Question

Here is a list of countries. Write against each of these the bloc they belonged to during the Cold War.

a) Poland
b) France
c) Japan
d) Nigeria
e) North Korea
f) Sri Lanka

Answer 1

a) Poland- Soviet Bloc

Explanation

Stalin, the communist leader of the Soviet Union wanted to secure Poland as a buffer against the western democratic confrontation. Poland soon became a part of the Soviet Eastern bloc, which comprised nations such as Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Romania.

b) France- US Bloc

Explanation

France became a part of the US bloc and subsequently became a member of NATO for its own national security and also for the security of the region from the possible attack of the USSR-led Warsaw Pact.

c) Japan- Soviet Bloc

Explanation

Japan did not join the US bloc, owing to the nuclear attacks by the US in 1945 in two of its major cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In order to guard its own national security interest, Japan thus became a part of the rival bloc.

d) Nigeria- Non-aligned country

Explanation

Nigeria, a newly independent country, was encouraged by other Third World countries to retain its independent decision-making and to play a proactive role in de-escalating tensions between the two blocs.

e) North Korea- Soviet Bloc

Explanation

North Korea, in fact, was the result of the Cold War conflict. After its liberation from Japan, Korea was partitioned into two regions: North Korea and South Korea. While the US occupied the South, the USSR took control over the North, with Kim Il-sung as a leader with Stalinist style of functioning.

f) Sri Lanka- Non-aligned country

Explanation

Sri Lanka, a newly independent country, decided to remain a non-aligned country and play an active role in maintaining peace, as well as gain from maintaining friendly relations with both the blocs.