Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Undoubtedly, the Cold War marked an era of unprecedented global tensions and bipolarization. The 'Peaceful Coexistence' of the period, despite its reassuring name, was actually a period of indirect conflicts, radical changes, and intense ideological, political, economic, and military competition. Furthermore, this historical context is crucial to understand not only recent history but also the world today, especially global international relations. Peaceful Coexistence, on one hand, provided a temporary relief from direct tensions between the USA and the USSR. On the other hand, it was a period of intense ideological struggle and alliance formation, which still affect global power dynamics to this day.

Contextualization

In the History curriculum, the Cold War is a decisive milestone that delimits the post-World War II scenario. Studying Peaceful Coexistence during the Cold War provides students with a deeper understanding of the complex power plays, diplomacy, manipulation, and indirect confrontation that occurred in the period. The study of this theme is, therefore, a natural extension of understanding the events that took place during and after World War II. Additionally, it provides a basis for exploring subsequent topics, such as decolonization, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War in the Third World. Understanding Peaceful Coexistence is crucial to understanding the Cold War as a whole, as it marks a shift in the nature of competition between superpowers: from direct military conflict to influence struggle.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Peaceful Coexistence: Term introduced by Khrushchev in 1956 to describe a period of seemingly peaceful relations between the capitalist and socialist blocs during the Cold War. However, it concealed a scenario of high competitiveness and indirect confrontation.
• Low-Intensity Conflicts: Among the characteristic conflicts of this period, we can mention the Hungarian Revolution, the Suez Crisis, and the Construction of the Berlin Wall. These conflicts demonstrated the latent tension in Peaceful Coexistence and the need for both sides to assert their control.
• Social Movements:
  • May 1968: Student revolt and general strike that took over France and spread to other countries. A symbol of dissatisfaction with the status quo and the beginning of a global wave of social movements.
  • Civil Rights Movements in the USA: Fight for racial equality and the end of segregation that transformed American society and influenced similar movements in other countries.

Key Terms

• Global Bipolarity: State of competition and tension between the United States of America (USA) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), known as the 'First World' and 'Second World,' respectively.
• Capitalist and Socialist Blocs: Ideological and political division of the world, led by the USA and the USSR, respectively.
• Indirect Conflicts: Confrontations that occurred outside the territory of the dominant powers but with their support or involvement, such as the Vietnam War and the Cold War in the Third World.

Examples and Cases

• Hungarian Revolution of 1956: Protest movement against the Hungarian communist government, brutally suppressed by Soviet forces. Demonstrated the vulnerability of Peaceful Coexistence and popular discontent against Soviet domination.
• Suez Crisis: Military conflict between Egypt and the colonial powers United Kingdom, France, and Israel, with indirect support from the USA and USSR. Showed the reality of power games and imperialist interests behind Peaceful Coexistence.
• Construction of the Berlin Wall: Physical symbol of the world's division during the Cold War. Exemplifies the need for control and the latent instability in Peaceful Coexistence.
• May 1968 in France: Demonstrated popular dissatisfaction with the established order, questioning the role of superpowers and capitalism, and influenced similar movements worldwide.
• Civil Rights Movement in the USA: Drove profound changes in American society and represented an ideological struggle within the capitalist bloc itself, challenging the perception that freedom and democracy were exclusive to the American system.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Peaceful Coexistence: This concept, despite its misleading name, characterizes a period of constant competition and tension between the capitalist and socialist blocs during the height of the Cold War.
• Low-Intensity Conflicts: The Hungarian Revolution, the Suez Crisis, and the Construction of the Berlin Wall are just a few examples of conflicts that marked the period, illustrating the insecurity and need for control present in Peaceful Coexistence.
• Social Movements: May 1968 in France and the Civil Rights Movement in the USA are examples of social movements that challenged the established order, internally within their respective blocs, and were significant influences for similar movements in other parts of the world.

Conclusions

• Peaceful Coexistence was a complex and multifaceted phase of the Cold War, where competition between the blocs intensified in indirect conflicts and ideological struggles.
• Social movements played a crucial role in the history of this period, challenging established power structures and influencing the politics and society of the time.
• Understanding Peaceful Coexistence is crucial in analyzing the Cold War period, as it reveals the complex power plays and tensions that continue to affect international relations to this day.

Exercises

1. Define the concept of Peaceful Coexistence and explain why its name is considered misleading.
2. Analyze the relationship between social movements and Peaceful Coexistence during the Cold War.
3. Discuss the importance of low-intensity conflicts in Peaceful Coexistence, using at least two conflict examples to illustrate your argument.