Basics of the Cold War 1945 – 1990

Definitions Hot War – direct fighting between two or more nations Cold War – political/philosophical fighting between two or more nations –Can include indirect fighting Satellite Nations - independent nations loyal to a mother country Iron Curtain – Churchill’s description of the Communist controlled nations

Major Issues Democracies vs. Communism –Which form of government would lead the post World War II world? Which government was better for the people? United States vs. Union of Soviet Socialists Republics –Who would be the world’s super power? –U.S. – wanted democracies in Europe and Asia to open up economic opportunities –U.S.S.R. – wanted to protect their own interests through satellite nations

Direct/Indirect Conflict Direct –NATO vs. Warsaw Pact –Nuclear Arms Race –East vs. West Germany Berlin Wall –China –Cuban Missile Crisis –1980/1984 Olympics Indirect Fighting –Korean War –Vietnam War –Afghanistan –Middle East Conflicts