Cold war

Atomic Weapons

Weapons that release energy through nuclear reactions, significantly changing the nature of warfare and international relations.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, prosperity, and human rights among nations.

Superpowers

Nations with significant influence or control over other states, specifically the U.S. and Soviet Union due to their atomic capabilities.

Nuclear Arms Race

A competition among countries to develop and enhance their nuclear arsenals.

Containment Policy

A U.S. foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism after World War II.

Iron Curtain

The ideological barrier that divided Eastern and Western Europe from 1945 to 1990.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. policy aimed at providing support to countries resisting communism, crucial for shaping American foreign policy.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative to provide economic aid to European nations after WWII to promote recovery and prevent communism.

Red Scare

The period of intense fear and political repression in the U.S. against communism and leftist individuals during the late 1940s to 1950s.

FELP

Federal Employee Loyalty Program established by President Truman in 1947 to ensure government employees' loyalty.

HUAC

House Un-American Activities Committee; a congressional committee that investigated subversive organizations in the U.S. from 1938 to 1975.

McCarthyism

The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for collective security against the Soviet Union.

Warsaw Pact

A military alliance formed in 1955 by Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries in response to NATO.

Fall of China

The communist takeover of mainland China in 1949, significantly impacting global politics.

Korean War

A conflict from 1950-1953 involving North Korea's invasion of South Korea, leading to U.S. and UN intervention.