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The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991, characterized by ideological conflict, nuclear arms race, and proxy wars. Key phases included early confrontations, globalization, détente, renewed tensions, and the eventual end with Gorbachev's reforms and the dissolution of the USSR. Its consequences include lasting global alliances, technological advancements, and ongoing regional conflicts.

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5 views4 pages

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The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991, characterized by ideological conflict, nuclear arms race, and proxy wars. Key phases included early confrontations, globalization, détente, renewed tensions, and the eventual end with Gorbachev's reforms and the dissolution of the USSR. Its consequences include lasting global alliances, technological advancements, and ongoing regional conflicts.

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khagpg456
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Cold War

The Cold War was a long period of political and military tension between the
United States and its allies (Western Bloc) and the Soviet Union and its allies
(Eastern Bloc). It lasted from about 1947 to 1991.

It was not a direct war, but it influenced world politics, economies,


technology, and military plans.

It was a 45-year global rivalry fought through ideology, propaganda, proxy


wars, nuclear weapons, and economic competition instead of direct battles.

Causes

After World War II, the U.S. supported capitalism and democracy, while the
USSR supported communism.

Power struggle in Europe and control of atomic weapons.

Main Phases

1. Early Confrontation (1947–1953): Berlin Blockade, NATO formed, Soviet


Union built its A-bomb.
2. Globalization & Hot Wars (1950–1975): Korean War, Cuban Missile
Crisis, Vietnam War, decolonization conflicts.

3. Détente (1963–1979): Relaxed tensions, SALT I treaty, Helsinki Accords.

4. Renewed Tension (1979–1985): Soviet-Afghan War, U.S. SDI program.

5. Endgame (1985–1991): Gorbachev’s reforms, Eastern Europe


revolutions, collapse of USSR in 1991.

Key Features

Ideology: U.S. (capitalism, democracy) vs. USSR (communism,


authoritarianism).

Nuclear Arms Race: Both built huge nuclear weapon stockpiles (Mutually
Assured Destruction).

Space Race: USSR launched Sputnik (1957), U.S. landed on the Moon (1969).

Proxy Wars: Korean War, Vietnam War, Soviet-Afghan War.


Espionage: CIA (U.S.) and KGB (USSR) did global spying.

Alliances: NATO (1949) vs. Warsaw Pact (1955).

Important Events

Berlin Blockade (1948–1949): Soviets tried to push Allies out of Berlin,


leading to the Berlin Airlift.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): World came close to nuclear war, solved
peacefully.

Hungarian Uprising (1956) & Prague Spring (1968): USSR crushed liberal
movements.

Détente (1970s): Peace talks and arms control.

Reagan Era (1980s): U.S. increased military pressure.

Gorbachev’s Reforms (1985–1991): Policies of restructuring and openness.


End of the Cold War

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989): End of communist rule in Eastern Europe.

Dissolution of USSR (1991): Cold War officially ended, U.S. became the only
superpower.

Consequences

Long-term global alliances and rivalries.

Spread and control of communism.

New technologies (satellites, computers, space programs).

Regional conflicts and effects of interventions still remain.

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