Cold War

The Cold War

The period following WWII until the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, characterized by the communist/non-communist battle for military and political superiority.

United Nations

An organization formed in 1945 to promote peace, security, and international cooperation, headquartered in New York City.

Marshall Plan

A USA initiative providing financial aid to Western European countries post-WWII in exchange for political and military alliances.

Iron Curtain

The symbolic division separating communist Eastern Europe from non-communist Western Europe after WWII.

N.A.T.O

Military alliance between the USA and Western European countries to counter the USSR and provide mutual defense.

Warsaw Pact

Military alliance between the USSR and Eastern European countries during the Cold War.

Berlin Wall

Fortified barrier built in 1961 around West Berlin to prevent East German citizens from fleeing to the West, symbolizing Cold War repression.

Berlin Airlift

Massive effort by the US and Great Britain to airlift supplies to West Berlin during the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949.

Arms Race

Competition between countries, notably the USA and USSR during the Cold War, to develop superior weapons.

Mutually Assured Destruction (M.A.D.)

Concept during the Cold War where both the USA and USSR possessed enough nuclear weapons to ensure mutual destruction, deterring direct conflict.

Nikita Khrushchev

Leader of the USSR after Stalin, involved in the Space Race, increased military power, and faced off with the USA during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

President John Kennedy

US President during the Cold War era, notably involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and negotiations with Khrushchev.

Cuban Missile Crisis

1962 confrontation between the USA and USSR over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, nearly leading to nuclear war.

Joseph McCarthy

Senator known for baseless attacks on suspected Communists in the early 1950s.

Korean War

Conflict between North and South Korea, escalated into an international conflict involving the US/UN and China, leading to Korea's division along the 38th parallel.

Peace Corps

Initiative by President Kennedy to send volunteers to promote peace and combat poverty in countries worldwide to prevent the spread of communism.