Cold War Overview and Key Incidences

A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, marked by ideological conflict, arms race, and proxy wars.

An economic system where resources are owned by private individuals or companies with the goal of generating profit. Most people work for these owners.

An economic system where resources are owned by the government and are used to meet the needs of the people. Focuses on equality and shared resources.

A U.S. policy that aimed to prevent countries from adopting communism by providing economic and military aid to pro-American governments.

A U.S. program that provided $12.2 billion in aid to rebuild war-torn European economies after World War II. It aimed to strengthen the economies and prevent the spread of communism.

A military alliance of 12 countries, including Canada. It was formed in 1949 to counter the perceived threat of the Soviet Union.

A military alliance formed by the Soviet Union and its allies in 1955 as a response to NATO. It included the Soviet Union, Eastern European countries, and Albania.

Canada's stance on the Cold War, initially aligning with the U.S. and Britain due to its limited strength as a former British colony. It became involved in NATO, NORAD, and the Korean War but later pursued peaceful solutions under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

A conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by political tension, economic competition, and proxy wars in which the superpowers supported opposing sides. While there was no large-scale direct military confrontation between the US and USSR, both sides engaged in a global ideological struggle.

A political philosophy and movement advocating class war and leading to a socialist society in which the means of production are owned by the community as a whole.

A series of conflicts in which the United States and the Soviet Union supported opposing sides, often using other countries as proxies.

The United States' policy during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism by using various means, including alliances like NATO, military aid, and economic assistance.

A division of Korea into a communist North and a capitalist South following World War II, eventually leading to the Korean War in 1950.

A conflict in Vietnam that began in the 1950s and lasted for decades, pitting the communist North Vietnam against the U.S.-backed South Vietnam. The war had major global implications and marked a turning point in American foreign policy.

Joseph Stalin's communist regime in the Soviet Union, often seen as a symbol of totalitarian control and the repression of individual freedoms.

Ideological differences between the United States (capitalism and democracy) and the Soviet Union (socialism and communism) fueled distrust and competition for global influence, creating a climate of tension.

The United States imposed sanctions, limited trade, and restricted economic growth for nations that challenged its influence.

The arms race, where both superpowers built up their nuclear weapons arsenals, increased the risk of conflict. This created a dangerous stand-off with the threat of mutually assured destruction (MAD).

Both the United States and the Soviet Union suspected the other of trying to dominate the world, leading to distrust and a lack of cooperation.

A competition during the Cold War where the US and Soviet Union stockpiled nuclear weapons.

The ability of both sides to destroy each other in a nuclear war, preventing actual conflict.
This meant neither side would attack due to fear of total annihilation.

A powerful weapon capable of causing widespread destruction and killing thousands. The U.S. dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan during WWII, the only time they've been used in war.

The program the U.S. used during WWII to develop nuclear weapons.

The US and USSR competed in a race to explore space, with a focus on technological superiority.

The key development that marked the Space Race was the US landing the first humans on the moon in 1969.

The Soviet Union's collapse in the late 1980s led to the dissolution of the USSR into 15 independent states in 1991. This marked the end of the Cold War.

The Arms Race was costly for both superpowers. The Soviet Union spent a significant portion of its economic resources on military spending, which weakened its economy and contributed to the Cold War's end.

Active fighting between countries, stopping all trade, travel, and communication. Hostile propaganda is used (e.g., Syria and the United States).

Friendly relationships between countries, with trade, travel, and cooperation on global issues (e.g., the United States and Canada).

A state where countries do not engage in direct fighting, but lack friendly relations, resulting in sanctions, trade restrictions, limited travel, and hostile propaganda (e.g., the United States and China).

The United States using economic pressure, like sanctions and trade restrictions, on countries like Russia, China, Venezuela, North Korea, and Cuba. The U.S. also aims to influence their political systems (e.g., coup attempts in Venezuela).

The rivalry between the United States (capitalism) and the Soviet Union (communism) from 1945-1991, marked by nuclear threats and military buildups.

The current Cold War (1991-Present) involves the U.S. and countries like Russia and China, focusing on economic sanctions, propaganda, and power balancing in international affairs.

Both the Post-WWII Cold War and the current Cold War involve the U.S. seeking global dominance, while other countries resist its influence.

The United States and Canada have strong trade relations, free travel, and cooperate on global issues like climate change. They are allies in NATO and support each other in organizations like the UN.