unit 8

Cold War

Period of geopolitical tension between the U.S. (capitalism) and the USSR (communism) with no direct conflict.

Iron Curtain

Imaginary line that divided Eastern Europe (USSR) from Western Europe (USA).

Containment

U.S. strategy to prevent the spread of communism.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts in which the U.S. and USSR supported opposing sides, exemplified by wars in Korea and Vietnam.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance initiated by the U.S.

Warsaw Pact

Military alliance established by the USSR as a counter to NATO.

Berlin Wall

Barrier that symbolized the division between East and West during the Cold War.

Space Race

Competition between the U.S. and USSR for supremacy in space exploration.

India

Gained independence from Britain through nonviolent resistance led by Gandhi.

Algeria

Fought a violent war for independence from France.

Vietnam

Led by Ho Chi Minh, fought against French colonialism and later against U.S. involvement.

Kenya

Experience the Mau Mau Rebellion, a violent resistance against British rule.

Israel

Established after WWII in Palestine, leading to ongoing conflict with Arab nations.

Non-Aligned Movement

Group of states, including India, that chose not to align with either U.S. or USSR during the Cold War.

Communist China

Mao Zedong's regime that came to power after winning the civil war in 1949.

Great Leap Forward

Mao Zedong's failed initiative aiming for rapid industrialization that caused famine.

Cultural Revolution

A campaign initiated by Mao to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, using Red Guards.

Marshall Plan

U.S. program providing aid to help rebuild European economies post-WWII.

COMECON

Economic organization of communist states established by the USSR to provide mutual economic assistance.

Truman Doctrine

U.S. policy to support countries resisting communism, affirming American commitment to fighting it globally.