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The "Cold War" began with the communist Soviet Union after the end of World War II.  It was a "war" in the sense that the United States and the Soviet Union were enemies every bit as much as two sides to an actual war are.  Communists were (and are) determined to end the American form of government, with its freedoms.  This "war" was "cold", however, because no soldiers fired any shots directly against the real enemy.  Instead, this "war" was fought through spies, nuclear armament, installing missiles directed at the other side, and gaining influence and control over smaller countries to achieve a strategic advantage.

The "Cold War" began with the communist Soviet Union after the end of World War II.  It was a "war" in the sense that the United States and the Soviet Union were enemies every bit as much as two sides to an actual war are.  Communists were (and are) determined to end the American form of government, with its freedoms.  This "war" was "cold", however, because no soldiers fired any shots directly against the real enemy.  Instead, this "war" was fought through spies, nuclear armament, installing missiles directed at the other side, and gaining influence and control over smaller countries to achieve a strategic advantage.

From 1940 to 1945, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had been the most popular man in England.  His approval ratings had never fallen below 78%.  In May 1945, his approval rating stood at 83%, and he began running for reelection.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/election_01.shtml</ref>  He then lost in a landslide!  Historians to this day debate why that happened, and explanations range from how voters wanted to move towards the future to a feeling that Churchill had finished his work.  Truth be told, political outcomes can be surprising, and there is often little logic in politics.  The real benefit of democracy is not that arrives at the best outcome, but that it provides an element of surprise to check and balance against tyranny.

 

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a solid ally of the United States against communism.  From 1940 to 1945, Churchill had been the most popular man in England.  His approval ratings had never fallen below 78%.  In May 1945, his approval rating stood at 83%, and he began running for reelection.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/election_01.shtml</ref>  He then lost in a landslide!  Historians to this day debate why that happened, and explanations range from how voters wanted to move towards the future to a feeling that Churchill had finished his work.  Truth be told, political outcomes can be surprising, and there is often little logic in politics.  The real benefit of democracy is not that arrives at the best outcome, but that it provides an element of surprise to check and balance against tyranny.

In 1946, Churchill traveled to Missouri to receive an honorary degree.  He then delivered remarks that were prophetic:<ref>http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/churchill-iron.html</ref>

In 1946, Churchill traveled to Missouri to receive an honorary degree.  He then delivered remarks that were prophetic:<ref>http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/churchill-iron.html</ref>