Cold war

Definition

The geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union from roughly 1947 to 1991, characterized by ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, nuclear arms buildup, proxy wars, and espionage. It ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Examples

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war
  • The Berlin Wall dividing East and West Germany from 1961 to 1989
  • The Korean War and Vietnam War as proxy conflicts
Key Fact

The Cold War lasted from 1947 (Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (fall of the Soviet Union).

Related Terms

Vietnam war Non-aligned movement Decolonization Reagan era

Study This Concept

Practice Cold War with free review games in these units:

AP US History Unit 8: 1945-1980: Cold War America AP World History: Modern Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization