Ep 4. The Cold War 1945-1950

Oliver Stone's Untold History Of The United States is a 10-part documentary series that explores some of the most significant moments in American history. Each episode delves into the lesser-known details and events surrounding a particular era, offering a fresh perspective on familiar events and uncovering some surprising new information.

Episode 4, entitled The Cold War 1945-1950, examines the post-World War II period and the emergence of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Stone covers the events that led up to the Cold War, beginning with the Yalta Conference in 1945, where Allied leaders met to discuss the post-war division of Europe. From there, the episode moves on to the Potsdam Conference, where tensions between the US and the USSR began to escalate.

Throughout the episode, Stone focuses on the personalities of the key players involved in the early years of the Cold War, including President Harry Truman, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and Secretary of State James Byrnes. He also highlights the various ideological and geopolitical factors that contributed to the start of the Cold War, such as the fear of communism in the US and the Soviet Union's desire to maintain security and influence in Eastern Europe.

One of the main themes of the episode is the role of propaganda and misinformation in shaping public opinion during the early years of the Cold War. Stone highlights the various ways in which both the US and the USSR spread propaganda and disinformation to their respective populations, including the use of films, newspapers, and radio broadcasts.

Another key aspect of the episode is the examination of the United States' decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. Stone provides a nuanced view of this controversial event, examining the arguments both for and against the use of nuclear weapons.

Overall, The Cold War 1945-1950 is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on an important period in American history. Stone's comprehensive approach to the subject matter and his willingness to present a balanced viewpoint make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in the Cold War and its impact on US foreign policy.