The A-Level History Podcast

Matthew Phillips
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This podcast covers AQA A-Level History, starting with The Cold War, c1945–1991. Together we will study an era of tension between the USSR, the USA, and their allies which almost led to nuclear conflict. Reading and resources list • J Aldred, Aspects of International Relations, 1945 – 2004, Nelson Thornes. • S Phillips, The Cold War in Europe and Asia, Heineman. • D Williamson, Access to History: Europe and the Cold War 1945-1991, Hodder. • B Lightbody, The Cold War (Questions and Analysis in History), Routledge.

  1. 12/24/2023

    Episode 22: The Creation of East and West Germany

    In the aftermath of World War II, the Yalta and Potsdam conferences temporarily divided Germany into zones of occupation. The hopes for an East-West agreement over Germany collapsed during the Berlin Crisis, solidifying the division. In August 1949, the three western zones united to form West Germany, embracing capitalism. Meanwhile, in October of the same year, the Soviet zone became East Germany, under communist rule. This division endured for forty years until the eventual reunification of Germany.

  2. 12/23/2023

    Episode 21: The Berlin Blockade

    The Berlin Blockade of 1948-49 was a turning point in the Cold War in Europe. The agreements made at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences were temporary, and the Berlin Blockade was a drastic Soviet attempt to influence the long-term future of Germany. This event underscored the urgency of settling the German question and heightened tensions between the Western and Soviet blocs.

  3. 11/29/2023

    Episode 20: Developments within the German sectors

    After the Second World War, Germany found itself divided into four zones, each administered by a different Allied power. The Allied Control Council (ACC) was established to coordinate actions and maintain unity, but as we'll see, conflicts and differing visions quickly arose.

  4. 11/08/2023

    Episode 19: US attitudes to Germany and Berlin

    Germany, a country with a central location in Europe and immense military and economic potential, played a pivotal role in the Cold War. The USSR and the Western allies understood the significance of not allowing the other side to dominate Germany. As tensions escalated, there was consideration on both sides of potentially enlisting Germany as an ally in a hypothetical East-West conflict. The "German question" emerged as a central issue in the Cold War, and Stalin understood its importance earlier than the Western allies did.

  5. 11/06/2023

    Episode 18: The launch of the Marshall Plan

    In today's episode of the A-Level History Podcast, we explore why Marshall aid was primarily directed to Western Europe. We will also try to explain why the Soviet Union viewed the Marshall Plan as U.S. economic imperialism.

  6. 11/01/2023

    Episode 17: The USA's policy towards Britain and Europe

    The USA's pathway into Europe primarily stemmed from its 'special relationship' with Britain. The USA valued Britain's influence in Europe, and Britain needed the USA's assistance to uphold its international status. However, by January 1947, the UK faced a severe economic crisis. The initial approach of the USA towards Europe after World War II was centred on reconstructing the continent as a democratic entity. However, like in Britain, the USA had deep concerns about Europe's deteriorating condition. This fear was heightened in September 1946 when civil war erupted in Greece.

  7. 10/26/2023

    Episode 16: Cominform

    In 1947, a pivotal moment occurred in the early days of the Cold War. The Soviet Union established the Communist Information Bureau, or Cominform, as a direct response to the Truman Doctrine. Cominform had a critical mission: to coordinate and unify communist parties across Europe while strengthening Soviet control over Eastern European regimes.

  8. 10/14/2023

    Episode 15: The Greek Civil War and the Truman Doctrine on containment

    Today we're diving into the momentous events surrounding the Greek Civil War and the Truman Doctrine on containment that was unveiled on the 12th of March in 1947. 12th March 12, 1947, marked a turning point in global politics when President Harry S. Truman delivered a speech that introduced the world to the Truman Doctrine. This doctrine had far-reaching consequences for international relations, and it was the catalyst for the onset of the Cold War. But what were the factors that led to the formation of the Truman Doctrine? What were the consequences of the creation of the Truman Doctrine? Listen to find out!

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About

This podcast covers AQA A-Level History, starting with The Cold War, c1945–1991. Together we will study an era of tension between the USSR, the USA, and their allies which almost led to nuclear conflict. Reading and resources list • J Aldred, Aspects of International Relations, 1945 – 2004, Nelson Thornes. • S Phillips, The Cold War in Europe and Asia, Heineman. • D Williamson, Access to History: Europe and the Cold War 1945-1991, Hodder. • B Lightbody, The Cold War (Questions and Analysis in History), Routledge.

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