Cold War

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, events, and terms related to the Cold War.

Cold War

The indirect confrontation between the communist bloc (led by the Soviet Union) and the capitalist bloc (led by the US) from 1946 to 1991, characterized by political tension and rivalry.

Ideological differences

The unsolvable differences in beliefs and systems between capitalism (US) and communism (USSR), leading to criticism and conflicts.

Superpowers

The US and the USSR, which emerged as dominant political, economic and military powers after WWII.

Sphere of influence

The regional areas where one power has significant cultural, economic, military, or political influence, often leading to rivalry.

Armaments race

The competition between the US and USSR in developing nuclear weapons and military technology during the Cold War.

Truman Doctrine

A US policy introduced in 1947 that stated assistance would be provided to any country resisting communism.

Marshall Plan

An American initiative enacted in 1947 to provide economic assistance for Europe’s recovery after WWII, aimed to prevent the spread of communism.

Berlin Blockade

A conflict during 1948-49 where the USSR cut off all land routes to Berlin in response to the Western allies' plans to unify their zones.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

A defensive military alliance formed in 1949 among the US, Canada, and Western European countries to counter Soviet expansion.

Warsaw Pact

A political and military alliance of communist nations in response to NATO, formed in 1955.

Korean War

A conflict from 1950-53 between North Korea (supported by USSR and China) and South Korea (supported by the United Nations, mainly the US), highlighting Cold War tensions.

Berlin Wall

A wall built in 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin, symbolizing the division between East and West during the Cold War.