The Cold War

Stalinism

A system of government under JosefStalin marked by dictatorship, repression, & a state-controlled economy.

Eastern Bloc

Communist nations in Eastern Europe controlled by the Soviet Union after World War II.

Superpowers

Nations with dominant military, political, & economic influence, especially the U.S. & USSR.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts where the U.S. & USSR supported opposing sides without directly fighting each other.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (1949)

A military alliance of Western nations formed to provide collective defense against communism.

Warsaw Pact (1955)

A military alliance of the Soviet Union & Eastern European communist countries.

"Iron Curtain"

A term used to describe the division between communist Eastern Europe & democratic Western Europe.

Containment

A U.S. foreign policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism worldwide.

Harry S. Truman

The 33rd U.S. president (1944-52) who implemented early Cold War policies like containment.

Marshall Plan (1947)

A U.S. program that provided economic aid to rebuild Western Europe & limit communism.

Truman Doctrine (1947)

A policy of providing military & economic aid to countries resisting communism.

Berlin Airlift (1948-49)

A U.S.-led effort to supply West Berlin by air after a Soviet blockade.

M.A.D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)

The idea that nuclear war would result in total destruction for both sides.

Korean War (1950-53)

A conflict between communist North Korea & democratic South Korea involving the U.S. & China.

Vietnam War (1955-75)

A war in which the U.S. attempted to prevent the spread of communism in Vietnam.

Red Scare (1947-57)

A period of fear of communism in the United States that led to suspicion & accusations.

Joseph McCarthy

A U.S. senator who led efforts to accuse people of being communists without strong evidence.

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

A government committee that investigated suspected communist influence in the U.S.

Hollywood Blacklist

A list of entertainment workers banned from jobs due to suspected communist ties.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

The 34th U.S. president (1952-60) who emphasized military strength & nuclear deterrence during the Cold War.

John F. Kennedy

The 35th U.S. president (1960-63) who dealt with major Cold War crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Berlin Wall (1961)

A barrier built by East Germany to divide Berlin & prevent citizens from fleeing to the West.

Space Race

A competition between the U.S. & USSR to achieve major advancements in space exploration.

Sputnik

The first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

NASA

The U.S. government agency responsible for space exploration & research.

Moon Landing (1969)

The first successful landing of humans on the moon by the United States.

Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)

A failed U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

A tense standoff between the U.S. & USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba.

Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963)

An agreement banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, space, & underwater.

SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) (1972)

An agreement between the U.S. & USSR to limit nuclear weapons.

Ronald Reagan

The 40th U.S. president (1980-88) who increased Cold War tensions & military spending.

"Star Wars"

A proposed U.S. missile defense system under Reagan, also known as the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The last Soviet leader who introduced reforms & helped end the Cold War.

Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

The collapse of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the end of communist control in Eastern Europe.