33-4 The Cold War Divides the World
The superpowers support opposing sides in Latin American and Middle Eastern conflicts
Fighting for the Third World
More Than One “World”oThird World—developing nations;
often newly independent, nonaligned Cold War Strategies
oU.S., Soviet Union, and China compete for influence over the Third World
o They back revolutions and give economic , military and technical aid
Fighting for the Third World
Association of Nonaligned NationsoMany countries, like India, want to
avoid involvement in the Cold Waro In 1955, Indonesia hosts Asian and
African leaders who want neutralityoNonaligned nations—independent
countries not involved in the Cold War
Confrontations in Latin America
Fidel Castro and the Cuban RevolutionoFidel Castro—leads revolt in Cuba
against dictator supported by the U.S.oBy 1959, Castro in power, nationalizes
economy, takes U.S. propertyo In 1961, Castro defeats U.S. trained
Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs
Confrontations in Latin America
Nuclear Face-off: the Cuban Missile Crisiso In 1962, U.S. demands removal of
Soviet missiles in Cubao Soviets withdraw missiles; U.S.
promises not to invade CubaoCuban economy is left dependent
on Soviet support
Confrontations in Latin America
Civil War in Nicaraguao Anastasio Somoza Debayle—Nicaraguan
dictator supported by the U.S.o Daniel Ortega—leads Sandinista rebels
who take power in Nicaraguao U.S. and Soviet Union both initially support
Sandinistaso Sandinistas aid Communist rebels in El
Salvadoro U.S. helps anti-Communist Contras in
Nicaragua to assist El Salvadoro In 1990, Nicaragua holds first free elections,
Sandinistas lose
Daniel Ortega on Time magazine, March 31, 1986
Anastasio Somoza Debayle (U.S. supported president of Nicaragua from 1967-1980)
Confrontations in the Middle East
Religious and Secular Values Clash in Irano Shah Reza Pahlavi
embraces Western governments and oil companies
o Iranian nationalists overthrow shah, seize British oil company
o U.S. restores shah to power, fearing Soviet encroachment
Shah Reza Pahlavi
Confrontations in the Middle East
The United States Supports Secular Ruleo Shah Reza Pahlavi
westernizes Iran with U.S. support
o Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini—Iranian Muslim leader; lives in exile
o In 1978, Khomeini sparks riots in Iran, Shah flees
Confrontations in the Middle East
Khomeini’s Anti-U.S. Policieso Islamic revolutionaries
hold American hostages in Tehran (1979-1981) for 444 days
o Muslim radicals take control in Iran, increasing tensions with Iraq
o Saddam Hussein, fearing the spread of the Iranian Revolution into Iraq, attacks Iran.
o Iran and Iraq fight an 8-year war; U.S. aids both sides, Soviets help Iraq