Cold War

The Cold War was a military standoff between the United States and its NATO allies, and the USSR and its allies that began after the end of the Second World War. There was no direct fighting between the superpowers, but each country was involved in a number of proxy conflicts, most notably in Vietnam, Korea and Afghanistan. The Cold War was marked by a nuclear arms race between the two super-powers, and the unchecked proliferation of nuclear weapons was a cause for concern in many quarters. The Cold War also was marked by high levels of espionage.

The root of the Cold War lies in the clash between Soviet communism and American capitalism.

The tension during the war fluctuated, with the super powers going through periods of heightened conflict and also periods of improved relations. It ended on December 26, 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union.

European Origins

The end of World War II brought hope for a new world order built on peace, prosperity, and cooperation in the new United Nations Organization innaugurated in August 1945.

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Major Cold War Fronts

In the Americas

• Cuban Revolution / Cuban Missile Crisis
• Nicaraguan Revolution, Contras
• Salvadorian Civil War
• Chilen Military Coup
• Argentina Military Dictatorship

In Asia

• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• Afghan War

In Africa

• Angolan Civil War

See Also

Joseph McCarthy

Iron Curtain

Berlin Wall