Access to History: Europe and the Cold War 1945-1991: Second Edition

Summary:
The new editions of Access to History combine all the strengths of this well-loved series with a new design and features that allow all students access to the content and study skills needed to achieve exam success.



The Second Edition of this popular title has been revised to reflect the needs of the current specifications. The book starts by examining the crucial events of 1944-7, which led to the break down of the Second World War alliance between the 'Big Three' and the onset of the Cold War. It shows how the Cold War shaped post-war Europe through the creation of two great military and economic blocs. Key events such as the Berlin bockade of 1948-9, the Hungarian revolt of 1956, the second Berlin crisis of 1958-61 and collapse of Communism from 1989-91. In this new edition additional material on détente has been added.

Throughout the book key dates, terms and issues are highlighted, and historical interpretations of key debates are outlined. Summary diagrams are included to consolidate knowledge and understanding of the period, and exam style questions and tips for each examination board provide the opportunity to develop exam skills.

• Now with revised and updated study guides for the 2008 specifications. Written by examiners to provide support with assessment and exam skills

• Redesigned to allow greater accessibility.
• New features such as definitions, summaries and exam tips to aid learning.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 The Cold War: An introduction
What Was the Cold War?
The Origins of the Cold War, 1917-45
The Beginnings of the Cold War in Europe 1945-8
The ‘First Cold War’ 1948-53
The ‘Thaw’ 1953-7
The ‘Second Cold War’ 1958-62
The Period of Détente 1963-79
The 'Third Cold War’ and the Collapse of Communism, 1979-91
The Nuclear Background
Chapter 2 The Defeat of the Axis Powers, 1943-5: Cold War Foreshadowed?
The Conflicting Aims of the Big Three
Inter-Allied Negotiations 1943-4
The Liberation of Europe 1943-5
The Yalta Conference, February 1945
The End of the War in Europe
Conclusion
Chapter 3 The Break up of the Grand Alliance, 1945-7
Early Postwar Tensions between the Great Powers, April-August 1945
The Peace Treaties with Italy and the Minor Axis Powers
Germany, June 1945-April 1947
The Truman Doctrine of Containment
The Marshall Plan
The European States, June 1945-December 1947
Conclusion
Chapter 4 The Division of Germany and Europe 1948-9
The Emergence of a Western Bloc
The Consolidation of the Eastern Bloc
The Yugoslav-Soviet Split
The Decision to Create a West German State
The Soviet Response: The Berlin Blockade
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
The Division of Germany
Key Debate
Chapter 5 The Consolidation of the Rival Blocs
Western Integration 1950-2
Stalin’s Failure to Stop West German Rearmament
Western Attempts to Destabilise the Soviet Bloc
Leadership Changes in the USA and USSR
6 The East German Revolt, June 1953
The Western European Settlement 1953-5
The Warsaw Pact Treaty
The Geneva Conference, July 1955
Key Debate
Chapter 6 The Khrushchev Era and the 'Second Cold War' 1956-63
The Year of Crises 1956
The Legacy of the Crises
The Berlin Crisis 1958-61
The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
Assessment: The ‘Second Cold War’
Chapter 7 The 'Long Peace' in Europe 1963-91
The Road to Détente, 1963-9
Ostpolitik
The Helsinki Accord
The 'Third' or ‘New Cold War’ 1979-85
The End of the Cold War in Europe 1983-91
Reunification of Germany
Conclusion
Chapter 8 Interpreting the Cold War
Could the Cold War Have Been Avoided?
When Did the Cold War Actually Start?
Why Did the Cold War in Europe Last so Long?
Why Did the Cold War End?
Further Reading
Glossary
Index

About the Author(s):
David Williamson is an experienced A Level History teacher and author.

Readership:
A level students