Cold War

The Cold War (1947–1991) was a period of political tension and conflict between the Eastern and Western Blocs. The Western Bloc was primarily represented by the United States, and the Eastern Bloc was led by the Soviet Union. The Cold War emerged out of political, economic, and ideological differences between these two rivals. In some ways, it was a fight for supremacy between the Western powers and the Soviet Union. The war highlighted the rivalry between democracy (and capitalism) and communism.

Though the United States and the Soviet Union were allies during World War II (1939–1945), tensions arose after the 1917 Russian Revolution brought communism into the international spotlight. Americans viewed communism as a threat to democracy.

After the end...