The Cold War Review

Mrs. HensleyHonors World History

The Beginnings

• WWII left behind enormous destruction and a world order dominated by two nations: the US and the Soviet Union

• Peace brought problems to the Allies on how to treat defeated countries and what to do with Eastern Europe– Characteristics: Included millions from both sides

(most wars didn’t include so many people)– Lasted approximately 46 years– Fought around the world

Communism vs. Capitalism

• US and the Soviet Union entered an era of tension and hostility-Cold War– More than a military rival– Struggle for power and control between two

nations– Communism vs. Capitalist Democracy• With very different governments, economic systems,

ways of life

• “Iron Curtain”

Cold War Confrontations

• Containment Policy: resisting Soviet aggression in order to contain the spread of communism (provide aid to those that opposed the Soviets)

• NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization-alliance between the US, Canada and most Western European countries joined in a military alliance

• Warsaw Pact: alliance between the Soviets and communist nations of Eastern Europe

Cold War Around the World

• The Cold War contributed to conflict around the world directly and indirectly.– The US and the Soviet Union entered into military battles in

an effort to stop or assist in the spread of communism.– Korean War: Soviets and US agreed to divided the country

after WWII, Soviets established communist government in North, US supported non-communist regime in South; settled into stalemate

– Vietnam War: Vietnam had been partitioned into Communist-controlled North and anti-communist South. When the North began fighting to unify the country the US intervened

Arms & Space Race

• Development of atomic and hydrogen bombs led to the beginning of the arms race

• Arms Race: 1950s and 1960s the US and Soviet Union raced to develop powerful new Weapons

• Soviets launched Sputnik in 1957• US launched NASA in 1958

Effects

• Political and military struggles around the world

• Increased military spending, leading to an arms race

• The ever present danger of nuclear war• 1991-Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War

came to an end, bringing changes to Europe and leaving the US as the world’s only superpower.