Cold War Study Guide
The Cold War


Tension between the United States & Soviet Union without actually fighting.
Divided world into pro- democracy v. pro-communism
Causes of the Cold War

United States = democracy & capitalism
v. Soviet Union = dictatorial & communist

Soviet Union domination over Eastern European countries –
wanted to spread communism


China establishes a communist society in 1949.
American policy of containment – to stop spread of communism
o “Domino Theory”

NATO
Communism
v. Warsaw Pact
Communism Collapses
pro-democracy
pro-communism

Major Conflicts

Korean War – US and South Korea resisted Chinese
and North Korean aggression = Stalemate
o North Korea – stayed communist
o South Korea – stayed democratic
o D.M.Z at the 38th parallel

The Cuban Missile Crisis – Soviet Union placed
missiles in Cuba – aimed at U.S.
Removed in response to U.S. Blockade of Cuba
CIA attempt to overthrow Cuba at Bay of Pigs



Vietnam War = All of Vietnam became communist
o Americans were divided on whether or not
the U.S. should be involved.
o Ends in a cease-fire, US withdraws troops

Break up of Soviet Union – independent
countries formed
o Soviet Union
Russia
Destruction of Berlin Wall
o Germany is unified
Challenges after Cold War



Role of military intervention
Environmental challenges
Global issues – trade, jobs, disease, energy