APWH Unit 8

Cold War

A state of hostility that exists between two states chiefly characterized by an ideological struggle rather than open warfare.

Superpowers

Countries that hold significant influence and power on a global scale, primarily the US and USSR during the Cold War.

Marshall Plan

A US program that provided over $13 billion in aid for economic recovery in war-torn European nations after WW2.

Technological Advantage

Refers to the superior technology developed by a nation, such as the atomic bomb by the US during WW2.

Arms Race

A competition between nations for military supremacy, particularly in nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence from imperial powers, significantly occurring post-WW2.

Iron Curtain

A term used by Winston Churchill to describe the division between the democratic Western countries and communist Eastern countries during the Cold War.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and free market principles, as promoted by the US.

Communism

An economic and political ideology advocating for state ownership and control of property and resources, as exemplified by the Soviet Union.

Non-Aligned Movement

A group of states that chose not to align with either superpower during the Cold War, aiming for independence and self-determination.

Korean War

A conflict (1950-1953) between North Korea (supported by China and the USSR) and South Korea (supported by the UN and the US).

Proxy Wars

Conflicts where two opposing superpowers support rival factions in small local wars, avoiding direct confrontation.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 1962 confrontation between the US and the USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.

Independence Movement

A collective action taken by colonies to gain self-governance and freedom from colonial powers, such as in India and Africa.

Socialism

An economic system where the means of production are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, in contrast to capitalism.

Mutual Mistrust

A lack of trust between nations that escalated tensions and conflicts, particularly between the US and USSR during the Cold War.

Soviet Bloc

The group of Eastern European countries under Soviet influence, usually communist governments during the Cold War.

Berlin Wall

A barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the division of the Cold War.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet leader whose policies of glasnost and perestroika in the 1980s led to significant changes including the end of the Cold War.

Terrorism

The use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims, exemplified by groups like Al-Qaeda.