Mid-Late 20th Century after WW3 in the 1940's?

[Gan]

What if the Berlin Blockade resulted in another World War breaking out before the end of the 1940's?

Considering that this is prior to the Soviets acquiring nuclear weapons, it's obvious that the United States/Western Powers would curbstomp the Soviets. I'm less interested in the actual conflict, and more on the aftermath. What would that be like?

Immediately after, what becomes of Eastern Europe and what remains of the Soviet Union? How would the rest of the 1900s play out? What is the impact of the Soviets defeated, and subsequently no Cold War?

[lordroel]

May 9, 2018 1:41:28 GMT Gan said:

What if the Berlin Blockade resulted in another World War breaking out before the end of the 1940's?

Considering that this is prior to the Soviets acquiring nuclear weapons, it's obvious that the United States/Western Powers would curbstomp the Soviets. I'm less interested in the actual conflict, and more on the aftermath. What would that be like?

Immediately after, what becomes of Eastern Europe and what remains of the Soviet Union? How would the rest of the 1900s play out? What is the impact of the Soviets defeated, and subsequently no Cold War?

It will be a ugly war, just look at this crazy idea What if: Operation Unthinkable, Churchill’s plan to start World War III

[stevep]

May 9, 2018 1:41:28 GMT Gan said:

What if the Berlin Blockade resulted in another World War breaking out before the end of the 1940's?

Considering that this is prior to the Soviets acquiring nuclear weapons, it's obvious that the United States/Western Powers would curbstomp the Soviets. I'm less interested in the actual conflict, and more on the aftermath. What would that be like?

Immediately after, what becomes of Eastern Europe and what remains of the Soviet Union? How would the rest of the 1900s play out? What is the impact of the Soviets defeated, and subsequently no Cold War?

  Basically if the trigger is the Berlin Blockade then the Soviets will overrun virtually all the continent of Europe as the western powers had largely disarmed.  Also you likely to see the two sides fighting in locations such as Korea and China, with early successes again for the Soviets. Probably also the ME as well. A lot of people will die in the war or in Soviet 'pacification' methods.  In the longer run however the Soviets are still weakened greatly by WWII and the western nuclear monopoly will be a huge boost.  Technically the Soviets may make a nuclear test before the war ends but whether they can get a reliable weapon and delivery system in time is uncertain.  The US was very short of nuclear weapons at this point but a few key targets, such as Moscow for C&C and Baku could seriously impact much of the Soviet war effort.  Also both in the areas they controlled before the war started and those they occupied during it the Soviets are going to face problems maintaining control no matter how ruthless they are.

  As such its almost certain to be a western victory but its going to be a very bloody war, probably markedly more than WWII and you could well see large areas left in relative chaos at the end of it.  Can't see the western powers occupying the bulk of the former Soviet Union for instance as that would require a massive commitment, while they might also end up accepting Maoist rule in China.  Probably going to drive direct Russian control out of the rest of Europe and the ME and seek to establish 'friendly' regimes in areas such as the Ukraine, Russia itself etc.