Cold War

Containment

A policy enforced by President Truman aimed at preventing the spread of communism.

Berlin Blockade

A Soviet response to West Berlin's refusal to join East Berlin, involving cutting off power and transportation.

1st World Countries

Refers to the US and its allies during the Cold War.

Marshall Plan

An initiative to help European countries recover from WWII, making capitalism more appealing than communism.

3rd World Countries

Refers to poorer, less developed countries.

Berlin Airlift

The operation in which the Allies transported food and supplies to West Berlin until Stalin gave up

2nd World Countries

Refers to the Soviet Union and its allies during the Cold War.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed by the US, Canada, and 10 European countries.

Warsaw Pact

A collective defense treaty among the Soviet Union and its communist allies.

Atomic Age

The period marked by the development and use of nuclear weapons, beginning with the bombing of Japan.

McCarthyism

A campaign against alleged communists in the US led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, often based on little evidence.

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

The doctrine stating that a nuclear attack on one side would lead to retaliation and total destruction for both.

Limited Test Ban Treaty

An agreement that prohibited nuclear bomb testing in the atmosphere, encouraging underground testing.