious to the Bulgarians that Germans were likely losing the war, and the government looked for a way to let go of their alliance with Germany. 

There were also attempts to make negotiations with the western Allies. Yet, the real politic was the Soviet Army advancing the borders of Bulgaria and the Allies that would make on Soviet terms. 

4. Canada 

Years after WWII, Canada was also one of the countries that entered into international defensive agreements, which include NATO, UN, and NORAD. 

Yet, with the outbreak of the Suez Crisis, Canada’s Minister of External Affairs came up with an international peacekeeping force to solve the issue. And since its inception, peacekeeping has become a major component of international activities in Canada. 

5. Czechoslovak 

Czechoslovakia also emerged from the Second World War in the Russian sphere. The Red Army liberated Prague in May of 1945. 

In 1948, the communist party gained control of the government, and a series of purges of that politician took place. With that, the Soviet advisors came, and the armed forces were re-equipped with larger quantities of Soviet weapons. 

6. Denmark 

Since 1940, Denmark was occupied by the German forces and was not liberated until the Allied forces went to the country when the war ended. 

Right after the war, the Danes left the policy of neutrality which had been in force since 1864. And after the early attempt to form a failed Nordic Alliance with Sweden and Norway, she became the founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. 

7. France 

France was also involved in the Cold war, and it was a less defining experience than it was for the US or Great Britain. 

Despite being qualified, it must be understood that France was committed to the Cold War just like some European countries. In fact, the Cold War was not just about Soviet-American issues. 

8. Germany East

During the historic Cold War, East Germany was known as the most noteworthy Soviet state in Europe after Russia. However, its policies led to economic inaction, widespread dissatisfaction, and political oppression among East Germans. 

9. Germany West 

The allies divided Germany into 4 military zones when the Second World War ended. Berlin was also divided into 4 sectors and intended that each military zone oversee matters related to the zone.

However, a central governing body should be called the Allied Control Council. 

10. Greece

Also, during the German occupation in WWII, Greek communists led the popular movement. In 1945, it also followed the end of hostilities, as the “Services Government” was formed in Athens.

The US Marshall Plan in 1949 also aided money that was actually the start of pouring into Greece and assisting with the military and economic reconstruction and civilian aid. 

Related Posts

Top Weapons During the Vikings Era

Industrial Revolution’s Impact on the Environment

Wrapping Up 

There are still many countries involved in the historic cold war. The thing here is that this happening has shaped American foreign policy and political ideology. 

In fact, it impacted the presidency and domestic economy and affected the lives of the people worldwide to create normalcy and conformity.