The Cold War – Background

The Cold War: An Overview (1945-1989)

Introduction

The Cold War, stretching from 1945 until the early 1990s, was a period of intense rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union. The conflict was often indirect but came perilously close to a full-blown nuclear confrontation.

Core Ideologies

• USA: Capitalism, which involves limited government involvement, individual freedoms, and the possibility of economic inequality.
• USSR: Communism, aimed at creating a classless society through government control, though often leading to authoritarianism.

Historical Roots

The ideological conflict between the USA and the USSR dates back to 1917, when Russia became a Communist nation. Despite these deep-rooted differences, both nations allied to fight against Hitler during WWII.

Post-WWII

After WWII, disagreements erupted again between the two superpowers, primarily regarding the future of Europe. While the USA advocated for free elections in Eastern Europe, the USSR sought to extend its influence and control in the region.

Global Confrontations

• The USSR limited US access to Berlin, leading to the Berlin Airlift.
• Both nations supported opposing sides in the Korean War.

The Nuclear Factor

Both the USA (from 1945) and the USSR (from 1949) possessed nuclear arsenals, escalating the stakes and potential devastation in any direct conflict.

Major Events

Various major events, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, and the building of the Berlin Wall, punctuated the Cold War, serving as flashpoints that could have escalated into catastrophic conflicts.

End of the Cold War

In 1991, following the collapse of Communist governments across Eastern Europe and internal changes within Russia, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War era.